Contract With The Alpha King
Contract 49

Chapter 49

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"Are you alright? You look tired and pale," Kariana asked, her voice tinged with concern as she glanced at Fiona. They had been working together for half of their shift, and it had been a busy day.

"I'm fine," Fiona replied, though her voice sounded slightly strained. "Just exhausted." After that night, she had been busy preparing for the ball during her breaks, and that included learning how to dance. Who would think that dancing is more exhausting than... fighting? The infirmary had been bustling all morning. After the incident with Cillian, he requested a transfer to a different shift. Now, Kariana was Fiona's partner, and while the work was

still demanding, the atmosphere had become less tense without

Cillian's constant criticism.

"You should get some rest," Kariana said, watching Fiona carefully.

Fiona didn't respond, only shaking her head slightly. After this, she had other classes. This time, it involved etiquette. She never knew that there were actually so many things that a Royal should learn! Kariana hesitated, then asked, "Is it because of Carissa's family?"

Fiona remained silent, her expression unreadable, but the lack of response was enough for Kariana to assume she was

worried.

"Don't worry," Kariana said, trying to sound reassuring. "As long as you stay here, they can't touch you. Carissa's family may be powerful, but even they wouldn't dare act against you inside the palace." "That's reassuring," Fiona murmured, but her voice lacked conviction.

Before Kariana could say anything more, someone rushed into the infirmary. "There's been another accident on the training grounds. You're needed immediately."

Fiona and Kariana exchanged a quick glance.

"I believe Fiona can stay here. I can manage on my own. After all, the infirmary needs someone-"

"I can stay here," a voice interrupted Kariana. Both Kariana and Fiona looked at the speaker, who was... Cillian. He calmly walked inside the infirmary. "You two should go there. I heard the accident is intense this time." "But-" Kariana was about to protest when Fiona held her arm.

"We should go," Fiona said.

Kariana frowned, but this time, she didn't object anymore.

Meanwhile, Elijah looked at the man sitting opposite him-Council Member Calyrre- Carissa Calyrre's father. The man already had graying hair, but that didn't diminish his intimidating appeal.

Elijah glanced at the sword inside the luxurious box, its intricate craftsmanship reflecting the candlelight in the dimly lit room. He nodded, a small smile playing on his lips as he extended his gratitude. "Thank you for this gift, Council Member Calyrre. It is truly remarkable." The older man leaned back in his chair, the faintest hint of a smile crossing his features. "This sword has a storied history. It was forged to slay both Lycans and Vampires during the First Great War. It has been in our family for generations, a symbol of power and resilience. Consider it our family's treasure."

Elijah's smile widened slightly, though his mind was already turning over the implications of such a lavish gift. He thanked the councilman again, but the weight of the gift made him uneasy. Gifts like this could often be double-edged. On one hand, it was a gesture of goodwill, but on the other, it could signify an unspoken expectation. He knew the world of politics was

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Chapter 48

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actions had caused, had no choice but to align himself with Markus. He thought that by siding with the Lycan Alpha, he could at least save his clan from complete annihilation."

"But it didn't help, did it?" Elise said, her voice tight with anger.

"No," Thomas confirmed, his tone bitter. "It only made things worse. The Rosenthal clan was dragged into the war, and they lost many of their own in the process. Our ancestor was never truly safe, even after she escaped. Thane couldn't protect her from the consequences of their actions, and Markus's wrath only grew. The war spiraled further and further out of control, and it all started because one woman was caught between two powerful men."

Elise's fists clenched in her lap. "So our family caused this mess, and we've been paying the price ever since."

Thomas looked at her, his face grave. "That's why we've stayed hidden. That's why the Rosenthal family never leaves the pack. We're still trying to protect ourselves from the aftermath of that war. The world may have moved on, but the hatred, the grudges-they still exist."

Elise let out a slow, shaky breath, the truth of her family's past sinking in. "So, we're trapped because of a mistake made centuries ago." She snorted. She couldn't believe what her father had just told her. "So... the hunters that you told us... the ones hunting us..." "Lycans and vampires live incredibly long lives, Elise-much longer than werewolves or other supernaturals. And they never forget. They hold grudges for centuries," Thomas said, pausing for a moment before letting out a heavy sigh. "The First Great War may have happened long ago, but to them, it's still fresh. And the truth about what happened to the woman from our clan remains a mystery. Her father made sure of that."

He looked at her with a somber expression. "Her name, her face everything about her was erased from the ancestral records. Her father, desperate to protect the clan's reputation, struck a deal with his lifelong friend, the leader of the Crimson Howlers. In exchange for their protection, he vowed that no member of the Rosenthal family would ever leave the territory. Those who defied that rule... would pay with their lives."

Elise swallowed, the weight of her father's words settling in.

"So... so you are not going to go there to convince her to come back," Elise muttered, her eyes widening. "You are going to end her life." Chapter 49

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His thoughts continued to swirl as he addressed the older man. I appreciate such a grand gesture. Does this mean you intend to support me in my bid for the throne?"

The question seemed to catch Council Member Calyrre off guard, but after a brief pause, the man chuckled softly. "Bluntness... I like that," he admitted. "It's refreshing, and you're right not to beat around the bush."

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"You know as well as I do the importance of the council's backing. You're not a fool. The council's approval can make or break any claim to the throne. I'm not going to waste time lecturing you on that." Calyrre smiled. Elijah's eyes narrowed slightly, waiting for the man to continue.

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"Let me get to the point," Calyrre said, his tone growing more serious. "I propose something mutually beneficial. I want you to take my daughter, Carissa, as your head concubine."

