The Lycan King's Forbidden Craving - Chapter 168: Chapter 168

"Really?” Arianna chuckled as Selene spoke about beyond the realm. Even though the head maid was smiling ear to ear, Arianna could see a hint of sadness in her eyes.
“Yeah. He was a stubborn little kid. Lylah reminds me of him,” Selene said.
“Ashton is probably all grown up by now. And alive—he’s a survivor, after all,” Arianna shrugged. As the head maid's smile brightened, Arianna decided to change the topic.
“I’ve been wondering… did Valkyrie go through all this Queen training before the Grand Festival? I only remember her proudly walking around the palace with no intention of studying.”
Selene chuckled. “No. Valkyrie was lazy while she was the King’s betrothed, and the King didn’t force her since he didn’t really have any interest in making her his Queen.”
Lylah chuckled from around the corner. “Sure she was. I knew the bitch was lazy—wanting something that wasn't meant for her,” she said, indirectly referring to someone else.
She was lounging in a chair, reading a combat book, her legs crossed and resting on the table.
“You’ve been cursing quite a lot these days, Lylah,” Arianna commented.
“That’s the sweet part of being eighteen.” Lylah took a bite of the clean apple in her hand while Arianna shook her head in disbelief.
“The King wants you to be a true Queen, not just a breeder to provide an heir. He cares deeply for your reputation,” Selene continued.
Speaking of reputation, Nyra who had been her eyes and ears in the palace reported what she overheard from other maids:
‘She’s asking for a gathering. Does she think she could really convince us with her words without knowing what we want?’
‘Why won’t the King just dethrone her?’
‘It’s not that easy. The realm is still in chaos.’
“I think I have to go to the city in disguise tonight,” Arianna finally said. Lylah’s book nearly dropped, and Selene’s eyes widened.
“My Lady, that is dangerous,” Selene countered.
“I need to know what the realm truly thinks of me. I need to hear them myself—and use that to gain their trust. I have to act, not just speak.”
Why hadn’t she thought of this before? When it comes to winning trust, you have to know what kind of hearts you’re dealing with. Put yourself in their shoes—and act as though you are convincing yourself.
How could she convince the realm without really getting to know them herself first?
Duncan wore the same expression as Selene when she told him—quiet, with an arched brow and a look that screamed disapproval.
“You’re not going out there, Ari. Not in your condition,” he muttered.
“Dun, I need to listen to them myself. Especially the women and children. People don’t speak honestly in front of the crown and guards. But they do in taverns, marketplaces, alleys, bakeries—all of it. Truth spills. Gossip, hate, hopes—everything I need to know,” she explained, and saw his expression slowly begin to ease.
“Now that the chaos is on heat, there’ll be whispers at every corner. Now is the best chance,” she added.
“But we have guards in disguise to hear them out,” Duncan said softly, stepping closer and stopping in front of her. “You’re carrying our child, Ari. It’s dangerous.”
“I know. But it would be different hearing it directly. You’ve done that before. Words won’t be enough to convince them. The realm is probably tired of hearing promises. They need to see who I am before they can follow me. I need to find a way to reach their hearts,” she said.
Duncan exhaled, battling with the thought. He knew she was right—but still—
“Please,” she whispered, cupping his face. “I’ll be careful.”
“Fine… only if I come with you.”
“But—”
“No buts. You think I’ll let my woman and child wander alone? No. I’m not assigning guards for your safety—I’ll be your guard,” he said.
Not that she doesn't want him to follow her, she was simply worried Duncan might flare up if they say shit about her.
She gave him a look, and he understood. Wrapping his arms around her waist, he continued.
“The gathering preparations are finished. Honestly, your idea is really good. Understanding them before trying to convince or lead them—it’s a solid plan. Once that’s done, leave the rest to me, dearest.”
She wrapped her arms around his neck, and he pulled her close.
Night fell. Duncan made the preparations. Arianna disguised herself as a common woman this time, since she would be amidst women and children.
She had some subtle changes done to her face and even adjusted her figure, lessening the fullness of her breasts. Her hair was tied into a messy bun and there was pink flickers on her cheeks.
Duncan outstretched a hand to help her mount in front of him.
From a distance, Selene and Lylah stood waving with smiles.
“I love you, sis. Stay safe your majesty,” Lylah mouthed.
“Take care your highnesses,” Selene said.
They would be back by tomorrow night and prepare for the gathering happening in two days.
And so, they rode out into the dark of night, their mission burning in their hearts.
••••••••
The next morning, Lucas ensured the King and Arianna’s journey remained a secret.
When he heard about Arianna’s plan, he was impressed—but at the same time, a bit concerned.
But as long as the King was with her, she would be safe.
“My Lord,” Falcon’s voice came from the door, and Lucas looked up from his desk. “You have a visitor.”
Within a minute, Lucas was seated before Oren. The middle-aged woman looked nervous as she waited while Lucas read Mearina’s letter, shock etching across his face with each word.
Oren had managed to sneak out to come deliver this to him.
“That bastard?!” Lucas muttered, slamming his fist on the desk in anger. Oren flinched at the outburst.
Lucas looked at the woman. “Tell me everything that happened. Do not leave out a single word.”
“Yes, my Lord, it all started with an argument between the four Lords of Emissaries. I was outside the door, overhearing what they were discussing the King’s woman. Lord Merek and Lord Atheon chose to support the King, but Lord Valoreth and Damaris were relentless. The argument grew so intense it turned into a fight.”
Lucas’s fingers tapped gently on the table as he listened. His blood boiling over.
“Lord Merek and Atheon left the eastern wing in anger, swearing they would act after Lady Arianna’s gathering. But Lord Valoreth wasn’t the type to let things go. He and Lord Damaris decided to kill the other Lords using a forbidden ritual. One they’re planning to perform while the palace is distracted by the gathering holding tomorrow.”
Tears spilled down the maid’s face.
She dropped to her knees, trembling in fear. “It was said to require three hearts for the ritual… Lord Valoreth is going to use Lady Mearina’s children.”
There was no skipped heartbeat. The maid was telling the truth.
The question was—why the fuck would Valoreth and Damaris go that far? As far as using a forbidden ritual poison like Cor Triantha?
“Yesterday, I overheard them saying they’ve found two Ouroboros disguised within the realm. They planned to hide them and then frame them for stealing the forbidden books of the Ancient Lycan and using it against the Lords. And stain Lady Arianna's name. That way, they'll kill two birds with one stone."
She bowed her head completely, sobbing uncontrollably.
“Please, my Lord… for heaven’s sake, save my Lady and make those Lords pay… please.”
Lucas’s fingers caressed his jaw, his gaze cold as ice.