Contract With The Alpha King

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"So, this is where you will be working," the head physician, Miss Rose or Miss Rosenda, said. She didn't bother to look at Fiona as she spoke, continuing to walk briskly. Fiona noticed the slight disdain in her tone. Still, she chose to ignore it, knowing she needed to focus on her new responsibilities.

He had explained the deal he struck with the King-a deal that hinged entirely on his ascension to the throne. They would be allowed to marry, but only if Elijah succeeded in becoming the next King. The wedding would take place immediately after his coronation, symbolizing not just a union between them but also a political strategy to secure his future.

The King's reasoning was clear. He wanted to shield his son and heir from the inevitable backlash that would come from the council. The council members, always eager to exploit any weakness, would likely see Elijah's marriage as an opportunity to undermine him. By delaying the wedding until after Elijah was crowned, the King hoped to minimize their ability to use the marriage against him.

Fiona understood the King's cautious approach. In fact, she felt a sense of gratitude toward him for looking out for Elijah's interests. Still, the waiting, the uncertainty-it left a knot of tension in her chest. All of it hinged on Elijah becoming king, and she knew the road ahead would not be easy.

Because of this, she immediately agreed to start working in the main palace where the physicians or healers stayed.

Healing in the werewolf world operated differently from humans. Werewolves already had the natural ability to heal rapidly, often recovering from minor wounds in a matter of hours. However, for more serious injuries-deep wounds, broken bones, or even internal damage- their healing could be assisted by specific herbs and techniques that only skilled healers knew how to use.

Miss Rosenda explained this as she led Fiona through the medical wing. "Most of the time, we aren't needed for cuts or bruises. Werewolves can handle those on their own. But when it comes to major injuries-those inflicted during battles or accidents that damage organs-we step in. Our job is to speed up the process, reduce pain, and ensure proper recovery."

They stopped in front of a shelf filled with jars of dried herbs, roots, and strange powders. "These," Rosenda pointed to the rows of ingredients, "are essential. Herbs like Bloodroot and wolfsbane, when used correctly, can promote faster tissue regeneration. However, they must be administered in precise amounts. Too little, and it's useless. Too much, and you risk poisoning the patient."

Fiona nodded, listening carefully.

"For major operations, we have special tools made from silver, which slows the healing process enough to allow for surgical procedures. It gives us time to set bones properly or remove damaged tissues. Afterward, we use a combination of herbs and pressure points to reactivate the werewolf's natural healing abilities."

Rosenda's tone remained cold, but the information was crucial. "We rarely perform surgeries unless it's a life-or-death situation. The body will resist it unless we can suppress its natural response. That's why precision is key."

Fiona already knew these things, as she had started training when she was very young. However, she still nodded her head and pretended to be interested.

"You'll be expected to assist with any medical emergencies that arise in the palace," Rosenda continued. "And you're on call at all times. There's no room for mistakes here."

Fiona nodded silently, taking in the information. It was clear that Rosenda wasn't going to offer any pleasantries, and Fiona had no intention of trying to befriend the woman. She wasn't here to make friends.

Rosenda stopped abruptly in front of a small, plain room. "This will be your quarters," she said, opening the door to reveal a modest space with a simple bed, a desk, and a small wardrobe. "You'll sleep here when you're not on duty. But don't get too comfortable-you'll be needed at all hours."

Without waiting for a response, Rosenda turned on her heel and began walking back down the hall. "I'll show you medical supplies are stored. Pay attention. I won't repeat myselfThis is from NôvelDrama.Org.

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Rosenda moved swiftly, leaving Fiona little time to think as they approached another room. It was larger, filled with shelves of medical tools, bandages, and herbs, all neatly organized. "This is where the medical supplies are kept. You'll be responsible for making sure everything is stocked and in order, Rosenda said, her voice flat. She barely paused, gesturing to the shelves as if this was routine.

Fiona glanced around, taking in the organized chaos. She nodded, understanding the gravity of her new role.

"Your salary will be sent monthly. You're expected to earn your keep here," Rosenda added briskly. "I won't go into the details of your circumstances, as I'm sure you're aware. Just know that you won't receive any special treatment because Prince Elijah recommended you."

Fiona met Rosenda's gaze and nodded, keeping her face neutral She had anticipated this and wasn't here for favors.

Rosenda's expression turned more serious. "One more thing-be careful. The fact that the Prince himself vouched for you has already attracted attention. People will be watching you closely, waiting for you to slip up."

With that warning, Rosenda turned and walked out of the room leaving Fiona standing alone. She took a deep breath, trying her best to act calm. She had already agreed to work in this place for a few days before Elijah requested that she be transferred to his personal team. This was part of the protocol. This was part of the rules.

Since the King was looking after Elijah, Fiona also decided to do her part.

Fiona paced the room, organizing the supplies Rosenda had shown her. She was expecting a partner soon, another healer to assist her. When she heard footsteps approaching, she turned to welcome whoever it was.

"Hello, I'm-" Fiona started but stopped mid-sentence. The woman standing at the door wasn't someone she recognized. She had dark hair and wore an elegant dress, clearly of noble standing.

"Are you the healer?" the woman asked, her voice urgent. "I need help."

Fiona immediately straightened, concern flashing across her face. "What's the problem?" she asked, already stepping forward.

The woman glanced back down the hallway before gesturing for Fiona to follow. "It's my maid. She suddenly collapsed, and I don't know what to do."

Without hesitation, Fiona grabbed her bag of basic medical supplies and followed the woman down the hall, her heart pounding with worry. Who would have thought that something like this would happen on her first day? The corridors twisted through unfamiliar parts of the castle, and after a few minutes, they arrived in a smaller, dimly lit room where a young maid lay on the floor, motionless.

Fiona knelt beside the maid, quickly examining her. The woman's skin was pale, and her breathing was shallow. As Fiona checked for any signs of external injuries, her fingers brushed against the maid's wrist. Something felt off. She frowned, focusing on the faint, irregular pulse.

Then, she noticed it-a faint discoloration on the maid's lips and around her fingertips. Fiona's stomach twisted. She had seen this before. Poison.

However, before she could examine further, the hairs on the back of her neck prickled with warning. Fiona tensed the moment she felt movement behind her. Instinctively, she reached for the small dagger she always carried in her medical bag. As she turned, the woman lunged at her, eyes glowing red with a feral intensity.

Without hesitation, Fiona slashed upward with the dagger, cutting across the woman's arm.