The Lycan King's Forbidden Craving - Chapter 115: Chapter 115

Arianna had woken up and headed to her room before the king does. Soon after, she was summoned for breakfast, expecting the king to be there—only to be disappointed.
‘I love you.’
Those were the words she had said and meant last night. Her arms still felt as if they were wrapped around him. Did he remember their entire conversation? That he missed her—and that he was going to find a way for them?
Taking a deep breath, Arianna decided to head to the king's chamber.
“Is the king inside?” she asked, hoping for a positive reply.
“Yes, my lady,” the guard replied, and Arianna didn’t waste a moment before stepping inside.
The king was dressing, a maid assisting him while another stood by with his accessories. It seemed he had a council meeting today.
Arianna couldn't help but wonder if it was about the Ouroboros that had been caught.
He spotted her, his expression nearly blank before he shifted his gaze away.
“Leave us,” he commanded the maids, who bowed before leaving the room.
“Is there anything I can help you with?” he asked, sliding a ring onto his finger without glancing at her.
His actions felt strange—not hurtful, but enough to make her worried. He didn’t seem to remember anything from last night.
“You didn’t come for breakfast, so I decided to check on you,” Arianna replied, and finally, his gaze met hers. “How was your night, my King?”
He remained silent, and Arianna tried to read him but couldn’t discern what he was thinking.
“Come here,” he said softly, extending his hand, and she obeyed, placing her hand in his.
He took a beautiful hairpin from his desk and fixed it in her hair.
“It looks perfect. Just like I thought.”
Even though her heart fluttered at his gesture, uneasiness stirred within her.
She stepped before the mirror and smiled. The hairpin accencutating her beauty.
“Thank you, Dun. It’s gorgeous.”
They stood in silence, staring at their reflection. One of his arms circled her waist as he observed her.
“I shall tell Lucas about your bloodline.”
Arianna stopped breathing, her face paling.
“He needs to know, Ari,” he whispered.
She understood—truly. Beta Lucas was the closest to him, after all. But she couldn’t help but wonder how he would react to the king being mated to a woman who bore the blood of their enemies.
Not long ago, they had discovered that an Ouroboros was the one leading the rogues.
“I’ve been wondering,” Arianna muttered, meeting the king’s gaze through the large mirror. “What’s going to happen if they all find out?”
“We’ll surely find a way.”
He kissed her hair and strode out of the room, leaving Arianna with her thoughts.
••••••••
The meeting was brief, and with many tasks completed, Duncan was free of work.
As for the Ouroboros issue, he had kept it suppressed—only he, Lucas, and Lord Valoreth were aware of it.
But the news couldn’t be hidden for long, as it would soon be brought to light.
“They’re somewhere beyond the Moon Realm. If one slipped in and is leading the rogues, it means more of them are coming,” Lucas said, pacing slowly in the council chamber. “They might be planning an attack, just like many years ago. We need to find a way to protect our people. History cannot repeat itself…”
“They have no dragons,” Duncan interjected, his voice calm—so calm it made Lucas furrow his brow.
“H-how would you know that, Your Highness?”
Duncan met his gaze. “Take a seat, Lucas. We need to talk.”
••••••••
While the king explained, Lucas’s head was lowered, his face pale and disturbed.
“Arianna Greystone bears their blood. Daughter of their fallen goddess… the goddess who gave the Lycans…” Lucas paused, shut his eyes, and ran his fingers through his hair.
Another beat of silence passed. Duncan let him digest the news.
“Lylah?” Dread filled Lucas’s tone.
“She is not. Lylah is a full-blooded werewolf and Arianna’s half-sister.”
For a brief moment, Duncan saw a hint of relief in Lucas’s gaze, but it disappeared too quickly.
“It feels… it feels like a cruel joke, Your Majesty,” Lucas finally looked up to meet his gaze. “How could you not have told me for so long?”
“I had to wait for the right moment, Lucas.”
Lucas slowly rose to his feet, shaking his head, the weight of disbelief anchoring his shoulders.
“Your Majesty…” His voice faltered before steadying again. “Surely you understand what this means. The court… the packs… they will never accept her.”
Duncan remained still, his piercing gaze never leaving Lucas.
“She’s one of them, Your Highness. The blood of the Ouroboros runs through her veins. You cannot overlook that.”
“I am not overlooking anything,” Duncan replied, his voice like steel wrapped in silk. “I am telling you what is. And she is mine.”
Lucas clenched his jaw, pacing again. “With all due respect, your Grace, you’ve seen what they’re capable of. One of their own led a rogue assault! We lost families! Warriors! In that bloody war centuries ago! And now you’re saying your mate—the one you chose as your future queen—is one of them?”
“She is not them, Lucas,” Duncan said calmly, his voice low but firm. “She is Arianna.”
“You speak like that makes it better,” Lucas snapped, then immediately bowed his head. “Forgive me. I meant no offense, my King. But this… this is not right. This is insane.”
“No,” Duncan’s tone was calm. “What is not right is ignoring the fact that she bears both blood and is mated to the king of the realm. She is a sign that the heavens want to end this…”
Lucas’s eyes flashed. “Or maybe she’s the one meant to tear both realms apart. A sign that history is going to repeat itself.”
A tense silence settled like fog.
“She is the daughter of their goddess; you said it yourself,” Lucas continued, struggling to keep his voice level. “What if that creature in the cell was a sign that a war is coming? And if she climbs onto that throne, they’ll have strength and power.”
“I’ve seen enough lies to know when truth stands before me,” Duncan murmured.
Lucas sighed, then shook his head. “This will cause war, Dun… within the court. Many have been waiting for something to use against you. Do not give those bloody bastards a chance.”
“I’m saying this to you, Duncan, not as your Beta… but as a friend,” Lucas’s voice grew softer but remained firm. “Knowing how hard you’ve struggled over the centuries—Arianna may be accepted as your mate, but… she will never be my queen.”
“To avoid war within the realm… perhaps you should marry another woman. And for Arianna… it would be best to let her go before people find out what she is and use it against you.”
Lucas seemed to notice the change in Duncan’s demeanor, but he didn’t take his words back—and he didn’t go further either.
He inclined his head before striding away, leaving Duncan to his thoughts.
Duncan knew Lucas wouldn’t accept Arianna easily. He knew the risk of having her by his side, but…
Letting her go?
No… he’d rather burn with her.
Having another woman?
Duncan shut his eyes. He hated to admit it, but Lucas was right. Those bastards lurking in the shadows, waiting to tear him down, would arise the moment they found out what she was.
If you make the wrong choice, your kingdom will fall, and you will fall with it.
The Seer’s words echoed in his head… along with another. Last night, he heard her.
Felt like a dream, but he did.
From the depth of my heart, King Duncan Thornevale… I love you.
His fist clenched on the armrest of his chair, veins bulging at his jaw.
Why? Why does everything feel so heavy? Why can’t he just have her without worrying?
For the first time in many centuries,
King Duncan felt helpless.