Contract With The Alpha King by Brey Mitchylle

Chapter 126

The banquet full retained its understated elegance, a reflection of the hasty arrangements. The golden runners and floral centerpieces added a sense of charm despite the simplicity. It was not a grand celebration but an exclusive gathering, with council members and their families occupying the long tables set parallel to the hall's walls. Small groups clustered together, wine glasses in hand, as the chatter elbed and flowed.

At the head table, Councilman Lacson handed a glass of wine to Thomas Rosenthal, his smile polite. Yet, how could Lord Rosenthal just ignore how calculating this person looked "Lord Rosenthal, your presence here is most welcome. It shows a father's devotion, staying to ensure Lady Fiona's Tecovery. Lacson said.

Thomas accepted the glass "How could I not! She is my daughter." His words carried an air of duty rather than sentiment, his gaze flicking briefly to the main doors. When would Fiona arrived! Will she skipped the event because of their little confrontation? How weak, Thomas inwardly

thought.

"Lady Fiona has gained quite the reputation," Councilwoman Mariya Weeson said as she joined them. She adjusted the drape of her gown. "Her abilities are rare. All the abilities of the live great families are naturally rare, but healing.. is a cut above the rest. Thomas inclined his head slightly. "Her strength has surprised many, it seems. He had always hated socializing with these people. Yet, tonight, he had no choices.

Councilman Haldred chimed in "Speaking of strength," he began, "has there been any word on Rogue King Romero's condition! The rumors are growing wilder by the day"

"Last I heard, he was wounded and in critical condition. Perhaps it's the goddess's will that he finally pays for his crimes." Mariya's expression hardened

"Wounded, not dead." Lacson interjected. "The difference is significant. Romero has been in similar situations before. He always manages to slither back from the brink. Luckily this time, he didn't succeed in taking Lady Fiona to heal him." "That monster shouldn't have made it this far, Mariya snapped. "The damage he's caused is incalculable."

Haldred nodded. "Indeed. His survival risks emboldening the rogues further. If the rumors are true, his forces may be regrouping, waiting for his

recovery.

"Recovery?" Lacson scoffed, his grip tightening on his glass. "He's a stubborn beast, but even Romero can't cheat death forever. He's old, and his wounds were severe."

"But not fatal," Thomas finally said, his tone flat. "Wounded or not, as long as he draws breath, Romero remains a threat"

His

name alone carried a

their confidence, the rogue king's resilience haunted them. H weight that stirred fear

crumble, but it must be done strategically. A premature move could rally the rogues under a new banner "Or Romero's own" Haldred added

through the hall, silencing the murmurs. "His Royal Highness, Prince Elijah Voss, and Lady Fiona

leads turned to the grand doors as they opened with a slow creak. Elijah entered first, his stride commanding, his black suit adorned with silver Hornt that gleamed under the chandeliers.

Fiona entered the banquet hall, a wave of movement rippled through the crowd. Council members and their families

an honor to see

behind her. "It

her. "Lady Fiona, migla I say how rate it is to meet someone with your abilities. Truly,

Thomas slowly walked away

in, each council member competing to secure Flona's attention. Elijah remained

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Chapter 126

le on her face

angling for favor. Despite

approached Thomas Rosenthal, who had settled into a chair

leaning in slightly. "Fiona's healed. There's no reason to

wine, setting the glass down carefully before responding. "We will leave when it is appropriate. Until then, keep

And you know Flona won't come with us. She's as stubborn as ever. You

unreadable. "Smile, Elise. You are a Rosenthal. If you can't see the opportunity

want to stay here," she mattered. "I want

Instead, he straightened in his seat, his eyes scanning the room briefly

the sharpness of her movements as she shifted back in her chair. Her gaze drifted to Fiona, who was surrounded by council members, speaking effortlessly with a calm demeanor. Fake, Elise thought inwardly. Fiona must

didn't know if she should be happy that Fiona was receiving such insincere attention or angry that she wasn't receiving the same reception. She was a Rosenthal too-the future clan head of the Rosenthal family. She could heal them if she wanted to. Why were they