Contract With The Alpha King

20:47 Sat, Nov Chapter

23

Elijah faced his mother with the same calm demeanor he always maintained, his wine glass in hand. Queen Luna Lyanna sat across from him, her piercing green eyes locked onto his Beside her, Carissa sat silently, her posture stiff, clearly uncomfortable with the tension in the room.

"A mate!" Queen Luna repeated, her frown deepening. "Elijah, understand your desire for independence, but you're not just anyone. You're a prince, participating in the Rite of Kings. Your choices have consequences, not just for you, but for the entire kingdom. Why would you bring a woman here, one you intend to marry, without informing your father or me

Elijah sipped his wine, letting the rich liquid linger on his tongue before swallowing. He met his mother's gaze, unflinching, "Because it was a decision I needed to make on my own. I'm not a child, Mother I'm fully aware of the responsibilities I

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Queen Luna's expression softened slightly, but her eyes remained stern. "This isn't just about you, Elijah. The Rite of Kingst is about proving your worth, your ability to lead and to make alliances that will strengthen the kingdom. Bringing a woman here, one who hasn't been vetted, who comes from a family with its own complexities-this is not something to take lightly."

"I'm not taking it lightly." Elijah replied, his tone steady. "Fiona is not just any woman. She's from the Rosenthal family, yes, but she's also more than that. She's strong, intelligent, and capable. She's someone I've chosen because she complements me, not because of her family's status or connections."

Queen Luna's brow furrowed as she considered his words. "And what of Carissa?" she asked, glancing briefly at the woman beside her. "The Montego family has been a close ally for years. They've supported our kingdom in ways that cannot be ignored. Carissa herself is well-known and respected. You know the implications of your choice, Elijah."

Elijah didn't look at Carissa, keeping his focus on his mother "Miss Carissa and I have known each other since we were children, but that's all there is to it. She's a friend, and I value that friendship. But I'm not going to marry someone because it's expected of me. The Rite is about finding a true partner, not fulfilling old expectations."

Carissa remained silent, her gaze fixed on the floor, but a faint blush crept into her cheeks. Queen Luna sighed, a mixture of frustration and concern in her eyes. "You've always been stubborn, Elijah, but this is different. You're a prince, and with that comes the duty to ensure the kingdom's future. Marrying someone like Fiona-someone who brings uncertainty-could have repercussions we can't foresee."

Elijah set his glass down on the table with a soft thud, leaning forward slightly. "Repercussions?" he snorted before looking at Carissa "Is that a threat, Mother?"

"Elijah!" Queen Luna's face tightened with anger, her usual composure cracking, "You-how could you- Her lips trembled, her brows furrowing deeply. "You seem to be saying that marrying someone else besides Miss Carissa is going to become at problem. It makes me wonder if this is a threat to the crown itself?"

Before the tension could escalate further, Carissa quickly spoke up, her voice soft and apologetic. "Please, Your Highness," she said, her eyes wide and pleading as she looked at Elijah. "I didn't mean for it to sound like a threat. I'm so sorry if it came across that way. I would never want to cause any trouble for you or the kingdom."

Her shy and remorseful demeanor only served to irritate Elijah more. He turned his gaze back to his mother, ignoring Carissa's apology. "Father promised me that I could marry who never I wanted. An arranged marriage is not something I will agree to."

Queen Luna's eyes flashed with frustration. "And why not? Marrying someone like Carissa would strengthen your position It would secure alliances that are crucial to our kingdom's future

Elijah leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. "Even if I don't marry. I will still become King once I win the Rite of Kings. My position will be secure because of my own abilities, not because of a political marriage."

"This is wrong." Queen Luna said, her voice lips. "I'm making the right choice for myself, Mother. Tomorrow, Fiona and t will be paying an official visit. I expect you to be kind to her since she will be carrying your grandchildren one day."

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Queen Luna's face turned crimson with anger, her hands clenched into fists. She opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out. Elijah watched her for a moment, then stood up, ready to leave.

"We'll see you tomorrow," he said calmly before turning and walking out of the room, leaving his mother and Carissa in stunned silence. Elijah then went to his study.

Elijah sat behind his desk, his eyes fixed on the fire that crackled in the hearth. The warmth of the flames did little to ease the tension that lingered from his confrontation with his mother. Regor stood nearby, his usual stern expression in place. "Have they left?" Elijah asked, breaking the silence.

"Yes, they have. Your Highness, Regor answered, his voice steady.

Elijah leaned back in his chair, still staring into the fire. "What do you think of my mother, Regor? Do you think she knew about the prophecy?"

Regor hesitated for a moment before responding "It's possible, Your Highness. The prophecy has been a closely guarded secret within the royal family for generations. If Queen Luna knew, she might not have wanted to acknowledge it, considering what it entails" Elijah's jaw tightened as Regor's words sank in. The prophecy had always loomed over him, a rare and ominous legend in their world-According to the ancient texts, certain wolves were destined to have only one true mate, a bond so profound and primal that their bodies would not respond to anyone else. It wasn't just about attraction or affection; it was a connection that went beyond emotion, rooted deep in their very being. Elijah had dismissed it as mere superstition-until his own body betrayed him, responding to no one else but his true mate.

Still, he thought of seeking a healer that could heal him. This is where the Rosenthals came in.

And that had been his secret-his curse-until he met Fiona

Fiona had been different from the moment they met. His body had reacted in ways it never had before, his desire immediate and overwhelming. At first, he hadn't understood it. He had tried to dismiss it as mere attraction, but the intensity of his reaction to her had only grown stronger. It was then that he realized the truth: Fiona was his true mate.

"She is the one," Elijah murmured, more to himself than to Regor.

Regor's gaze sharpened. "Fiona?"

Elijah nodded slowly, his expression thoughtful. "I've never reacted to anyone the way I do to her. The prophecy it wasn't just a myth. It's real, and she's the proof of it"

Regor remained silent, processing the revelation. He had always known there was something unique about Fiona's presence

Elijah's life, but hearing this confirmed the depth of their bond

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"I wonder if my mother suspects," Elijah continued, his tone more contemplative now. Only the King knew of the curse. He was informed that only the first-born male of the family would have knowledge of it. "She's sharp, and she's always been protective of our bloodline. If she knew about the prophecy, she might have been hoping to steer me toward a different path, one that aligned with her plans for the kingdom."

"But that path doesn't include your true mate," Regor said, understanding dawning in his eyes.

"No," Elijah agreed. "It doesn't. And that's why I had to stand firm. Fiona isn't just a choice. She's the only choice."