The Lycan King's Forbidden Craving - Chapter 120: Chapter 120

That did it. Arianna spun around to face him and Duncan smiled, continuing his task of helping her bathe.
He was restraining himself—hell, it was hard. Ash was roaring beneath the surface, but today he planned to spend the whole day with her, and wearing her out wasn’t part of the plan. He would—but not yet.
However, it turned out he was deceiving himself. Arianna’s naked frame was impossible to resist. Her scent was driving him insane. The way her wet hair clung to her face, the drops of water cascading down her proclein skin…
Hell, he could see her erect nipples beneath the water, could hear her shaky breath through those parted, wet pink lips. Could hear her heart pounding so hard beneath in her chest.
“I shall take my leave and let you finish,” he suggested, and her eyes widened with confusion.
Dressing up, Arianna found Duncan clad in his fine, comfortable royal tunic, already waiting for her.
He took a moment to take in her comfortable, simple and elegant flowing gown with a belt clading her slender waist.
Then he offered his hand for a walk.
“It’s a beautiful day, is it not?” Arianna commented, gazing at the clear sky, birds flying freely across it.
“Indeed, it is,” Duncan replied. Holding her close. He had been listening to her talks for the past half an hour and it had been beautiful.
Arianna looked at him, only to realize he had been staring at her the whole time.
“You’re not looking at the sky,” she commented.
“Do I have to? With you here, the day is beautiful” he asked, and her lips pressed into a thin line.
He’s too sweet. Oh God, her heart might explode.
Wait! Arianna, he could be acting this way because he was going to take in another woman? Her smile disappeared.
Duncan noticed her change in expression, but before he could speak, he spotted Lucas approaching.
Arianna saw him too, and her face paled. The male’s steps were gentle, his expression unreadable—not giving Arianna too much hope.
Duncan took a step forward, subtly shielding her with his frame.
Lucas halted, his gaze locking with the King's for a while before he gently slammed his right fist against the left side of his chest and knelt on one knee.
“My King…” Lucas began, his voice composed.
Arianna held her breath, her fingers brushing against the sleeve of Duncan’s tunic from behind. Duncan didn’t speak—only watched him.
“I came here to say… I was wrong.” Lucas lifted his head, his eyes burning not with shame, but with certainty. “Wrong to doubt her. Wrong to question the bond you share.”
Arianna blinked, her lips parting slightly in surprise.
What?
“I looked at it the wrong way, forgetting that she is one of us as well,” he said, shifting his gaze to Arianna. “She’s a woman who would burn and rise again, just to protect the man she loves.”
Arianna’s eyes widened further.
Holy shit! He just exposed her confession.
Lucas turned back to Duncan. “And if she is the woman you’ve chosen—if she’s the one the Moon Goddess has bound to your soul—then I shall not only accept her…”
He rose to his feet, voice unwavering. “I shall protect her. With the same fervor I’ve used to protect this kingdom, I will protect your future queen.”
Arianna couldn't close her mouth. Was this a dream?
“Very well, my friend,” Duncan smiled, pride filling his eyes. “You did well.”
Lucas gave Arianna a respectful bow. “My lady.”
“My lord,” her voice trembled slightly—not only because the Beta accepted her, but also because he had just mentioned she loved Duncan.
“Your Grace,” another voice cut through.
Falcon approached with a middle-aged man, clad in simple but fine attire.
“The head of the palace stylists is here,” Falcon announced, and the man gave Duncan a deep bow.
“Your Grace, how may I be of service?” the male behind Falcon asked.
“Make a beautiful dress for my woman here,” he said, taking Arianna's hand and gently nudging her forward.
Arianna blinked. “What? Is… is there an occasion?”
“Your betrothal,” Duncan replied, and Arianna felt her heart stop for real. Did she hear him right? Betrothed? She was getting betrothed?
“F…for real?” Her breath became unsteady.
“You know,” he held both of her hands, gazing straight into her silver eyes, “I asked myself, if I were to share you with another man, how would I feel?” His voice was quiet and gentle. “Just the thought of it made my blood boil. I would go on a rampage, tear down everything that comes to my path until the only male you see is me.”
A tear fell from her eyes, tracing a slow path on her cheek.
“I know you feel the same way.” He reached for the tear, wiping the tears away with his thumb. “I shouldn’t have asked if you’d be fine with me taking another woman. That was selfish of me.”
Her breath rasped. “Dun…”
“You’re the only woman for me,” he whispered. "The only one I want."
Overwhelmed, she immediately wrapped her arms around him, hugging him tight.
“Oh heavens,” she muttered against his chest with tears spilling out her eyes.
“Huh?” Lucas’ voice echoed as he blinked. “How the hell did you get so romantic all of a sudden?”
“Shut up, Lucas,” Duncan shot a glare at him while still holding his woman close.
Lucas let out a chuckle, a soft, genuine laugh.
“And you,” Duncan looked at the male stylist. His soft look was gone, replaced with his usual piercing gaze.
“Make the most beautiful dress for her. Screw it up, and I’ll cut off your hands.”
The stylist’s face paled.
Arianna looked up from his chest. “Dun…”
Duncan looked back at her, his gaze softening as if the coldness was never there.
“Just kidding, dearest,” he muttered.
However, when he looked back at the stylist, his face turned cold again. “I’m fucking serious. I’m really going to cut that hand.”