The Lycan King's Forbidden Craving - Chapter 103: Chapter 103

My woman?
Her breath hitched, her face turned red beneath the mask as those two words repeated over and over in her head while she froze in place.
The world seemed to blur out, making it seem as if she was here with the king alone.
"Ari…"
His voice vibrated through her veins, making her aware that he still had his hand outstretched to her.
Gently, she reached for it, warmth spreading through her like second her skin made a contact with his.
The music slowly began again—soft, melodic, perfect.
He led her to the dancing floor, and heir bodies moved together effortlessly, like the music was made for them.
Eyes of the onlookers pricked her skin, but she was barely aware of them, thanks to the male who had his arm around her waist.
"You're good. Surprisingly," Arianna grinned.
"I am."
"Care to tell me the woman who taught you?" A teasing smile played on her lips.
"My mother." Her smile disappeared, but he soothed it out by swirling her around on the dance floor and letting her fall into his arms. "You're the first woman I'm dancing with after her death."
Arianna blinked, caught off guard by his words. “Oh… I didn’t mean to…”
“I know,” he cut in, drawing her closer, her back pressing against his broad chest.
“My mother taught me too,” she smiled.
Noticing some were beginning to dance with their partners, Arianna sighed in relief, hoping some gazes might spare her poor skin.
"The dress?" he whispered close to her ear, letting his eyes roam over the curves and edges of hers.
“Selene made it as a gift.” Arianna responded, inclining her head and letting his warm breath brush over her skin.
“I should reward her for this,” he muttered, swirling her around to face him again. Gently, he lifted her hand to his face and kissed her knuckle like a gentleman.
She momentarily forgot to breathe at the gesture. Her smile turned into a sweet grin.
“You look too beautiful, Mine." He circled her, staring at her like a piece of treasure. "I’m afraid I might end up gouging out the eyes of every man who is gawking at you right now.”
She chuckled. “You can’t be serious.” He met her gaze again.
Duncan raised a brow.
“My king…”
He suddenly pulled her close by the waist, his scent filling her nose. Intoxicating. Too good to be true.
They danced without worries.
••••••
After watching her sister dance for a while, Lylah decided to step out for a moment. She was getting bored with the occasion—it wasn’t really her type.
Back in the pack those days, when this kind of occasion was celebrated, she would always end up staying in the yard, finding something dangerous to do or pulling stunts. That’s why she was said to be troublesome.
But now she’d grown. In a few days, she’d turn 18 and have her wolf, perhaps even a mate.
She wondered how that would feel. Imagine being destined for someone in just a few days. It was surreal in its own way because she didn’t want to be bound to anyone.
If she was, then the person she is bound to, will be unlucky.
Mating was beautiful in the aspect of her parents, and now Arianna with the king looked beautiful as well. Beautiful—but it was like a curse once someone was deeply caught in that pit.
Thankfully, mating wasn’t very common these days. Brigid didn’t have a mate… same as many here in the Palace.
Some of them who had a mate spoke of rejection. The reason? They either had someone else or didn’t want to be bound to anyone—just like her.
Rejection… Hmm, that might be the option she would go for if she was to be destined to someone.
Imagine being mated to those boys who tried to bully her that day, or to the cold brute Head Warrior.
Ha! That would be hilarious.
Lylah continued walking through the silent corridor, her footsteps echoing softly. She found herself moving toward the open courtyard and halted at the sight of a figure.
Beta Lucas.
She had already come too close before noticing him. Just as she turned to leave, he spoke.
“You can stay if you want.”
Lylah stopped in her tracks, glancing back at the muscular man who gazed up at the sky, seemingly deep in thought.
After contemplating for a few seconds, Lylah decided to stay. She walked to stand beside him.
Many beats passed in silence. Lylah joined Lord Lucas in staring at the night sky. The cool night breeze brushed over their skin, and for a moment, everything felt strangely peaceful.
“You don't seem to like crowds either, My Lord?” Lylah spoke first, breaking the silence.
“Maybe,” he muttered. “You don't seem to like crowds as well?”
“Hm—it’s not my thing,” she said, taking a deep breath and trying to endure the discomfort of the lace fabric of her dress. It felt itchy, and she was a breath away from tearing the dress off.
Lucas' gaze flicked down to her, and she immediately stopped moving her limbs, hoping the male hadn’t caught on to her discomfort. Without a word, he returned his gaze to the starlit sky.
“Is something troubling you, my Lord?” she asked, curious.
“You're so good at sticking your nose into people’s business, aren't you?”
“Just yours,” she shrugged. “No one else.” He didn’t reply. “You know, I’m such a good listener. My sister tells me that all the time. I’m here to listen and help you carry the weight, teacher.”
Lucas sighed, seemingly regretting asking her to stay.
“Sorry,” Lylah quickly apologized. She wanted to stay a little longer, even with the itch of her dress. A beat passed in silence.
“Why do you want to become a warrior so badly?” he suddenly asked, prompting Lylah to shift her gaze back to him.
“I want to protect my sis—”
“That doesn’t sound like the real reason,” he said, meeting her gaze.
“It is,” Lylah cut in. “She’s stronger, braver, and has a calm, strong heart with the traits of a ruler. I’ve always looked up to her since I was little, but she has a lot going on. I just want to be there to protect her.”
Lucas stared at her for a moment before shifting his gaze back to the sky.
“What about you, My Lord? Do you have someone you wish to protect? Siblings?”
“Just the King. No one else.” Lucas’ voice carried an undertone of something more, and that only made Lylah more curious. The way his eyes glittered with an unreadable expression showed there was something heavy that lay beneath his stoic exterior.
She recalled the war between the Dragon Keepers and the Lycans and wondered if Lucas had been there too. Had he lost someone?
She was curious.