Auctioned to the Cruel King - Chapter 81: Chapter 81

Lance’s POV
“My King,” the old maid said with a small curtsy. “Dinner is ready.”
I kept my gaze on the letter for a moment longer before capping the pen. “Thank you. I’ll be there shortly.”
She bowed. “Of course.”
Her retreating steps were nearly drowned out by the faint scuff of a second set of feet just outside the door. The moment the maid cracked it open, I smelled the scent in the air.
The door nearly closed behind the maid, only to give a startled gasp. “Forgive me, my Luna—I didn’t see you—”
“It’s fine,” I heard Kayla reply, voice light. “Did I hear dinner is ready?”
“Yes, Luna. I was just coming to notify you,” the maid stammered.
“What’s being served?”
Their conversation blurred behind the rising thrum in my ears as I continued to scribe. It wasn’t until I heard the door close and the shift of her quiet breath that I lifted my head.
She stepped into the room, arms loose at her sides, wearing a simple floral dress — soft, blue-toned, sleeveless, modest enough by most standards but not on her. Not with the way it clung to her waist and flared around her thighs. There were bruises I’d left on that skin. And suddenly I wanted to leave more.
She cleared her throat softly. “You’re hard at work.” She strolled further in. “What are you working on?”
“Just catching up.” My voice came low and clipped. “Reports and complaints, and some petty disputes. Nothing I can’t sign off on without reading, but I read them anyway.”
Her gaze wandered to the corner of the desk, then back to me. “I thought you weren’t feeling well.”
I set the pen down, folding my hands loosely. “I’m fine.”
“You should be in bed,” she said. “Resting.”
I lifted my eyes to her slowly. “Will you be joining me again?”
She faltered, just for a breath, flushed too, except that alone was enough to squeeze my pants and make my groin painfully aware of her. And I wondered how it would have been if we started right and this pregnancy wasn't veiled?
“I shouldn't have cared.”
“It seems both can’t be helped.” I leaned back into the chair, watching her eyes shift, looking for something in mine. Something she wouldn’t find. “I’ll be done in a few minutes,” I said.
She was building toward it now.
“So…” she began, “did the doctor come in to check on you?”
So that’s why she came.
“She did,” I said. “Gave me a treatment plan and a meal schedule I’m likely going to ignore, as apparently, I am to disregard drinking for a while.”
Kayla’s lips tugged into something, not quite a smile. “So… what did she say is wrong?”
“As expected. Just a flu. Nothing to worry about. And non-contagious.” My tone stayed flat. “So you’re safe.”
“That’s all?” She sounded concerned but I knew she was only fishing. Not subtle enough for me to pretend I didn’t notice.
“And what else were you hoping she’d say?”
Her mouth parted, then shut again.
“I wasn’t hoping for anything,” she said.
“I see.”
She shifted again. “Just… wondered if she mentioned anything else. I guess not. That’s good. Nothing serious.”
”Nothing she thought worth sharing,” I said, and even with it being on the tip of my tongue, I ignored it. “Unless you think I missed something.”
“No.” She swallowed.
“Shall I summon her back now?” I asked, tapping the quill once against the table. “If you have questions.”
“That’s not necessary,” she said too quickly. “I have an appointment with her next week. I’ll speak to her then.”
I said nothing.
She cleared her throat again. “Where’s Alaric?”
“Ric is… deep in something right now. I didn’t want to disturb him.” I glanced at the corner of the room, as if it might help me make sense of the time. Come to think of it, it’s been hours.
A brief knock came before the doors opened behind Kayla
Speak of the devil and there he was. And right behind him came Vivian, wearing an entirely different outfit than she had earlier this afternoon. Hair re-styled. Lips red. No explanation necessary.
I leaned back into the chair.
“Well, well,” I murmured. “Surprised to see you both walking in together.”
Kayla turned slightly, brows raised. She didn’t understand. I watched Vivian pour herself a drink from the side shelf. “So,” I said, voice flat, “who broke who?” Vivian tipped the glass slightly. “The legend and the vixen,” I finished.
Kayla’s gaze shifted between them, searching for meaning.