Elijah raised an eyebrow but remained silent. Before he could respond, the councilman went on, as if anticipating his reaction.

"Wolves are still allowed to take concubines despite having a Queen Luna. It's uncommon, yes, but it's not unheard of. In the past, this practice was used to stabilize the political landscape within the kingdom. Taking Carissa as your head concubine would solidify my family's loyalty to you and strengthen your position with the council. My support, combined with our influence, would ensure that any opposition to your claim is silenced."

The logic behind the offer was sound. Elijah knew the council's backing was crucial, and having the Calyrre family fully in his corner could smooth over any political hurdles he might face in the future.

This was a political move. One that seemed perfect on paper.

Council Member Calyrre leaned back, watching Elijah carefully. "Think it over," he said calmly. "This is an opportunity to secure your future as king with minimal resistance. A strategic move. One that benefits everyone involved."

Elijah met the man's gaze, his expression unreadable.

Seeing this, the council member smiled. "What do you think of my... logical proposition?" Calyrre asked.

"So, you wanted your daughter to marry into the Royal Family, despite not being treated as a wife?" Elijah asked. Naturally, he had heard about concubines in the past. Indeed, it was uncommon, but it has been done before. The previous kings wanted the crown to stay in their bloodline for generations to come, so they decided to take on concubines and birth as many children as possible.

Elijah leaned back in his chair, his gaze steady on Council Member Calyrre as he listened carefully. The councilman gave a slight smile before continuing, his tone still polite, yet carrying a weight Elijah couldn't ignore.

"You see, Your Highness," Calyrre began. "While I fully support the notion of keeping power consolidated within the Royal Family, I must also consider the broader political landscape, especially when there are... other candidates emerging on the scene." Calyrre took a sip of his hot tea.

Elijah's eyes narrowed, sensing where the conversation was headed.

"There's another prince, you may have heard of him. Prince Viktor Kravchenko, the son of the strongest Alpha in Europe. He has garnered quite a bit of support, not just in Europe but in parts of Asia as well. His father's pack is formidable, and Viktor has built an impressive reputation. A skilled warrior, with a strategic mind, and he ranked just behind you in the first trial of the Rite

Elijah knew of Viktor. His name had come up several times in conversations within the palace, and the prince's reputation as a strong contender in the Rite of Kings was no secret. Viktor was ambitious, and his influence seemed to be growing rapidly. "Recently," Calyrre continued, his tone still pleasant but edged with subtle intent, "Prince Viktor sent me a very generous

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gift. Something I quite liked. He's been... persuasive in his efforts to win support. I'm sure you understand the delicate position I replace myself in. Loyalty is a valuable commodity, one I take seriously. But at the same time, one must weigh their options." Elijah could sense the hidden threat beneath the councilman's words. Refusing Calyrre's proposition regarding Carissa could mean losing the councilman's support, and that support might easily shift to Viktor. The European prince was a real threat, someone who could challenge Elijah's claim to the throne if enough council members backed him.

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Calyrre smiled again, though this time, the smile didn't quite reach his eyes. "Of course, my family has always preferred stability. And aligning with the Royal Family would ensure that. But, as you know, in these uncertain times, one must consider all options. I've seen Prince Viktor's abilities firsthand. His influence is expanding rapidly, and many view him as a viable alternative should certain arrangements not come to pass." The words were smooth, diplomatic even, but Elijah understood the meaning clearly.

Elijah nodded slowly, his expression unreadable as he processed the councilman's carefully constructed threat. "I see," he said, keeping his tone neutral. "Viktor is certainly a strong contender." Elijah smiled.

Calyrre leaned forward slightly. "Indeed. But I do believe that with the right alliances, you can solidify your position. And that's all we really want-stability and strength for the kingdom.

Elijah chuckled softly, breaking the brief silence that had settled over the room. "Are you threatening me, Councilman?" His tone was casual, but the sharpness in his question was unmistakable.

Council Member Calyrre blinked, momentarily caught off guard by Elijah's bluntness. He hadn't expected such a direct response and struggled to replace the right words.

Elijah didn't wait for an answer. He leaned forward slightly, his eyes locking onto the older man. "You know, my father, King Nicholas, married my mother to secure his position too. It was a political move, just like the one you're proposing."

The mention of King Nicholas made Calyrre frown, and Elijah noticed the shift in his expression.

"And now," Elijah continued, his voice growing colder. "As we all know, my mother died before I could even remember her face. It was a tragedy, but then again... the Royal Family is filled with treacherous people, Councilman. It's no secret. I wouldn't want to pull my friend Carissa into that kind of chaos. It's not the life I would wish on anyone, wouldn't you agree?"

His words were calculated. Elijah was making it clear that aligning Carissa with the Royal Family could lead to a tragic outcome-just as it had for his mother.

Calyrre's eyes darkened, a flicker of anger flashing behind them. He understood the implication, but couldn't accuse Elijah of anything directly. The young prince hadn't said anything that could be considered an outright threat, but the message was clear.

Still, Calyrre wasn't one to back down easily. His voice remained steady as he responded, though there was a tightness in his tone. "Are you certain about your decision, Your Highness? I wouldn't want you to regret it later."

Elijah let out a low, amused laugh, the sound filling the room with a mix of confidence and defiance. "Regret?" he repeated, shaking his head slightly. "Regret is for the weak. For those who spend their time wondering what they could have done better, what opportunities they missed."

He stood up slowly, his movements deliberate, never breaking eye contact with t