The Lycan King's Forbidden Craving - Chapter 116: Chapter 116

“So that is why he attacked the Moon Realm.”
“Yes. And I’m afraid things are going to be pretty tough from now on. The news of my people’s existence is probably spreading already, and soon enough, they’ll start hunting them," Selene said, bowing her head in shame.
“Have you told the King everything?” Arianna asked.
“Yes, I did. Every single detail Jarik told me.” Selene drew in a deep breath. “Including my goddess’s location and what I’ve been doing for the past twenty-one years.”
The King had threatened to put a sword to her throat if she didn’t reveal everything. He hadn’t been bluffing.
The only reason Selene was still alive was because of Arianna, and she was glad she could still protect her.
“Which is?”
Selene shut her eyes, her muscles tense. “Researching. The world is vast, and from my perspective, the Moon Realm will never accept us. So I thought of taking my people to live among the humans. But to do that, they’d have to cross the Moon Realm, which would take weeks… and they’d find us in less than a day. So I was researching the safest way we could travel to the human lands without alerting the Moon Realm.”
Arianna glanced at Selene, noting the hint of guilt—perhaps even failure—hidden in the head maid's expression.
Selene was always so protective of Drakora and her people. Sharing such information must have been deeply difficult.
“What did the King say?” Arianna asked, her tone calm.
“Nothing. The King didn’t react much, but at least I didn’t see hatred in his eyes. I’m not sure though. But one thing is certain—he doesn’t seem interested in killing us,” Selene replied, and Arianna shifted her gaze back to the sky, watching the sun disappearing.
Silence lingered between them for several beats before Arianna finally spoke again.
“The King has told Lord Lucas about me carrying the bloodline of the Ouroboros.”
Selene’s head snapped toward her. “What? He did? What did Beta Lucas say?”
“I don’t know,” Arianna answered. “So far, the King and I barely talk. He’s hardly been around the past three days, and it haunts me.” She lowered her gaze to the flower dancing to the tune of the wind. “The Beta probably didn’t accept me.”
Selene let out a deep sigh. “I hope things get better.”
“I doubt that. Don’t get your hopes up.”
Selene blinked. “What do you mean?”
“I might’ve been born in your land, but I was raised among the wolves and carry the blood too… and if one day I have no choice but to choose who I go with, you already know my answer.” Her tone was flat, unreadable.
“I understand. Remember, I told you I’d protect you—not because my goddess asked me to… but because you won my heart.”
“So, if you had to choose between me and your goddess, who would it be?”
Selene was taken aback, her eyes widening slightly. She was at a loss for words.
“Arianna…”
“I shall head back to my chamber. Goodnight, Selene.” There was no emotion in Arianna’s voice as she cut in.
Selene watched her walk away, her lips parted in silent thought.
“The King wants to have dinner with you,” Nyra said when Arianna got to her chamber.
Finally, the King had decided to speak to her.
His spicy scent filled her nostrils the moment the guards opened the door for her.
Duncan, who sat across the table, gave her a smile—one that didn’t reach his eyes.
“Good evening, Your Highness,” she greeted, and he returned the gesture.
His shoulders seemed tense, as though his own presence was suffocating him.
Arianna didn’t like the atmosphere, so she spoke first.
“How was your day?”
“My day was fine.” His words didn’t sound sincere. “How was yours?” he asked.
“Same here.” Arianna bit the inside of her cheek. The conversation wasn’t going as well as she had hoped.
“I’m sorry, Ari. I haven’t been spending enough time with you,” he said, not looking at her.
“It’s fine. But I’m here whenever you need me, Dun,” she said with a warm smile. “Always.”
He took a deep breath, a small smile tugging at his lips.
“I’ve talked to Lucas,” he began in a cautious voice, “and he suggested I take another woman as my bride.” His words tumbled out quickly.
She didn’t say anything. No expression. No words.
She had expected this. After what had happened, she knew something like this would come up, but hearing it sent a chill down her spine.
It was a fair suggestion. If Duncan ended up crowning her and they found out what she was, things might not end well. It could put Duncan in a tight spot.
However, the thought of sharing Duncan with another woman was unbearable.
After all, there were many Alphas who married more than one wife.
“Oh,” she muttered, her palm turning sweaty. “So have you given him a reply?”
He scrutinized her for a while before replying.
“No.”
Arianna swallowed. He was considering it. This is for the betterment of the realm, Aria… the king needs a queen the realm will accept.
“Hm.” She returned her focus to her meal, suddenly losing her appetite but still pretend to be eating.
“You’re not saying anything, Ari.”
“It’s for the realm’s good,” she replied, calmly despite the scream building in her throat and how words tasted bitter in her tone.
“You’re the King, and I’m your mate. I’ll support you in any way."
“Are you upset?” His tone was gentle.
“Why would I be upset? I don’t have the right to be.”
“Ari, look at me,” he said, but she couldn’t. Her spoon worked aimlessly on her plate.
“Ari, please look at me.”
And that did it. Arianna’s eyes met his worried gaze. Her mind was empty, yet there was so much she wanted to say.
"I'm sorry," he whispered, shattering her heart further.
That night, she lay on her bed, staring at the ceiling. Can she really take it if Duncan takes another woman as his wife?
He hadn’t given her a clear answer whether he was going to do it or not. She wouldn’t blame him if he did… A King must do what it takes to protect the realm.
What would she be then? A concubine?
Arianna shut her eyes.
No.
Her brows furrowed.
She’d need to talk to the Grand Lord.