The Lycan King's Forbidden Craving - Chapter 64: Chapter 64

"Is my lady going anywhere today?" Nyra inquired as she helped Arianna brush her hair.
Despite Arianna insisting she could do it herself, Nyra declined, stating that the King had commanded her to take care of Arianna to the fullest.
"No," Arianna replied in a flat tone, her expression slightly dull. "I'll stay in my room. Alone."
Nyra looked at her through the mirror, her face etched with concern.
"Is my lady troubled? I can tell you stories to lighten your mood," she offered gently.
"That’s sweet of you, Nyra. But no, I want to be alone," Arianna insisted politely, and Nyra relented, continuing to brush her hair in silence.
The day passed slowly. Arianna waited, mind rehearsing what she would say once the King asked. However, King Duncan seemed quite busy with the Grand Festival, which was now only five days away.
Another layer of anxiety settled in Arianna’s heart—something she hoped to discuss with him. She had practiced every word over and over, phrasing it in a way that wouldn’t upset him too much.
She just truly hoped the King wouldn’t do something rash—especially to Selene.
There was no way she could explain things without mentioning Selene's name. Even if she tried to hide it, Duncan would find it out himself.
His methods of investigation were overwhelming—plus, he could hear her heartbeat and detect any lie that slipped from her lips.
And that would only make things worse.
So she resolved to tell him nothing but the truth.
However, three days passed, and Arianna still hadn’t seen or heard from the King. He remained occupied with political affairs.
So, Arianna decided to leave her suite. If for nothing else, she needed to see Lylah.
Now that her emotions were in check and her mind had cleared, she realized how much she missed her little sister’s warmth.
“My lady, you can’t go to the barracks, but I shall bring your sister to you instead,” Nyra offered.
“Why not?” Arianna asked, her brows raised.
“You’re not permitted to leave the Sacred Moon Wings. It’s a command from His Grace,” she explained.
Arianna sighed and nodded, understanding why King Duncan must have given the order.
“Okay. Bring her over.”
After Nyra left, Arianna took a stroll—or rather, she wandered, her eyes quietly searching for one person: the King.
Crazy, but… she kind of missed him. How busy could he be to not even appear for a moment?
She was oblivious to the eyes of the maids and soldiers who spotted her.
“Isn’t she the King’s slave?”
“Is she a concubine now? Why is she dressed in such fine clothes?”
“Perhaps it’s because she satisfied the King’s rut. Now he’s taken an interest in her. Still a slave, though.”
The words made her stop in her tracks. She glanced back at the two maids who had spoken. They were several feet away, but Arianna was stunned she could hear them—her hearing had sharpened.
The maids met her gaze and quickly hurried away.
Arianna turned to continue her stroll but came face-to-face with someone she hadn’t seen in a long time.
"Nadia?"
She remembered her as clearly as day. Nadia had been one of the slaves prepared alongside her for Duncan’s rut on the first night she'd spent in the Citadel.
Nadia looked nervous—the beads of sweat on her forehead were visible, her face pale, and her frame slightly trembling.
"Arianna," she muttered.
"Nadia," Arianna's eyes brightened. She stepped forward and embraced her. The girl froze in her arms.
Pulling away, Arianna held her hands.
"Oh my God, I’m so happy you’re alive. You look lean, but still... I’m glad you made it."
"You are?" Nadia’s voice was barely audible.
"Yes," Arianna nodded. "After everything that happened, I felt so terrible. I always hoped that maybe one day I’d see you again, and I’m glad it’s happened. How have you been? How has your master been treating you?"
"Hm." Nadia stiffened, her eyes flashing with fear. "Fine. I have a new master now... and he is utterly the best."
Concern etched itself across Arianna’s features.
"Nadia, you’re crying," she said, her brows furrowing. Something was wrong. "Do you need help? I promise I’ll do anything I can."
Nadia withdrew a trembling hand from Arianna’s grasp and quickly wiped her tears, her voice shaky. "I’m fine... I’m fine. I don’t need any help. I’m good. I have such a kind master... because of you... because of you, I’m absolutely fine."
Arianna froze. What was she talking about?
"No, Nadia, you don’t look fine. Let me help you," she insisted, reaching for her, but Nadia jerked her hand back, her voice rising sharply.
"Don’t touch me!" Tears fell freely from Nadia’s face as she stepped back, trembling. "I can’t do this... Ever since that night—hearing my sister Dalia scream, beg, and cry in pain while those beasts raped and stabbed her to death—I haven’t been sane, Arianna."
Arianna felt her heart clench and shatter into pieces.
"Sometimes, I wish we had gone into the King’s chamber and died during his rut before you did. My life is miserable... Dalia died because she kept your secret, and now I’m the one suffering..."
"Suffering?" Arianna shook her head. "But you don’t need to hide it anymore. Everyone knows now. Is the mistress still tormenting you?"
"No, it’s her brother!"
Realization flashed in Nadia’s eyes as her hand flew to her mouth. She trembled in fear.
Arianna’s eyes narrowed. "Toran Venis?"
Toran? That bastard?!
"No... No, I didn’t just say that," Nadia whispered, shaking her head and stepping backward.
"Nadia, you need to tell me everything—"
"Stay away from me!" Nadia snapped, and Arianna froze in place.