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

glances. For all their confidence, the rogue king's resilience haunted them. H weight that stirred fear and anger in equal measure. "Do you

but it must be done strategically. A premature move

the hall, silencing the murmurs. "His Royal Highness, Prince Elijah

stride commanding, his black suit adorned with silver Hornt that

rippled through the crowd. Council members and their families gravitated toward them, their steps deliberate, their smiles

an honor to see

was among the first to approach, her gown trailing behind her.

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

walked away

to secure Flona's attention. Elijah remained by her

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Chapter 126

le on her face

each angling for favor. Despite this, Fiona answered their

of the hall, Elise approached Thomas Rosenthal, who had settled into a chair

long are we staying here?" she asked, leaning in slightly. "Fiona's healed. There's no reason to stay any longer. This

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

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 herself. She won't change her

his expression unreadable. "Smile, Elise. You are a

beneath the table. "I don't want to stay here," she

didn't respond immediately. Instead, he straightened in his seat, his eyes scanning the room

drifted to Fiona, who was surrounded by council members, speaking effortlessly with a calm demeanor. Fake, Elise thought inwardly. Fiona must have

wasn't receiving the same reception. She was a Rosenthal too-the future clan head of the Rosenthal family. She could