Contract With The Alpha King
Chapter 81

Chapter 81

In the council chamber, twelve figures sat around a circular stone table, each carrying the weight of their title and opinions. At the head of the table sat King Nicholas, his posture tense. In contrast, Queen Lyanna sat opposite him. her expression controlled as always. The council members-a diverse gathering from regions near and far-fidgeted, whispered, or glared at each other in hushed anticipation

"We cannot ignore the threat of open war," argued Councilman Lacson. "The Lycans are not idle threats. If offering them what they seek avoids bloodshed, we should strongly consider it."

King Nicholas's jaw tightened. "And at what cost, Councilman? Giving Fiona away will not placate them. They see her as a weapon, a pawn to strengthen their power. Do you think that offering her up will truly cul their ambition!"

"It would, at the very least, buy us time," countered Councilor de Luca, a silver-haired man from the southern territories. "Every delay grants us a chance ta prepare, to perhaps negotiate for a truce. War now would be catastrophic for our kingdom and beyond." Queen Lyanna nodded in agreciment her gaze steady as she looked at the King. "De Luca is right, Nicholas. We are not prepared for a full-scale assault from the Lycans. The damage to our people would be severe"

A younger councilor. Amir from the eastern countries, shifted in his seat. "But if we give them Fiona, what next? Do you truly believe they will stop at one demand?"

"Precisely" interjected Lady Mariya Weeson, her voice cold. "We have no assurances this would end anything. Fiona is a Rosenthal, yes, but she's one of us now. She has proven her value."

Councilor Harrington a broad-shouldered man from the northern territories, placed his hands on the table. "Let's be practical here. If Fiona were such a prize, keeping her here would serve us better. If her healing abilities are as powerful as they appear, she's more valuable as an ally than as a hargaining chip"

"We don'l need allies" Queen Lyanna cut in. "We need peace. Her presence here endangers everything we've built. I'm not saying it's ideal, but would you have us risk everything for the sake of a single healer!"

Nicholas's gaze Inrdened as he looked at her. "She's not a 'single healer Lyanna. She's a Rosenthal. Her abilities have c

changed the game. Do you honestly believe the Lycans would honor a truce if we handed her over!"

"Perhaps not" admitted Councilor Tanaka, folding his hands. "But at the very least, we wouldn't provoke their wrath by keeping her. Sometimes sacrifices must be made

"A noble idea, Tamala" Lord Harrington shot back. "But I don't see you

u volunteering anyone from your region as a "sacrifice."

"Enough!" King Nicholas stood, pressing his palms into the stone table. "I am the one leading this kingdom. And I am telling you now-I refuse to sacrifice Fiona like a lamb to the slaughter"

The room

fell into tense silence. Councilor Zhang, a reserved figure from the eastern lands, cleared his throat. Then, Your Majesty, what is your propou!? If we're not to offer hier up, how do you suggest we prepare for the inevitable conflict?"

"We need to fortify our alliances, Nicholas replied, his gaze sweeping across the table. "We can no longer afford to assume isolation will protect us. The Rosenthali have stayed hidden for too long, but Fiona's presence brings new possibilities."

That who would ally with us in such uncertain times" asked Councilor Hanae, leaning forward. "Who would risk angering the Lycans?" He cleared Is throat The Tyrans have been around for hundreds of years. They have been hiding, yet they have slowly built a solid foundation. Until now, no one even knows if they were able to build a kingdom and where it is located. How could you go against creatures like that?"

King Nicholas straightried, looking each council member in the e eye. "Then we show them what's at stake. We make it clear that Fiona's abilities are no longer hadden, no longer a secret. We let them see the potential she brings, not just for us, but for any who would stand against the Lycans."

A few council members shifted uncomfortably. "It's a bold plan," Councilor Amir said, tapping his fingers on the table. "But it could make its a

target. The lyran would see this as

pressed into

tuuline. "And it would make Fions an even larger target. She's already at risk. Parading her abilities will only

comended. "But we cannot afford to pretend this conflict isn't coming. I'll take whatever measures necessary to protect this

Arhanged glances, some sdding in agreement, ullers viubly hesitant. Nicholas saj back, watching them.

more. Fiona's

The Lycana hare kril jewer over us for too long, he commued. "I we give in tow, it's only a matter of the betore they demand in abalının care apparet in this kingdom, and I will not waste them. If we are to face this treat, then we do so with strength, not submission." 1/3 11:29 AM

Chapter 81

A commotion suddenly erupted outside. Everyone heard as the guards tried to stop someone from walking into the meeting hall. This clearly failed as the door still opened, revealing Prince Elipth- "Your Highness" Councilman Lacson immediately frowned. "You are not welcome here"

The council members turned sharply, startled by the sudden entrance. However, Prince Elijah strode into the room with an infuriating smile on his face that immediately grated Queen Lyanna's nerves.

