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.
These were no mere envoys. They were the true powerhouses of their families, sent to represent their clans at the highest level.
When no one spoke, Cassian's attention shifted. He turned to Lord Rosenthal. "Speaking of which," he said, "Where is Lady
Rosenthal
"My eldest daughter is currently occupied," Lord Rosenthal replied. "Allow me to apologize for her absence."

"Occupied?" Cassian raised an eyebrow, "She isn't the heir of the Rosenthal Family. Why would she be occupied" He leaned
back, his tone sharp "It seems to me, Lord Rosenthal, that you have a very obvious dislike for the other members of the Great
Families,"
"That is not the case, Young Lord," Thomas replied, his toge measured despite his surprise at Cassian's bluntness. Still, he
reminded himself 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 if you refrained from putting words into my mouth"
Cassian's gaze lingered on Lord Thomas, his 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 goddess herself,
Surely, she has the right to be present in a room like this, among her peers."
Thomas shifted slightly 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 am here, as is my daughter Elise, who will soon inherit the Rosenthal Clan. You
may address us directly."
Before Cassian could respond, Elijah straightened. His commanding presence filled the room as he met Cassian's gaze"Or,"
Elijah sail his words 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 him. After a moment, he leaned slightly toward Ash
Fireborn. "Ash," he said, "what do you think of this?"
Ash, a striking woman with an air of 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, her expression murcadable as
she addressed the room. "It would be a shame to leave without the opportunity to speak with her?
Thomas's jaw tightened. "As I mentioned, Lady Flosa is not feeling well. She requires rest. I am more than capable of addressing
any concerns on
Adi sighed, her eyes briefly flicking to Cassian before 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, and as a member of the Five Great Families, she
carries a responsibility to engage with her peers. Surely, you understand the significance of this moment"
Cassian starked fandly, clearly enjoying the tension 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. "Sadly, we are tot leaving undeu we talk to Lady Finna"
Chapter 12
"May Lask why you are so intent on speaking with my sister?" Elise's words cut through the room, catching everyone off guard.
She lifted her gaze. locking eyes with Cawiam. Tam Elise Rosenthal, the next head of the Rosenthal Clan. We've met before,
have we not! I trust you still remember
Cassian raised an eyebrow but said nothing. Elise took his silence as permission to continue
"Fia has just received the blessing of the goddess, She can heal wounds and simple poisons, but she cannot even heal her own
body. Yet here you are, insisting that you must speak with her," Elise said, narrowing her eyes. "My sister isn't as skilled as my
father or me. She is nothing, but a divorced werewolf who abandoned her first husband to chase after a prince. She abandoned
her own family to live in a palace. Isn't she
SLAP
A loud slap echoed through the room, silencing Elise. Everyone turned their attention to Prince Elijah, now standing beside Elise,
glaring at her.
-You-how-how dare you!" Elise clutched her cheek as she rose from her seat. She hadn't even noticed Elijah's move. How dare
he slap her in front of the Five Great Families!
"Your Highness, what is the meaning of this Lord Rosenthal immediately came to Elise's defense. He glanced at the other
representatives of the Five Great Families, gauging their reactions to Elijah's actions: "Why would you hurt someone from the
Five Great Families?" "Nothing much Elijah calmly straightened his clothes and smirked, "I simply dislike the smell coming from
her mouth."