The Lycan King's Forbidden Craving - Chapter 145: Chapter 145

Lucas had assigned some of his men to check if the news had already reached the people of the realm, and then instructed a few strong soldiers to protect Arianna at all costs.
“My Lord, if the news has reached every Lord of Emissaries then Lady Arianna will stand trial? Perhaps we should send a message to the King.”
“The situation would still be the same even if he were here,” Lucas let out a sigh. “Besides, according to the Seer, that ritual is very important for the future of the realm. Sending a message might hinder the process.”
“If he doesn’t return soon, and if I’m unable to stop the trial,” Lucas let out another deep, calming breath, “then we’ll have no choice but to inform him.”
“Join the remaining guards and protect Lady Arianna for now,” Lucas said, rising to his feet. “I’ll go talk to Valoreth.”
Falcon saluted, inclining his head.
•••••••••••••
{AMBASSADOR WING}
The doors creaked open as Lucas stepped into the room, spotting Valoreth by the fire, casually sipping his wine.
“You’ve come,” Valoreth said, his smile tight. “I was wondering how long it’d take the King’s shadow to reach me.”
Lucas’s boots echoed as he approached. “If you think you can stir the court against her in his absence, you’ve made a grave mistake.”
Valoreth’s gaze darkened, but his voice remained calm. “I'm not stirring anything, Beta. Just shedding light on truths that were hidden in darkness. Let the realm judge for itself.”
“Truths,” Lucas echoed, voice low and steady. “You mean the twisted version you're feeding them.”
Valoreth chuckled softly, setting the Goblet down with a gentle clink on the marble mantle. “It must be exhausting, standing guard over someone else’s lies.”
Lucas stepped closer, the heat of the fire brushing his face. “Careful, Valoreth. That tongue of yours might earn you more than just exile.”
Valoreth tilted his head mockingly. “You threaten me on royal ground? Tsk. I expected more finesse from the King’s right hand.”
“I don’t need finesse to handle rats,” Lucas bit out, eyes sharp. “You want a trial? You want chaos? You're playing a dangerous game, and I don’t think you’ve calculated the cost.”
“Oh, I have.” Valoreth folded his arms. “I’ve calculated everything. That the moment that girl had stepped foot into this Citadel, she became our ruin. And I refuse to bow to a throne the enemies' blood is about to take.”
Lucas’s jaw ticked.
“Have you forgotten all they’ve done? She is their goddess’s daughter. What if the Ouroboros strikes the moment she claims the Grand Queen’s throne? What if everything they said was a lie?” Valoreth’s voice slowly rose. “I'm not foolish enough to believe their goddess gave us power and that they still exist without dragons—or that they won't burn our home once again.”
Lucas scoffed. “You’re more delusional than I thought. Tell me, are you here for the sake of the realm, or simply to defy the King—just like you've wanted to for years?”
“The King cannot see ahead because he is in love with her. You're jumping to conclusions.”
“So are you,” Lucas countered. “You believe only the side that suits your ego. Arianna Greystone is one of us—Alpha blood at that—and she grew up in this realm. She’s the reason the King is himself again. The reason our land is beginning to flourish.”
“I believe what I see.” Lucas stepped closer, now standing directly in front of Valoreth. They were the same height, though Lucas was slightly more built. “And what I see is a woman who won’t fall at your feet the way you want. I’ve seen her bleed for this realm without asking for the crown—and I’ll do anything to protect her.”
Seeing Valoreth had no words, Lucas turned to leave—but Valoreth's voice stopped him.
“If you're wondering whether the other wings of the Emissaries have heard about her bloodline—” Valoreth smirked. “You think I came to the Citadel without informing them?” A dark, soft chuckle followed. “The court will rise and choose a date for her trial. She will stand before us whether you want it or not. It’s out of your hands now, Beta Lucas.”
Lucas shut his eyes, containing his anger. Then he opened them and shot a cold, dangerous look at Valoreth.
“Whatever. I’m done talking to you,” he muttered, and left the room.
••••••
The Next Day…
While Nyra was brushing Arianna’s hair whose gaze was fixed on a book, a knock sounded on the door.
“Oh, they’re here.” Nyra finished up and rushed to open the door while Arianna shut her book and kept it.
Stepping in, Selene’s worried gaze immediately settled on Arianna. She rushed over and held her hand.
“Are you alright?” she asked, her eyes welling with tears.
Arianna nodded with a faint smile. “I guess.”
Selene threw her arms around her, embracing her warmly. “I was worried all night.”
“I'm fine. I just needed rest—to cool off my brain, that’s all.”
Selene broke the hug and nodded. Determination flashed in her eyes. “We’ll get past this, okay? Everything will fall back into place. We’ve got your back.”
Arianna’s smile widened, then she shifted her gaze toward the figure standing at the threshold. The girl’s gaze dropped the moment their eyes met.
Arianna sighed and took a step forward. “Why are you standing there?”
Lylah looked up, guilt etching every inch of her face. She looked away, fixing her eyes on the floor and playing with the hem of her dress.
“I’m sorry… I… I should just leave—”
“Aren’t you going to give your big sister a hug?”
Lylah’s eyes widened in shock, snapping toward her sister, who spread her arms wide with a smile.
In a soft voice Arianna asked. "Don’t you miss me, or what?”