The Lycan King's Forbidden Craving - Chapter 35: Chapter 35

Under the shining moonlight and the cool night breeze, Arianna smiled at Atlas’s childhood joke. It had been a while since she last smiled. But the moment was ruined whenever thoughts of the King slipped in.
Since morning, it had been like that—his face, his words, his touch, all slipping in and out of her mind.
Sometimes, she would glance at the passage, hoping to catch a glimpse of him or hear a soldier announce his presence.
She had even excused herself with the lie of needing to relieve herself, only to sneak toward the large, imposing passage leading to his chamber, taking a peek.
Two soldiers stood guarding the entrance, his door locked from the outside. He wasn’t inside.
Where was he?
What could he be doing right now?
Dining with his betrothed?
Arianna almost hissed at the thought. Perfect—two rude people together.
You don’t expect him to apologize for yelling at you, do you?
Right. He was known as the cold, ruthless King, but didn’t he have even a shred of softness in him? Did he even have a heart?
“Aria?” Atlas’s voice pulled her out of her thoughts. “What are you thinking?” he asked curiously.
Arianna didn't really feel comfortable with Atlas calling her 'Aria'. It was ment for those close to her, but since he had insisted to keep calling her that, she had no choice.
Shaking her head, she replied. “Oh, nothing,” she cleared her throat. Could she not think about that asshole for just a moment?
Yes. In her mind, the king was an asshole. Not that she dared to say it out loud—that would be a death wish. But he was.
“Are you upset at someone? You look like you’re about to rip someone’s head off,” Atlas teased, grinning from ear to ear.
Arianna decided to be honest. “Yes, I am, actually. His exasperating attitude has been occupying my mind for a while.”
Atlas’s smile faltered slightly, curiosity flashing in his gaze. “Was it the guard who challenged you last night?”
“No.”
“Who is it? If he hurt you, I’ll take him down at all costs,” Atlas declared, his seriousness making Arianna snicker. Only if he knew who I was referring to.
“I need to head back to my room, Master,” Arianna announced, rising to her feet. She gave him a light bow. “Thank you so much for your company.”
Atlas noted that she wasn’t ready to stay any longer so he nodded. "I'll see you around, Aria."
Arianna wasn’t oblivious to the fact that Atlas harbored feelings for her. It was obvious in his every action, every word, every gaze.
He was a nice person, but she didn’t see him that way, and she knew she would hurt him when he finally decides to confess.
She only hoped that day wouldn’t come too soon.
As she headed to her room, whispers and gossip reached her ears. Some of the slaves had gathered in a corner…
“Is she crazy? Sparring with the Beta?” one of them spoke, clearly shocked.
Was that Brigid again? Selene would be furious if she heard this.
“She has a small body, yet a big mind. I don’t think she even has a wolf yet. She’s so young.”
Hold on. That wasn’t Brigid. Arianna decided to listen further.
“Too bad the soldiers chased us away before the fight started. She looked familiar, though,” another whispered in a hushed voice, making Arianna approach carefully and silently to hear them more clearly.
The same voice continued, “Back when the King, the Beta, and some other warriors went on a midnight hunt in the Dark Forest, Lord Lucas returned with the same girl. I was among the slaves who washed her clean and changed her clothing. She is definitely the one.”
Arianna’s face slowly paled. It better not be what I’m thinking.
“She told Lord Lucas to let her off the hook and make her join the warriors if she won. But if she didn’t… she’d die in the spar.”
Why did their words feel like they were referring to—oh, dear full moon. It shouldn’t be.
But then, the last voice spoke. “She also requested to meet her sister… what a weird—”
A gasp behind them cut the voice off.
They looked up to see Arianna standing there, eyes wide.
Dark Forest. A spar. Warrior. Sister… That was something only Lylah would do!
Without wasting a second, Arianna spun around, running to leave the wing—only for the guards to step before her, blocking her path.
“I need to leave!” she snapped.
The guard glared at her and gruffly spat, “Slaves are to be confined to their chambers at this hour!”
“The King sent me!” Arianna shot back, running out of patience.
The guard snickered. “Don’t play with me, slave. The King left the Citadel this morning. How could he have sent you? Do you know the punishment for deceiving your superiors?”
Arianna cut in, her head held high. “And do you know the punishment for delaying an order given under the King’s name?”
The guard scoffed, but his stance faltered. “You expect me to believe he sent you?”
Arianna exhaled sharply, as if disappointed by their lack of intelligence. She took a step closer, her presence unwavering.
“Do I look like a fool to you? Do you think I’d risk lying about an order from the King himself?”
The guards hesitated.
“If I were lying, do you think I’d be this bold? If you’re so certain I’m deceitful, then go ahead—take me straight to the King when he returns. But if you’re wrong… well, we both know what happens to guards who disobey a direct order.”
The guards exchanged a glance, clearly considering her words. The penalty for defying a royal command—even one passed indirectly—was severe. Especially one from the King.
After a moment of silence, the guard finally spoke, his voice cold, edged with irritation at Arianna’s boldness. “You don’t speak like a slave.”
Arianna replied sharply, “And that’s because I am an Alpha’s daughter. You wouldn’t dare speak to me this way if it weren’t for my current status.”
The guard found her words amusing. He let out a soft chuckle. “Then too bad. You’re still a slave, and I can speak to you however I want,” his voice grew quieter, more taunting. “Alpha’s daughter or not, you’re still beneath a lowborn. Unless you miraculously free yourself from the chains that bind you.”
Arianna’s iron gaze remained, despite the terrifyingly built guard staring down at her with piercing eyes.
“Watch me,” Arianna challenged, her superior demeanor doubling. Her eyes were daring. “Now, let me pass, soldier. You’re delaying me from carrying out my task.”
If it weren’t for the slave’s clothing on her frame, she could have been mistaken for a noblewoman commanding a subordinate.
The guard’s face hardened further, his jaw clenching. He had dealt with many slaves before, but this woman—she didn’t tremble, nor cower.
She stood like a true Alpha’s daughter.
The other guard signaled that she should be allowed to pass. With a final glare, the guard before her reluctantly stepped aside.
Arianna didn’t bother sparing him a glance nor offering a bow. She simply walked past them and left.
Only when she was out of sight did she begin to run again.