"Your Highness, what is the meaning of this!" Queen Lyanna asked, her turned even sharper.

"Forgive the intrusion" Elijah said, pausing past inside the room. "Hut 1 believe this matter concerns me more than most here"

""Prince Elijah"

Elijah King Nicholas's warning gaze,

is the room. "You are not to involve yourself in council business."

"Father" Elijah continued, unyielding. Fiona is my wife

The room went silent. Councilors exchanges shocked glances, each one processing Elijah's words. Even Queen Lyanna's composure slipped, a flicker of shock crossing her face before she collected herself. Councilman Lacson's eyes narrowed, his fingers tapping restlessly on the table. "This changes things, Councilor Weeson remarked, her gaze fixed on Elijah, studying him. "If you are indeed married to her, then you've bound. the royal family to the Rosenthals in a way we weren't prepared for."

Chuah held his ground, looking each of them in the eye. "That's why I'm asking to be included in this meeting. Decisions about Fiona's fate directly affect me and by extension, this kingdom."

"Unprecedented muttered Councilor de Luca, leaning back and folding his arms. "But in light of this connection, perhaps he should join us."

A murmur rippled through the council. Some nodded in reluctant agreement, while others, like Councilor Tanaka and Queen Lyanna, looked on

with visible reluctance

"If we re to procred. Councilor Harrington spoke up. "It's only fair the prince participates. We're not merely debating political strategy anymore. Were speaking about a member of the royal family" Queen Lyanna's fingers tightened around the edge of the table, her expression neutral but her gaze sharp. "Are we to assume, then, that was sanctioned. Prince Elijah!"

her gaze unflinchingly. "Yes. With my father's support.".

your

ir union

Nicholas's brow furrowed slightly, but he didn't deny it. He gave a single nod, prompting murmurs from council members who were still processing this unexpected turn. Counior Hanae cleared his throat. "Then the prince's involvement may be warranted, he conceded, reluctantly. "As this matter has now become. familial it would seem" Gounelor Zhang nodded in agreement. Let us continue, then, with Prince Elijah's in

insight

Eljab rook a seat, his posture firm as he turned to Councilman Lacson. "You were saying that we should surrender Fiona to avoid conflict," he said. ladderising the man directly. "But what of the long term? Do you truly believe the Lycans would stop there?" Councilman Jacions expression hardened, lus gaze unwavering, "It's about strategy, Your Highness. The Lycans aren't known for being lentent with those they perceive as threats: Giring them Fiona is a gesture-a way to show that we are not standing in their way." wral in deit eyes." Elijali countered. "I send a message we are willing to surrender what we value for the sake of peace.

-they take advantage of perceived weakness."

uka glanced at the Queen. Then what do you propose, Prance Elijah? You suggest we risk the lives of everyone here, gamble everythang sunply to keep her

saging Huat keeping

weapon of dienu kumudering her du

m" Elgah said "Fiona's abilities are beyond anything the Lycans have. She's a powerful healer, a

us-it oulangers ins

calculating: "A fair point. If we were to keep Fiona as an asset, we could leverage her abilities to gather stronger

itrady

Queen İyandan geiried

u're willing to let this kingdom burn for the sake of one person?

Lacher to throw her to the wolves and call it protection"

this in front of her and the council? She lifted an eyebrow. "Then... since you why not tell us hune to solve this inte? A solution would be appreciated. Queen Lyanna knew. 11:29 AM

Chapter 81

that even Nicholas was having a hard time replaceing one.

To her surprise, however, Elijah only smirked. "Simple," Elijah said, his gaze directed at her as if he was watching for her reaction. "The Lycans have enemies, Queen Lyanna. Let's not forget that, long ago, Lycans were at war with another supernatural” Queen Lyanna's brows furrowed, her face turning grim. "You mean

"Vampires." Elijaly said.