Contract 24
Chapter
24
"Are you sure this is fine? Fiona asked as she looked at her reflection in the mirror in front of her. She was wearing a simple pale blue dress that hugged her figure without being too revealing. The dress had short sleeves and a modest neckline, with a flowing skirt that reached just above her ankles,
Elijah stood behind her, his eyes on her reflection. "You look perfect," he assured her, his voice steady and sincere. He stepped closer, placing his hands gently on iser shoulders. "Everything is fine."
Fiona turned to face him, her nerves still apparent in her expression. Elijah leaned in and kissed her softly, a reassuring gesture that eased some of her tension. She smiled up at him, feeling a bit more at ease. "Let's go, Elijah said, offering her his arm.
They walked together to the main palace, where the King and Queen were having breakfast in the garden. As they approached, the King, a tall man with graying hair and a stern expression, looked up from his meal. The Queen, seated beside him, maintained her usual composed demeanor.
"Join us," the King said, gesturing to the empty seats across from them.
Fiona felt the tension in the air as she and Elijah took their seats. She glanced around the table, noting the presence of another man who soon introduced himself as Elijah's brother, Marius. He shared Elijah's build but had sharper features and a more reserved demeanor. As a part of the Royal Family, Fiona heard a few stories about each member of the Royalty but this was the first time that she had seen them in person.
Not long after they had settled in, two young women arrived. They were Elijah's younger sisters, Monique and Adriana. Monique was the elder of the two, with long, dark hair and a serious expression. Adriana, the younger sister, had lighter hair. and a more playful smile. "Good morning," Adriana greeted them politely, taking her seat. Monique followed suit, her eyes flicking curiously between Fiona and Elijah.
Naturally, Elijah ignored their gazes. Instead, he asked her what she wanted to eat.
The table was laden with various types of meat-roast beef, lamb chops, and bacon, all cooked to perfection. There were also platters of sausages and even a large roasted bird in the center. It was clear that meat was the favored food here, a common trait among werewolves. Fiona noticed how everyone at the table seemed to gravitate towards the meat dishes, piling their plates high.
Elijah, noticing Fiona's hesitation, took it upon himself to serve her. He carefully placed slices of roast beef and a few sausages on her plate, adding a small portion of vegetables on the side.
As he did so, Fiona felt a prickling sensation at the back of her neck. She looked up and caught Queen Luna glaring at her, her expression cold and unwelcoming. It felt like the Queen was silently warning her, and Fiona couldn't help but wonder if this had something to do with the events of the previous night.
Fiona wasn't sure what had transpired between Elijah and his mother, but the presence of Carissa dering that conversation suggested it had been difficult. She forced herself to focus on her food, trying to ignore the tension that was almost palpable.
The silence at the table was finally broken when Marius cleared us throat. "Elijah," he began, his tone sharp, "what exactly is going on here?"
Elijah didn't look up from his plate as he responded, his voice calm. Tve brought Fiona here because she's important to me. That's all you need to know for now."
Marius frowned, clearly dissatisfied with the vague answer.
"Important?" Monique snorted. "Elijah, this is the first time you've actually brought a woman to join us for breakfast. Aren't
you going to at least tellus who she is? I mean.. aside from her name?"This content belongs to Nô/velDra/ma.Org .
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"She-"Elijah made a deliberate pause. He looked at the others at the table before his gaze landed on Fiona, "Is the woman that I am going to marry
The breakfast concluded abruptly following his declaration. As Fiona anticipated, King Nicholas Voss promptly summoned them to his study. She wasn't particularly surprised to find Queen Luna Lyanna and Elijah's younger siblings already present when she arrived. However, the intensity of their stares felt uncomfortably excessive.
It wasn't as if she was too different from them! Fiona was a werewolf tool
Fiona observed everyone in the study. Just like earlier, King Nicholas had a serious look on his face. He was sitting behind at Large mahogany table, his gray eyes that resembled Elijah's were staring at his eldest son. Meanwhile. Queen Lyanna was reading a book, ignoring them.
Just like their father, Marius. Monique, and Adriana were looking at Elijah, waiting for him to explain everything.
Under all this pressure, Fiona expected Elijah to at least show signs of nervousness. But he calmly held Fiona's hand as they stood before the King. "Father," he began, "Tve brought Fiona Rosenthal here because she's the woman I want to marry. I'm asking for your blessing" King Nicholas remained silent for a moment, his gaze steady on Elijah. He showed no outward reaction, simply nodding for Elijah to continue. But before Elijah could say anything more. Queen Lyanna slammed her book shut, her eyes flashing with inger.
"Marry her?" Queen Lyanna's voice rose in disbelief. "Elijah, have you lost your mind? You barely know this woman! And you expect us to accept her without question?
Marius, seated to the side, let out a playful laugh. "Unbelievable
Monique, however, remained silent, her eyes fixed on Fiona. She didn't say a word, but her intense stare made Fiona uncomfortable.
Adriana mumbled under her breath, just loud enough for everyone to hear, "Out of all the women in the world, he chooses someone so random."
Elijah ignored his siblings' reactions, keeping his focus on the King. When the King said nothing, Queen Lyanna continued, "Why don't you tell your father about Fiona Rosenthal? Huh? Did you really think I would allow you to marry someone whà had been wed before!?" Fiona's heart thundered against her chest when she heard this. She had expected them to know about her past, about her current circumstances. However, hearing the Queen say it so directly made her falter. As if sensing her distress, Elijah's hand tightened around hers, sending a little warmth that gave her the comfort she didn't even know she needed.
Queen Lyanna's revelation took everyone by surprise. Marius stopped laughing, his expression turning serious as he looked between Elijah and Fiona. Monique's eyes widened slightly, though she remained silent, while Adriana's mouth dropped open in shock The King, however, did not react with anger. He remained calm his gaze shifting from Queen Lyanna to Elijah. "Is this true. Elijah? Has Fiona been married before?"
"Does it matter?" Elijah clapped back without batting an eyelid.