Contract With The Alpha King by Brey Mitchylle

Chapter 132

The drawing room of the royal palace was meticulously designed to showcase power and elegance. The walls were paneled with dark mahogany. polished to a mirror-like sheen. Golden accents lined the edges of the ceiling, framing a grand chandelier that cast a soft glow over the room. A long table stretched across the center, surrounded by high-backed chairs upholstered in deep crimson. Ornate vases filled with freshly cut flowers sat at either end of the table, their fragrance subule but noticeable. The air was heavy with formality, a reminder of the weight of the gathering

King Nicholas sat at the head of the table, his expression calm. Elijah was seated to his right, his posture straight. hands resting on the table's edge. Lond Rosenthal and Lady Elise occupied seats near the middle, their faces carefully neutral, Opposite them, the envoys of the Five Great Families had taken their places, each one radiating a distinct presence.

"It is a surprise." King Nicholas said beraking the silence. His gaze swept across the envoys. "A pleasant one, of course, but unexpected nonetheless. To what do we owe this honor?"

Cassian Blackthorne, seated directly across from the King, leaned back in his chair. He rested one hand on the armrest while the other tapped lightly against the table. His sharp eyes fixed on Nicholas. "Why should it be a surprise?" he asked. "One of our own has been wounded. It's only right that we come to bring gifs and well wishes"

Elijah's gare flicked briefly to Cassian before returning to the table. The other Great Families were known to ignore invitations from the palace- except, of course, the Blackthome Family. However, they always sent representatives or envoys. This was the first time they had sent someone wearing the black of the Blackthorne Family.

Hi

gaze settled on the so-called "envoys, though their prominence betrayed the title. Cassian Blackthorne, the heir to the formidable Blackthome Family, sat with an air of quiet authority. Beside him was Ash Fireborn, daughter of the Fireborn Family leader and younger sister to its heir, her composed demeanor as striking as her lineage. Completing the group was Miyumi Huang of the Salvermane Clan, her silvery-white hair and ghostly gray eyes lending her an almost ethereal presence.

mere envoys. They were the true powerhouses of their families,

one spoke, Cassian's attention shifted. He turned to Lord Rosenthal. "Speaking of which," he

currently occupied," Lord Rosenthal replied. "Allow me to apologize for

be occupied" He leaned back, his tone sharp "It seems to me, Lord Rosenthal, that you have a

that Cassian was merely the Young Lord of the Blackthorne Family. While he was poised to inherit his father's position, nothing was set in stone. "1 would appreciate it

fingers tapping rhythmically against the table. "If that's the case, Lord Rosenthal," he said, "then why isn't Lady Fiona here to greet us! She possesses abilities

currently unwell," he replied. "Given recent events, I thought it best for her to rest. If there is

deliberate, "you could address me. I am Fiona's husband, after all Anything concerning Fiona concerns me." Camsun

her gaze to Lord Thomas. "With all due respect, Lord Rosenthal," she said, "we came here not just to meet with the king and the Prince but also to meet Lady Fawna. Her abilities are of interest to all of us." She pained, her expression murcadable as she addressed the room. "It would be

tightened. "As I mentioned, Lady Flosa is not feeling well. She requires rest. I am

bear directly from Lady Fior. The goddess's blessing is rare, and

brewing in the room. He leaned back, his fingers steepled beneath his chin. "Well, we've heard about the attack-the poison and how the great Land Rosenthal healed her, he murmured, though his gaze remained on Eljjali.

Chapter 12

Elise's words cut through the room, catching everyone off guard. She lifted her gaze. locking eyes with Cawiam. Tam Elise Rosenthal,