The Lycan King's Forbidden Craving - Chapter 20: Chapter 20

Arianna blinked repeatedly, desperately hoping the King wasn’t standing before her right now.
Those deep, golden amber eyes pierced through her like a blade, pinning her in place.
Her mouth hung open, but no words came out. It was as though she had forgotten how to use her mouth, even as the King stepped closer, closing the distance between them. His scent enveloped her entire being.
She stood frozen, completely mesmerized and trapped by his gaze.
Speak, Arianna! Say something!
“Hi.”
No! Oh, shit, Arianna, are you insane?!
“I mean... Good morning, Your Grace,” she quickly corrected, praying the King wouldn’t order the soldiers to hang her head on a spike. How dare she greet her master, the King, so casually?
“I’m deeply sorry, Your Grace. I didn’t mean to say that, I just…” She paused when the King moved closer, causing her to instinctively step back, her eyes still locked with his.
“You just what?” he asked, his deep voice rumbling through his chest.
“I just…” Arianna swallowed as her back touched a table behind her. She cleared her throat. “I just... I just happen to love reading, Your Grace. The library is one of the places I find tranquility.”
“Back in your pack?” he asked, his voice edged with a hint of softness. His eyes studying her.
“Yes, Your Grace. I used to read with my father before he died. I miss home. I wish I hadn’t trusted him.” Arianna’s voice faltered, sadness creeping in. Yet, her first conversation with the King was surprisingly going a bit smoother than she expected.
“Who?”
“My ex-mate,” she replied.
“You had a mate?” he questioned, his voice tinged with something she couldn’t quite place.
For a fleeting moment, she saw something shift in his gaze. It happened so quickly, she almost missed it. Her gaze remained locked with his.
“Yes, Your Grace. He betrayed and rejected me just to take my place in the pack.”
King Duncan’s jaw clenched hard. He tilted his head slightly, leaning forward. “No slave has ever stared at their master this long. You’re breaking a lot of records, little flame.”
His words held so much meaning, one that left Arianna hanging desperately for clarity.
“Little flame?” The nickname coursed through her like adrenaline.
“It suits someone like you. Too much flame that might burn you alive. Down to the ashes, fading away into the wind, never to exist again,” he whispered.
Arianna pressed her lips together tightly. Her eyes swirling in confusion. “What… flame?”
King Duncan’s eyes flicked to the book in her hand. He reached out and took it from her.
“You should be taught how to behave like a slave. I’ll let this slide, but I won’t next time. This isn’t your pack.”
Arianna’s chest tightened. Did he know how much those words hit her?
“Your Grace…”
“Let me make this clear, little flame. You’re spared in the Grand Court, alive because my Lycan beast craves you,” he almost growled, and Arianna’s heart sank to her feet. “You saw how it almost devoured you last night. You’re here to satisfy my beast, even if it breaks you. Once it's done, I'll toss you aside.”
Why? Why was he suddenly cold?
She had just been sharing her story with him, and now his icy demeanor froze her.
Besides, why did it feel like her heart was clashing against her chest, making it hard to breathe?
Maybe she shouldn’t have mentioned the word mate, knowing how sensitive that word might be to him.
“I don’t care how you got here. You’re my slave, and that should stick in your head. Am I clear?" He questioned.
"Yes your Grace," she breathe, a tear almost slipping from her eye.
"Give Selene my order that she should train you. Now go.”
Arianna bowed. “Yes, Your Grace.”
As the door shut behind her, tears finally fell, trailing slow paths down her face.
She quickly wiped them away. It hurt so much. Why does it hurt so much?
She looked up and met Valkyrie’s gaze. The prideful-looking woman frowned, but then a smirk curled up onto her red, glittering lips after seeing her tears.
“Oh. I guess you now know your place, slave.” Valkyrie sneered.
Without a word, Arianna started walking away. Valkyrie reached to grab her hair, but Arianna dodged the attack, causing Valkyrie to stagger forward.
“I’m the King’s slave, not yours, my lady.” Arianna held her head high, her posture exuding an air of confidence. One would think she was the noblewoman and Valkyrie the servant.
“I’m afraid you can’t treat me like one,” Arianna said in a firm voice.
“You bitch,” Valkyrie cursed. “How dare you sleep in the King’s chamber!”
“Do you have your ears at the bottom of your feet? I. Am. The. King’s. Slave,” Arianna stated, ringing out each words clear. “If you’re so bothered by it, how about you ask the King yourself?”
Valkyrie lost it. No one—absolutely no one—had ever insulted her this way.
“Arrest her!” she roared at the guards, who immediately stepped forward, grabbing Arianna by the arms.
“You’ll see what I can do to you. Have you heard of the sacred dungeon? The one here in the Citadel, with chains that held the fiercest beast? One that would rip you apart? That is the place I would make you rot for your insolence!” she spat.
Just then, a deep, familiar voice sounded behind Valkyrie.
“Or maybe you, Valkyrie… if you don’t let her go.”