The Lycan King's Forbidden Craving - Chapter 38: Chapter 38

Palace.
"She is suffering from malnutrition. It's been a long time since this little lady here had a proper meal," the young healer explained, and Arianna glanced over at Lylah sleeping on the bed.
She could tell the healer was right. Lylah had fainted in her arms after they had hugged and cried together, and she'd been sleeping for most of the day.
"The medicine will help her broken rib heal faster. You need not worry-what she needs most is rest."
"Thank you. I'll come visit again," Arianna replied, and as the healer left, she ran her fingers through her sister's hair.
"I'm so glad you're okay-and a little bit mad that you put your life in danger. Do you really think I'd be happy seeing you suffer like this?"
Arianna bit her lip, watching the rise and fall of her sister's chest for a while before stepping out to head back to her work.
The slaves, maids, and soldiers were extra busy today, as the Grand Festival was only a few days away.
The Grand Festival at the Lunaris Citadel was an ancient celebration held once every decade to honor the Moon Goddess and the Lycans' legacy.
It was a lavish and monumental event that drew nobles, Alphas, Lunas, and high-ranking officials from across the kingdom.
The festival lasted several days and was marked by feasting, sacred rituals, and grand combat displays to showcase strength and unity.
Arianna had heard countless stories about how important and magnificent this festival was... one that every Alpha was expected to attend.
Which meant Kael would be here too. The thought didn't scare her-it ignited something inside her.
Of course, she planned to use the Grand Festival as the perfect opportunity to expose his betrayal. She would prove her innocence in front of everyone.
And with her sister here now, her worries felt a little lighter.
"The king summoned you," a maid announced.
Arianna's brow furrowed. The king was back? She swallowed, unsure if she should be relieved or anxious.
However, the maid didn't lead her directly to the king's chamber. Instead, she was brought to a new room-elegantly furnished in a feminine style, with a fine gown laid out on the soft bed.
"I'll dress you, my lady," the maid said politely, making Arianna even more nervous. Did she just call me 'my lady'?
"Why dress me up? Is there an occasion?" she asked as the maid began to remove her slave dress.
"No, my lady. It's the king's order-to dress you and bring you to him," the maid said lightly.
•••••••••
"So there's a possibility that this woman is your mate?" Lucas asked as he watched Duncan dress.
"It's quite complicated, Lucas. Don't think too much of it," Duncan said.
"Oh yeah? And since when did we start keeping secrets from each other? I need to understand what's going on."
"The Seer's words were vague-no clear path on what she truly is to me. I have to find that out myself."
Lucas's eyes remained on Duncan. He knew his friend was hiding something, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it. Duncan, however, couldn't bring himself to admit he was partially mated to an Ouroboros.
"Has the rogue confessed?" Duncan asked, swiftly changing the subject.
They had captured one of the rogues during the midnight hunt, hoping to extract information about their mysterious leader who had once again attacked a pack in the western part of the realm.
"That bastard trembles without a word whenever I question or torture him. The fear of his leader seems to paralyze him," Lucas explained.
"I guess I'll handle him myself," Duncan said, and a flicker of pity flashed in Lucas's eyes... pity for the rogue who was about to face Duncan's brutality.
•••••••••
Arianna sat frozen, her beautiful face pale, her head full of swirling thoughts. She was clad in a fine golden dress, her short, jagged hair gelled and styled in a princess-like fashion, adorned with delicate flowers and small crystal stones.
It had been a long time since she dressed like this-like an Alpha's daughter. She should feel happy, but instead, she felt confused. Unsettled.
Her palms grew sweaty as her gaze swept over the salivating meals laid out on the large table-vegetables, meats...
The knot in her stomach tightened as she looked up at the maid.
"Is the meal not okay, my lady?" the maid asked politely.
Arianna blinked. What was with the sudden good treatment? Was this a dream?
She reached for a patch of bare skin and pinched herself. The sharp pain confirmed that it was all real.
"Are you sure this was the King's order? I mean... I'm not Valkyrie," Arianna whispered, pointing at herself with wide eyes.
"I know who you are, my lady. The King will be here soon to dine with you," the maid whispered back with a small smile.
"I'm the King's slave," Arianna replied, and the maid nodded. Arianna sighed. This had to be a trick-or something worse.
Should she run? Barge out of here and probably hide?
There was no way a man who had clearly harbored hatred for her would suddenly treat her like this. Dressing her up beautifully, wanting to have a meal with her...???
It sounded like a joke. Maybe even a trick by Valkyrie to mock her. She wasn't going to fall for it. She needed to get back to her sister, Lylah, before she woke up.
Arianna stood, the chair creaking as it slid back. "I'll take my leave."
The maid panicked and moved to stop her, but the door opened before Arianna could reach it.
It slid open to reveal Duncan. Arianna froze, her heart leaping into her throat.
His golden amber eyes locked onto hers, making her pulse quicken. Her beautiful devil.
King Duncan studied her, and for a moment, everything around them seemed to disappear, as if they were the only two left in the world.
She tried to remind herself that she was still a slave, that she should lower her gaze-but his eyes were simply too captivating. Hard for her to look away.
They trapped her like a bird in a glidded cage.