Contract With The Alpha King
Chapter 94

Chapter 94

"It's

finally

y time." Fiona mumbled inwardly.

As the morning sun cast a warm glow over the village, Fiona stood at the center., surrounded by villagers with gratitude in their eyes, Jaren Tyree, the village chief, stepped forward, his hands clasped respectfully. Tady Fiona, Prince Elijah," he began. "We owe you more than we can say. Thank you for everything you've done here, for the healing, and for uncovering the poison that harmed our people."

Fiona inclined her head, a soft smile on her face. "I'm only doing what I came to do, Chief Jaren, she replied. "It's the least anyone would do in my place.

Around them, the villagers began voicing their thanks one by one, voices rising from the crowd.

"Thank you, Lady Fiona!" a woman called out, her child held close beside her.

"Thank you for healing my husband," another shouted, his hands raised in gratitude.

"You saved us, Lady Fiona!"

"Thank you, Prince Elijah, for protecting her!"

One by one,

the villagers offered small gifts-bundles of herbs, handwoven fabrics, even small carved trinkets made by children. Fiona accepted. each one graciously, nodding to each person who approached. She didn't refuse any of their offerings, treating each item as if it were as precious as

As the crowd finally quieted Fiona gave a last nod to Jaren and took a deep breath, making her way toward the carriage waiting nearby. Just before stepping inside, she caught sight of Lady Carissa, Rio, and the envoys standing at a distance, observing the scene. Their expressions varied- Carissa's unreadable, the envoys wary, and Rio frowning slightly.

Fiona didn't linger on them. She climbed into the carriage with a calm step, replaceing her seat as Elijah followed closely behind, pulling the door shut behind him. The crowd gave a final cheer of thanks, and with a gentle jolt, the carriage started to move forward, carrying Fiona and Elijah toward the next village

"Preposterous!" Rio hissed. "Did y

you see

what she just did?

d? How could she leavej

ve just like that?"

"Rio, calm down. Lady Fiona is only doing what she's supposed to do, and that is to heal the people, Carissa was quick to say. She smiled at her friend. "Let her do her job."

"But Lady Carissa-"

Rio's words were halted when Carissa shook her head.

However, one of the envoys suddenly said, "He is right, Lady Carissa. You are an esteemed member of your house. The least she could have done was offer you a seat in that carriage. The speaker was none other than Envoy Aedric

Envoy Marck stepped forward, nodding in agreement with Aedric. "Envoy Aedric has a point, Lady Carissa. House Calyrre holds great respect and influence. Lady Fiona's actions seem dismissive toward you and your family. A simple gesture, like inviting you to join her, would have shown. respect to your contributions here:

Envoy Calis chimed in, his expression thoughtful "Given the supplies you've provided and your active role in supporting the villagers, Lady Fiona's actions are hardly bring for someone in her position.

Carisa held up her land, smiling politely as slae addressed them. "It's fine, truly, Lady Fiona has her own responsibilities, and I have mine. I'm here to support her efforts, not to compete for allection."

Kio's mouth tightened, frustration flashing across his face, but Carissa continued before he could object. She turned to her maids, giving a gentle nod "Prepare my carriage. We'll leave for the next camp shortly."

As her maids hurried to arrange her transport, Rio clenched his fists, his

toward the remaining villagers gathered in the clearing He spotted Chickening. Without waiting for further objections, he marched

"Clark Jaren Rio sand, cathing his attention. "Could we speak in private?"

who was talking to a few others, and approached him with a

Jaren glanced at him with mild surprise, then nodded, gesturing toward his modest home nearly. "Certainly, Sir Rio. Follow me

Once inside, Jaren settled into a chair, his young daughter, Nenita, on his laps, watching His with wide, curious eyes, Jaren nodded toward Rio, waiting for him to sprak.

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2:46 PM

d

Chapter 94

"What seems to be the issue?" Jaren asked, his tone even as he looked at the younger man.

Rio straightened, his eyes flicking briefly to Nenita before focusing on Jaren. "It's about Lady Fiona,"

Jaren raised an eyebrow. "Go on."

Rio's posture stiffened as he continued. "With all due respect, Chief Jaren, I can't help but feel that Lady Fiona's approach here doesn't sit right. She accepted everyone's gratitude, yet completely overlooked Lady Carissa, who has been a key figure in providing supplies and organizing aid for the villagers." Jaren tilted his head, his expression remaining neutral as he listened.

"Lady Carissa's family has contributed greatly to this region, and yet Lady Fiona acted as if her efforts didn't matter. It's disrespectful to Lady Carissa and to the Calyrre name," Rio added

Jaren nodded slowly, glancing down at Nenita as she leaned against him, listening intently. He shifted her slightly, thinking over Rio's words.

"I understand your concern, Sir Rio," he replied after a pause. "But Lady Fiona has been focused on healing and protecting these people. Perhaps her actions weren't meant as an insult."

Rio's face hardened. "Chief Jaren, intentions aside, appearances matter. When a person in Lady Fiona's position disregards someone like Lady Carissa, it sends a message to everyone. People start to believe she's the only one working for their welfare, ignoring the contributions of others who stand by her."

Jaren held Rio's gaze, his expression calm. "Perhaps you're right, Sir Rio. Appearances do hold weight. But Lady Fiona's actions have inspired here. The villagers see her as someone willing to step down from her position to help them directly. That matters to these people."

"That may be, Chief, but respect is earned through acknowledgment of everyone's efforts." Rio's frown deepened. "Lady Carissa deserves that acknowledgment, and Lady Fiona's dismissiveness undermines her."

This time, however, the Chief frowned. Then, Sir Rio, may 1 ask where was Lady Carissa when Lady Fiona started doing what she's doing? When she first went to the previous village and almost fainted while healing people. Where was Lady Carissa?" 1- Rio frowned, not understanding the old man's point. "That is not the issue. Why would you ask about this matter? The issue is-

Chief Jaren's voice was warm, almost gentle, but his words held an edge that left little doubt about his true feelings. "The villagers are wary. Sir Rio. They've seen many come and go, often with promises and gifts. But they trust those who are willing to stand beside them, even when they have little to give. This village was managed, somehow, long before Lady Carissa or the Council Envoys decided to take an interest. We don't have much. but we know how to work hard, protect our own, and keep our families fed. A donation now and then doesn't change that."

Rio blinked, a flicker of confusion crossing his face, but Jaren continued with a calm smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "Healing, however, is different. Lady Fiona gave us more than supplies-she offered us a chance at better health and a better future. That's not something that comes bundled in a sack of goods."

He paused, as if gathering his words carefully, before adding, "Forgive me if I sound ungrateful, but if Lady Carissa and the others are here hoping to be honored for their contributions, perhaps they'd replace the palace a better place for such recognition. Out here, we tend to save our applause for those who truly share our burdens"