Contract With The Alpha King
Chapter 87

Chapter 87

Fiona opened her eyes, momentarily disoriented by the soft morning light filtering through the window. She reached for the clock on the bedside table, her eyes widening slightly as she saw it was already seven in the morning. Sitting up, she took a deep breath, pushing the lingering exhaustion aside. Today, she needed to finish her rounds and prepare for the next camp. No more collapsing from fatigue-she'd pace herself this time.

She quickly dressed and smoothed her tunic before heading for the door. But as she opened it, she stopped short, staring at the sight in front of her. Piles of neatly arranged baskets filled with fruits, vegetables, and assorted wrapped gifts cluttered the hallway outside her room. Some were simple offerings of freshly harvested produce, while others were lavishly wrapped parcels, their contents unknown. The scene was both overwhelming and confusing, and she took a hesitant step forward, scanning for any sign of explanation. A few steps away, she spotted Regor taking careful notes on a parchment, his gaze shifting between the gifts and his list. She approached him, still staring at the array of offerings. "Regor," she said, gesturing toward the assortment. "What. what is all of this?" Regor looked up his expression neutral as he straightened "These are gifts, Lady Fiona, Some are from the council members; the rest are from the villagers" He gestured to a small mountain of vegetables and fruits nearby. "Tokens of gratitude from the families you've examined"

Fiona looked at the gifts. This was completely unexpected.

"His Highness has prepared the carriages for the next camp. Breakfast will be at the carriage to save time," Regor added.

From was instantly speechless.

She stepped outside, her gaze scanning the morning scene until it landed on Elijah, who was in conversation with someone unexpectedly familiar -Lady Carissa. Fiona's eyes narrowed briefly in surprise, but she kept her expression calm as she approached. Lady Carissa's head turned, and her face lit up with a warm, almost too-perfect smile.

"Lady Fiona Carissa greeted, inclining her head politely. "My healers and I are here to lend you a hand. We've brought supplies and distributed some food at the makeshift infirmary" She gestured toward a nearby group of healers unloading crates of provisions. Standing nearby, Rio gave Fiona a brief nod, his gaze unreailable.

Fiona forced a polite smile, nodding in response. "That's generous of you, Lady Carissa," she said, keeping her tone steady. "We could use more supplies at the other camps as well. We're particularly low on food and some basic medical herbs Anything additional you can bring would be appreciated"

Carissa's smile didn't falter. "Of course, Lady Fiona. Il make sure my servants arrange for more provisions." She turned, motioning to her maid to follow her orders

Fiona nodded again. "Thank you for your help, truly," she said, her gaze unwavering. "We'll be heading to the next camp soon, so I'll leave this area to your care." Without waiting for a response, Fiona instructed a nearby healer to ask Lady Carissa for anything if they needed it, as Lady Carissa had promised to help. A flicker of something unrecognizable appeared in Carissa's eyes, but it was too quick for anyone but Elijah to notice it.

Then she approached Elijah and the two of them walked towards the crowd. Without having any flairs or announcements, Fiona just started examining the rest of the people. Not long after, Fiona got up and bid everyone goodbye. The process was seamless and quirk. She sent those who had poison to Kanana and then immediately decided to move on to the next camp.

"Lady Fiona, Lady Carissa came here to help. Would it hurt for you to tell her what she should do to help you?" Rio asked as Fiona prepared to board the carriage wailing nearby. Fiona smiled. "I already asked Kariana to ask for the herbs and everything that they needed from Lady Carissa," Fiona said, "Unless, Lady Carissa wanted to examined patients too!"

Carissa and Kio were speechless. So, Fiona added. "We will go to the next camp. As much as I wanted to stay and talk, we have more pressing marters to attend to. Please forgive my actions" "There is no need to worry, Lady Fiona, I will take care of the rest here. Have safe travels Carissa replied with a graceful dip of her head, her smile never faltering as she watched Fiona turn toward Elijah

As Fiona reached Elijah's side, he said nothing, only extending his hand to open the carriage door for her. She stepped inside, feeling his presence close behind as he followed her in. Once seated, he glanced at her, a sulitle but knowing sinile crossing his face, "so" Elijah began.

eyes sharp with curiosity. "What exactly is your plane

in sundle unfurling slowly. "Since Lady Carissa and her father want to help. let her help, Fiona said. She knew exactly what Lady Canwar's metention was. However, she wasn't going to let them win. "Besides, we need as many people as we possibily can." If her hunch was riglit, this plan had been going ondor a long time Perhaps at first, it has nothing to do with her. Perhaps this just started as something the Lycans dul in consure they laid influence over the werewolves. It was akin to a bomb ticking, set to detonate once the werewolves triggered it.

It just happened that the werewolves triggered them through Fiona's appear

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11:31 AM D

Chapter 87

Slowly, the carriage started moving. Meanwhile, Carissa couldn't help but bite her lower lip as she stared at the carriage moving slowly.

Carissa's gaze stayed fixed on the carriage carrying Fiona and Elijah, her lips pressed tightly together as it rolled slowly out of sight. Next to her, Rio observed her expression before speaking up.

"Shall we follow them?" he asked, keeping his voice low.

Carissa nodded, but just as she began to make her way toward her own carriage, a healer approached her, a worried look in his eyes. "Lady Carissa. we've run out of rosemary and need more of the root herbs as well."

Carissa tensed, glancing back toward the road where Fiona's carriage had disappeared. Rio placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, stepping forward to address the healer. "Don't worry. I'll handle the herbs. Lady Carissa has other matters to attend to."

She turned to him, gratitude softening her features. "Thank you. Rio," she murmured, her voice barely audible as she blinked back a hint of moisture in her eyes.

Rio met her gaze, offering a steady smile. "I know your heart, Carissa. You're here because you want to help. No need to thank me."

Her lips parted in a soft smile, and, after a brief pause, she stepped forward, wrapping her arms around him in a quick but grateful hug. She pulled back, her expression once again composed as she gave him a nod. "I follow behind them. Meet me at the next camp when you're done here."

-

"Of course," Rio replied, giving her a slight bow before turning to coordinate with the healers.

Carissa, without a backward glance, climbed into her carriage. Once inside, she instructed the driver to follow closely behind the royal carriage ahead. As they pulled onto the road, the smile on her face vanished. 11:31 AM