Contract With The Alpha King by Brey Mitchylle

Chapter 90

"AHHHHH!" Queen Lyanna's fury filled every corner of her chamber as she threw another crystal glass against

the wall, the shards scattering across the floor. Her eyes darted wildly, rage radiating from every inch of her. The

attack on Fiona in broad daylight was an audacious, unforgivable act, but it wasn't the brazen assault alone that

enraged her-it was the consequences. Her fingers clenched tightly as her mind filled with the image of the

villagers rallying around Fiona only fueling her rage. "Who would dare?" she muttered, pacing furiously. "Who

would be so utterly stupid to attack her right there, in front of everyone, where the peasants and soldiers could

all see! Now they'll talk-talk of her as if she's skind of martyr!"

She grabbed a heavy vase and hurled it toward the door, the impact sending fragments flying across the floor.

The mail nearest to her flinched, stepping back with wide eyes, but another, younger maid gathered her courage

and approached, concern etched on her face. "Your Majesty," the maid began hesitantly, her voice barely above

a whisper. "Your hand, it's bleeding" She motioned toward the Queen's hand, which was streaked with blood from

a small cut on her palms

Queen Lyanna's gaze snapped to the maid, her eyes narrowing dangerously. "You think | care about that?" she

spat, shoving the maid hack. The force of the push sent the yosing woman stumbling. "You think a mere serpich

concerns me?"

The maid, stunned and frightened, barely had a chance to regain her footing before Queen Lyanna slapped her

hard across the check. The sound echoed in the tense silence. The other servants looked away, none daring to

step forward or intervene. The maid whimpered, her cheek red and stinging, but remained silent, her gaze cast

downward as she held back tears.

Lyanna tumed her back on the girl, her hands shaking as she looked around the room, breathing heavily. They'll

think of her as skind of saint now! Every single peasant, every single guard, they'll spread stories of her

bravery, of her selfless healing" She scoffed, a bitter laugh escaping her. "A healer, of all things! And they'll think

she's risking her life for them."

She paced again, her steps quick and sharp, fury simmering just below the surface. "Whoever did this-whoever

was idiotic enough to stage an attack in broad daylight has done nothing but increase her influence! Now the

soldiers, the villagers, they'll all be saying how noble she is, how she "risked her life" for their sakes." She seized

another glass from the table and threw it against the wall, the shattering sound punctuating her words.

Her breath cin heavy gasps as she finally stopped, her shoulders rising and falling as she glared at the

empty space before her. "Whoever orchestrated this has ruined everything," she hissed, her mind racing. "Now

they'll believe she's essential. Now they'll treat her like sirreplaceable figure."

The remaining servants dared not move, their heads lowered as they avoided her furious gaze. Queen Lyanna's

anger was an uncontrollable storm, and they had no desire to get swept up i

pin it

Queen Lyanna's blood-streaked hand tightened as a maid timidly approached her from behind. The maid's head

remained lowered as she spoke. "Your Majesty, Councilman Lacson is here. He.. be requests an audience."

Lyanna's nostrils flared, her expression unreadable for a moment before she let out a frustrated sigh. "Fine," she

snapped, brushing past the maid and sunding our of her study, her steps echoing down the corridor.

In the hallway, she found Councilman Lacson waiting. His gaze held a flicker of apprehension, though he quickly

masked it as she gestured for him to follow. They walked silently until they reached the gardens, where she

signaled her maids to prepare tea before dismissing them with a curt

The moment they were alone, Councilman Lacson began. "Your Majesty, several council members reached out to

me, expressing concerns about what happened to Lady Fiona

Lyanna incered, her gaze fixed on the horizon. "Oh? And in what way are they concerned, Councilman! It was

only yesterday that half of them were clamoring to hand her over to the Lycans She looked back at him with a

raised brow, "Now they're worried about her welfare?"

Lacon nodded.

clasped rightly in front of him. "Yes, Your Majesty. Hat they've seen something none of us can ignore-her

influence is spreading faster thai anticipated. Every camp she vinis, every villager slir helps.. it leaves a mark.

