The Lycan King's Forbidden Craving - Chapter 119: Chapter 119

DUNCAN'S CHAMBER
“The black market is being shut down, and the Chief Overseer is in custody at the moment, my King,” Lord Fredrick informed the brute male behind the oak desk, whose hooded eyes were buried in his work.
Brows creased and his poised regal.
“And the slaves in their custody? Have proper investigations been done on them? Those with false death claims should be set free immediately. Their workers should be punished accordingly for I never approved such,” Duncan commanded, his voice thick with power.
“Yes, Your Grace…” Fredrick hesitated, fidgeting nervously.
With the black market on the brink of extinction, many devious nobles involved in that dark organization would be furious and in tight seat as the king was now haunting them.
The King had been occupied for the past few years due to his illness, too distracted to glance in that direction. But now, since the black market had been one of the reasons his woman had suffered, the King was shutting it down.
“Why did you choose to bring a slave from the black market?” Finally, the question came making Fredrick's shoulder stiffed.
“When I heard an Alpha’s daughter was to be sold in the black market… I thought… perhaps…” his voice faltered. "She would be strong enough to satisfy you, your Grace... I'm sorry."
Fredrick bowed deeply.
Duncan’s actions paused as he finally glanced up. His gaze was piercing and cold. “You didn’t conduct a full investigation. That could have cost her life.”
“Forgive me, Your Grace. I did send a letter to the Ravenswood Pack immediately, asking if Arianna Greystone was truly a traitor at that time.”
Duncan’s eyes narrowed. “And?”
“I received a reply confirming that she had indeed betrayed the pack.”
Duncan’s thick brows knitted further. “But Kael had no idea Arianna is still alive.”
“The message wasn’t from Kael Fangton. It was from one of the former Elders—Rowan,” Fredrick explained, his voice cautious and his head remain lowered. “When the palace soldiers went to arrest those involved in the atrocities against Lady Arianna, the Elder was missing—and we still haven’t found him.”
Duncan let out a low growl, his eyes flashing, making Fredrick's blood ran cold.
“And why in the goddamn world am I just hearing this now?”
“Forgive me, Your Grace. The soldiers are still searching for him.”
Fredrick released the breath he had been holding when the King returned his gaze to his work.
“When the soldiers find him, bring him to me,” he declared, then paused. “As for the betrothal day approaching…”
•••••••
“Where would my lady like to go today?” Nyra asked as Arianna lay on her bed, staring blankly at the hairpin—the one the King had gifted her.
Her appearance was disheveled. There was a dark circle around her eyes, lips dry and skin a little paled.
“I shall stay in my chamber,” she whispered in reply.
“What about the library? Or perhaps the stable you secretly visit sometimes?”
Arianna blinked, startled. “Wait… how did you know?”
“Whispers, my lady. The air in the palace carries what the eyes see. My lady likes animals.”
Arianna smiled. “I’ve been visiting the King’s favorite horse. Its offspring is growing really well—strong, with a beautiful white coat just like its mother.”
“Shall we go visit them, then?”
“No.” Arianna’s smile faded as she rolled, facing the other side of her bed. “I’ll stay in my chamber. As a matter of fact, I want to sleep some more.”
She drew the quilt over her body and shut her eyes.
Last night, she had admitted to the Grand Lord that she loved Duncan. Oh dear… those words had spilled out before she could control them.
She hadn’t even waited for his reply before leaving. The anxiety since then had been unbearable.
“Are you planning to spend the whole day in bed?”
Arianna’s eyes snapped open at the new voice. Deep, chilling, yet chamber. She glanced up only to find the King hovering over her.
She had been so lost in thought that she hadn’t heard him come in.
Arianna’s breath hitched. His face was suddenly too close, catching her off guard.
“You can’t stay in bed all day little flame.”
“But I want to.”
“Why?”
“Nothing,” she muttered, looking away—but he reached for her jaw and turned her face back to his.
“You need a reason to… or…” His gaze flicked down to her lips. “I’ll give you one. Hell, you won’t be able to get out of bed the next day.”
Heat crept onto her cheek.
“I shall have my bath now,” she said, sitting up—but he pushed her gently back and hovered over her.
He stared at her, eyes locked onto hers for an immeasurable amount of time. Her heart thundered, the only sound echoing in the quiet room.
“You look cute when your hair looks like it’s having a party, inviting everyone except the comb.”
“Says the mighty King who has a lot to work on… especially choosing another woman,” she muttered, burying her face in the sheets.
Duncan chuckled. “How come you acted fine when I said that before?”
“You are the King. You can marry as many women as you want,” she said, her voice sounding like someone on the verge of snapping.
“How cute.”
Why was he suddenly in a good mood. Was he trying to bribe her with his charm this morning? No, it's not going to work.
Perhaps staying away from him will reduce her attachment with the king, that way she'll be able to bare it.... Right...?
“Bathe with me,” he demanded.
Arianna buried her face deeper beneath the sheets not wanting to look at him.
“You smell like a man who just bathed. I’ll have mine later,” she countered.
Duncan didn’t argue. Instead, he lifted her effortlessly, swinging her over his shoulder.
“No! What are you doing?” she snapped.
“Trust me, I love this angry and stubborn side of yours. Freaking cute.”
He was already walking toward the bathroom.
“Dun! Let me down now!”
“Oh, you're you commanding the King now, my lady?” he asked, voice teasing. Gosh! He was making this hard for her.
“That’s not fair!”
Later, Arianna was in the bathtub with Duncan, the warm water enveloping them both. Her arms clung to her body while the King washed her back.
“I can do it,” she said stubbornly.
King Duncan paused momentarily before continuing. Once he was done, he ordered,
“Turn around,” he whispered hoarsely. Arianna swallowed hard, unmoving.
“Turn around, Ari, or I’m going to fuck you so hard. And make sure the maids outside the door will hear of it.”