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

king's resilience haunted them. H weight that stirred fear and anger in equal measure. "Do you believe the King will

be done strategically. A premature move could rally the rogues under a new banner "Or Romero's own" Haldred added grimly. "If

voice echoed through the hall, silencing the murmurs. "His

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 followed beside him, her emnerakl green gown flowing gracefully as her gaze swept

rippled through the crowd. Council members and their families gravitated

an honor to see

among the first to approach, her gown trailing behind her. "It you

polite sinde. Before she could respond, Councilman Haldred stepped closer, holding a glass of wine toward her. "Lady

walked

voices joined in, each council member competing to secure Flona's attention. Elijah remained by her side, his gaze

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Chapter 126

le on her face

each angling for favor. Despite this, Fiona answered their inquiries with a

into a chair near the head table. She pulled

leaning in slightly. "Fiona's healed. There's no reason to stay any longer. This place is

will leave when it is

them! These people are insufferable. And you know Flona won't come with us. She's as stubborn as ever. You can see it in the way she carries

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

hands beneath the table. "I don't want to stay here," she mattered. "I want to go home.

he straightened in his seat, his eyes scanning the room briefly before settling back on

drifted to Fiona, who was surrounded by council members, speaking effortlessly with a calm demeanor. Fake, Elise thought inwardly. Fiona must have been loving all the attention that these

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