Contract With The Alpha King

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.

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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"Content is property © NôvelDrama.Org.

"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."