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.

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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.

the true powerhouses of their families, sent to represent their

Lord

Rosenthal replied. "Allow me to

He leaned back, his tone sharp "It seems to me,

bluntness. Still, he reminded himself that Cassian was merely the Young Lord of the Blackthorne Family. While he was poised to inherit

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 and is said to be blessed by the

in his seat. "Lady Fiona is currently unwell," he replied. "Given recent events, I thought it best for her to rest. If there is something you wish to discuss, I

deliberate, "you could address me. I am Fiona's husband, after all Anything concerning Fiona concerns me." Camsun is attention snapped to Elijah, his eyes narrowing as he studied

quiet authority, crossed her legs, her movements fluid. She glanced briefly at Elijah before turning 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,

is not feeling well. She requires rest. I am

returning to Thomas "We appreciate your efforts, Lord Rosenthal, but it would be ideal to bear directly from Lady Fior. The goddess's blessing is rare,

attack-the poison and how the great Land Rosenthal healed her, he murmured, though his gaze remained on

Chapter 12

through the room, catching everyone off guard. She lifted her gaze. locking eyes