The Lycan King's Forbidden Craving - Chapter 134: Chapter 134

Duncan woke up early, before the sun rose over the horizon. He glanced at his sleeping mate beside him, his gaze soft as he reached out to place a gentle kiss on her forehead.
She stirred slightly in response but didn’t open her eyes. Her expression was tired, and the red marks he had left on her body the night before grazed her skin.
“I’ll be right back, dearest,” he whispered, brushing the hair away from her face and placing another gentle kiss on her lips.
He rose and left the chamber. Falcon saluted upon seeing him.
“Make sure you stay with her every step of the way. Protect her while I’m gone.”
“Understood, Your Grace.”
Only a few knew about his departure. As usual, Lucas would handle the affairs in his absence. Duncan made sure he'd be reassured Arianna would be well protected while he was away.
And as for the ritual, he would try his best to complete it and return as soon as possible.
••••••••
Arianna woke up to find the space beside her empty. Moaning, she sat up in bed, her bones ache from last night's intimacy with the king.
“My Lady,” Nyra said, stepping in with a cup of herbs. “The King instructed me to give you this once you woke up. It’ll strengthen you for your travel.”
“Thank you,” she said, accepting the herbs and drinking them in one go.
She rose from the bed to prepare for her journey. Today, she would head to the Ravenhood Pack to see her people.
Oh, she couldn’t wait. She missed them so much.
“My Lady, would you like me to pack these as well?” Nyra asked politely, holding up a few dresses.
Arianna turned her gaze from the mirror to Nyra.
“Just the gold and the two silver ones. I don’t want to pack much since I won’t stay that long,” she responded. Silver had become her favorite color—she wasn’t sure if it was because of her bloodline.
Arianna continued putting on her jewelry—just her earrings and necklace. She struggled with the necklace, and Nyra quickly stepped in to help.
“There you go, My Lady,” Nyra said with a smile.
“Thank you, Nyra,” Arianna smiled back. She was already missing the King. She knew he had left at dawn, and the ache of his absence had lingered since she woke.
Relax, Arianna. It’s not like you won’t see him again. It hadn't even been a day.
She had her own journey—to visit her home.
“The guards are ready,” Nyra said, pulling her from her thoughts. “Your horse is ready as well and awaits at the south gate.”
Arianna nodded and followed her.
Clad in a grey traveling cloak, her shoulder-length hair loosely braided down her back, Arianna exited her chamber with Nyra by her side.
At the gate, Falcon stood beside the horses. He bowed at the sight of her.
The horse for her was the King’s favorite—the white one she loved. Duncan must have given instructions for her to ride it. The thought brought a warm smile to her face.
“We’ll ride light but fast. We should reach Ravenhood before nightfall.”
“Thank you.” That was one thing about her—she respected and appreciated everyone around her: servants, guards, maids, even slaves. She treated them all with kindness.
This action bought respect in the eyes of those around her.
Selene stood at a distance after bidding Arianna goodbye. Their gazes met briefly, both wearing small smiles.
“Someone is about to leave without saying goodbye,” a voice called out.
Arianna turned to see Lylah, arms crossed over her chest.
“You know I’d never do that,” Arianna snickered.
“Just kidding,” Lylah shrugged.
“Come here, little bear,” Arianna said, stretching out her arms to hug her little sister. “Promise you won’t cause trouble while I’m gone,” she added as they pulled apart.
“Oh, come on, Aria. I’m a warrior—I’m not going to keep that promise.”
Arianna almost rolled her eyes at the sarcasm.
“Goodbye, Lylah,” the sisters kissed each other's cheeks.
Lylah watched her sister mount the horse. The three guards, including Falcon and Nyra, followed, and together they rode away.
••••••
Hopping her way back to the barracks, Lylah decided to sneak into the corridor that led to Lord Lucas’ study room.
She hid behind a pillar to take a quick peek.
There, she saw the Grand Lord standing by the passage with his hands folded behind him. He was speaking with someone, though his broad frame obstructed her view.
She couldn’t hear them—she didn’t need to. She just wanted to stare at him.
He was composed, handsome, everything a woman could want. His robe was night blue, flowing down his form. His hair was neatly tied today, revealing his strong jawline.
He titled his head backward slightly, still talking to an insignificant being she didn’t care to notice—those crimson eyes came slightly into view.
Gods.
She pressed herself tighter against the pillar, her heart drumming in her chest. She would never admit it aloud. This was stupid—she was stupid… yet, here she was.
She wouldn’t deny she was hurt when the Grand Lord rejected her demand that night. Perhaps she should have just gone for it.
She should have just kissed him and satisfy her craving.
Lylah, you are freaking crazy!
Her eyes narrowed when she finally caught a glimpse of the person Lucas was speaking to. A woman?!
A swirl of questions flooded her mind. Who is she?
That certainly wasn’t Lucas’s previous mate. She had heard the woman had dark skin—a rare kind of Lycan.
As if reading her thoughts, the woman took a step forward, just enough so she could see Lucas’s face. Lylah concealed herself again behind the pillar to avoid being spotted.
Lucas nodded to the woman’s words, and she turned her gaze away, allowing Lylah to peek out once more for a clearer view.
The woman was beautiful, and judging from her fine dress, she must be a noble.
Lylah had never seen Lord Lucas speaking with a noblewoman before. Seeing them together made her bite her tongue.
As if sensing something, Lucas paused mid-sentence. His head slowly titling and nose twitching as if catching a scent.
Shit!
Lylah quickly hid again before he could glance her way. She stayed frozen, even holding her breath.
If Lucas caught her stalking, he wouldn’t like it.
After a while, she decided peeked again—they were still talking. Again, Lucas tilted his head, and Lylah ducked back.
Phew. Lylah, just get out of here before you get caught.
Wait. One more time. Just one last look and then she’d head back to the barracks.
Taking a deep breath, she stuck her head out again—only to crash her face into a hard chest.
Lylah froze, the hairs on her arms standing up as the familiar strong scent hit her nose.
Slowly, she slid her gaze upward to his face. Beta Lucas was staring down at her with one thick brow raised.
Lylah chuckled awkwardly, raising a hand, she greeted.
“Hello.”