Vivian wasn’t one to sneak around. She would turn, glass in hand, and address the tension in the room without a hint of shame. And that was exactly what she did.
“Oh, don’t look so surprised, Kayla,” she said lightly. “You and the King aren’t the only ones craving a bit of pleasure in these times.”
Kayla turned to me instinctively, her face questioning. It wasn't like Vivian was all wrapped in Ric’s scent for her to know, but Ric had a faint scent of her on him, though that could be mistaken as nothing.
Kayla didn't question though.
Vivian lifted the glass to her lips again, this time tilting it back longer. I watched the way her throat worked with each swallow. She didn’t bother hiding the way her eyes shifted back toward Kayla.
“Don’t bother your fragile mind,” she muttered, then swirled the remaining liquid in the cup before raising it again. “Wouldn’t expect you to figure things out, even when it’s standing four feet in front of you.”
That earned my full attention.
I straightened, just slightly. “Viv,” I said, my voice low but firm, “bring it down.”
Kayla's voice was quiet. But not weak.
“We can’t all be the same.”
Vivian laughed derisively. “You’re right about that.” She turned her full body toward Kayla now, glass still in hand. “Just like I’m the sharp one. The one who’s seen war, loss, betrayal, who still managed to come out with something other than a trembling voice and wide, wondering eyes.”
Kayla didn’t blink, she had gotten used to Vivian.
And from where Kayla stood, she said—clear, crisp: “Just like I’m the Luna. And you’re not.”
The room stilled.
I groaned internally.
Vivian’s expression flickered. Not quite a flinch, then grinned.
“Seems like I’m not needed for now,” Ric said evenly from behind. “My King, may I be excused?” That title again.
“No,” I said, sharper than I meant. “Ric, don’t be stupid.”
Fuck, not that. But there was something between us now and I wanted it gone.
I sighed “Come on. Not you too.”
He didn’t move.
I exhaled. “Okay, I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. I’m sorry I went behind your back. I know how it must’ve looked — like I didn’t trust you, like I thought you couldn’t deliver. That wasn’t it. I wanted quicker results. A different angle and you had your hands full.” My voice lowered. “I do trust you, we're more than friends, we're brothers…a brother I never had.”
Viv opened her mouth. “But you do have a—”
“Not the point,” I snapped, not even glancing at her. My eyes stayed locked on Alaric’s. “So, please.”
“It’s fine,” Alaric said quietly. “You had me at ‘I’m sorry.’”
Fucking bastard.
We clasped hands, firm, then laughed.
Vivian rolled her eyes and raised her glass like a mock toast. “Awwnn… so touching. You could share a drink too.”
“Don’t spoil it,” Alaric said without turning.
I went back to the desk, pulled open a drawer, and removed the sealed letter I’d written earlier. I handed it to him. “Here. I need this sent immediately. High priority.”
“Who’s it for?” he asked, already taking it.
“Landon.”
That got everyone’s attention.
“It’s a counter-invitation,” I said. “To his invitation. He and his... partners.”
Vivian cocked her head, eyes narrowing. “Whoa. Where did that come from?”
Kayla finally spoke. “You want to host him?”
“Yes,” I said simply. “And while you’re at it…” I turned back to Alaric. “I want you to extend the invitation to Cartier as well. Bring him to the table.”
Viv nearly choked on her drink.
“You’ve lost it,” she snapped. “Cartier? He’s a pirate. A thief. He takes and gives nothing back. You can't trust him.”
“I’m not asking him to be trusted,” I replied. “That’s exactly what I’m counting on.”
Alaric crossed his arms. “What’s the plan?”
“It’s still working itself out,” I admitted. “But I don’t need it to be perfect. I just need it to move.”
“You’re really throwing all the cards now,” Vivian was saying. “What's next?”
Before I could respond, Kayla’s voice cut in, quiet but clear. “I’m sorry,” she said. “But may we have the room?”
Viv turned toward her slowly, like she wasn’t sure she’d heard correctly.
Kayla stood straighter. “I’d like to speak with the Alpha alone.”
Viv didn’t speak. For once, she didn’t have a clever line or sharp barb waiting. She only stared, then turned to Alaric, who was already moving toward the door.