They see her as a savior. Your Majesty, and the coumed fears that influence could disrupt the balance. So they re

suggesting we summon her back to the palace

in 1 janna's gaze turned sharp, and she studied him with a calculating look. "And do they realize that pulling her

from the camps now would be oliattest Fiona luas altrady visited two of the gates-the North and the East. The

villagers there would see her withdrawal as a betrayal. The trimmauang cathups, those in the South and West,

would feel abandoned Her voice field a scornful edge. "And tell me, Lacson, who do you think

councilman's face paded slightly "The council, and the royal family"

lips curving in a humorless socile. "We'd die seen as indiferem to the antering of the people. Fiona's been careful.

wearing a duty of care and sacrifice

now, she'll beccique a martyr of abandonment in their eyes, and that blwill fall squarely

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HM

Chapter 90

Councilman Lacson's jaw clenched, and he glanced away, considering her words. "But Your Majesty, if we allow

her to continue unchecked, her influence will only deepen. The council fears that her growing power could

eventually rival their own."

Lyanna arched an eyebrow, a glint of irritation in her gaze. "And did they think of this before they tried to make

her a bargaining chip with the Lycans" She shook her heard, scoffing "Now they want to control her, last they've

given her just enough tto gain the people's trust. If she continues this charade of 'selfless healing" in all four

gates, she'll have the entire border believing she's their champion. And once she returns to the palace, they'll

listen to her above anyone else."

Lacson's expression turned grim. "Then Your Majesty, what do we do? If we let her continue, we're strengthening

her hand. If we summon her back, we risk sparking anger among the commoners."

Queen Lyanna's gaze hardened. "We can't remove her outright, not now. We council to send additional envoys to

each camp-trusted individuals who will monitor fier and, if necessary, subtly undermine her efforts. They'll

to limit her influence without making it obvious. Arrange for the remind the people of who truly governs them,

that Fiona is merely a helper, granted permission by the council to act under our watch Councilman Lacson's

eyes gleamed with understanding, "I see. Reinforce the idea that she is but a tool of the council, a representative

carrying out

our will"

"Precisely," Lyanna replied, her tone laced with cold satisfaction. "We'll let her continue, but under careful

scrutiny. And when she's done, the people will know that it was our wisdom, not her influence, that brought relief

to these villages." She leaned back, her gaze piercing. "Make sure the council members understand their role in

this, Lacson. | won't tolerate another misstep.

Lacson inclined his head respectfully. "Of course, Your Majesty. I'll see to it that everything is arranged." He

paused, then hesitated before adding. "And... shall | inform the King of this plan!"

Lyanna's gaze darkened. "Leave him out of it. He's already too invested in her-too willing to see her as a

'benefit." She waved a hand dismissively "The council will handle this. Fiona may play at being a saint, but she'll

soon realize she's only as powerful as we allow her to be."

Councilman Lacson bowed deeply. "As you wish, Your Majesty, I'll ensure our envoys are prepared."

Queen Lyanna nodded, watching him depart with a calculating expression. This wasn't the end-not yet-but with

careful steps. Fiona's influence would be reduced to a mere echo

Queen Lyanna slowly drank her tea as she tried to calm herself down. Actually, right now, Fiona should be the

least of her concerns. The one standing with Fiona is going to be harder to deal with: Prince Elijah Voss.

as he stays with Fiona. If

The man had been a thorn in her side for as long as she could remember. Now, his influence is slowly increasing

as he somehow he decides to announce his marriage to the public, then this would further complicate things.

She had planned to get Elijah under her control using Carissa Calyrne, but Fiona's appearance suddenly changed

everything. Now Elijah has brazenly married the woman. She needed a way to get Elijah under her control, and

she needed to do it fast.

"I need you to summon Lady Carissa Calye." the Queen said

"Your Majesty, Lady Calyrre is currently accompanying-

"I know that!" die Queen hissed, turning her gaze toward the maid and glaring at her. "I need you to summon her

back to the palace, and | need you to do it now!"

"Yes, Your Majesty," the young maid paled before she bowed and left the Queen alone.

The Queen snorted in response.