The Lycan King's Forbidden Craving - Chapter 68: Chapter 68

Later That Night
“Why am I dressed like this?” Arianna chuckled, staring at her reflection in the large mirror. She was dressed like a man.
“It is the King's order, my lady,” Nyra replied, tying the strap that secured the trousers.
“Yeah, I know. But why?”
“The King will explain.” Nyra smiled as she finished. “Oh, one more thing.” She reached for a pileus hat and placed it on Arianna’s head. “There you go. Now it’s all set.”
When they arrived at the barn, Arianna was shocked to find King Duncan dressed as a commoner, his thick Lycan scent suppressed. Lord Lucas was with him, dressed in a fine tunic, while a guard prepared a horse.
Duncan's favourite horse. The one she saved that fateful day.
The horse now look strong and beautiful.
Arianna greeted them with a polite bow and while Lucas gave her a light nod, Duncan stared at her in awe
“I almost didn’t recognize you,” Duncan commented.
“I neither.” Arianna smiled. “Are we… going somewhere?”
“There’s something our dear King Duncan loves doing once in a while,” Lucas answered instead. “I usually accompany him, but now it seems he has a new partner.”
“Don’t listen to him, Ari,” Duncan said, stroking his horse’s head. “He’s just jealous.”
“Jealous?” Lucas raised a brow.
“Of course," Duncan smirked, climbing his horse with practiced ease. "You’re jealous because you won’t be the only one accompanying me anymore.”
Lucas scoffed, adjusting the cuffs of his tunic. “I have better things to do than sneak around the city with you. The Grand Festival starts tomorrow.”
Arianna’s eyes snapped wide. “Sneak around? I--in the city?”
“Yes. We’re going into the city, Ari. No titles, no guards, no formalities. Just us, blending in with the people.”
For a moment, Arianna thought she hadn’t heard him correctly. “Is that… safe?”
Lucas quickly cut in, “Not at all. It’s not safe.”
“That’s what makes it fun,” Duncan countered. “Don’t scare her. She’s not afraid of danger.” He shifted his gaze back to her. “Right, Ari?”
Excitement bubbled inside Arianna. She almost squealed but managed to contain herself.
“I would love to go to the city with you, Your Grace.”
“Duncan.” He corrected her with a smirk. “We’re commoners now… temporarily.”
Arianna hesitated, glancing at Lord Lucas, who straightened up to leave.
“I shall attend to some business. Have a nice time, my lady,” Lucas replied with a small nod before leaving.
Arianna returned her gaze to Duncan, who offered her a hand. Were they riding the same horse?
With a racing heart, Arianna accepted his hold and climbed onto the horse, sitting behind him.
“Stay put,” he said, and without warning, he nudged the horse, and it took off into the night.
The large, imposing gates opened for them as they rode.
Arianna shut her eyes, the wind blowing past them as they rode into the night for half an hour. She wasn't used to horses, especially when they ran this fast. So her arms were tightly wrapped around Duncan's torso, so tight that she was worried she might be squeezing the air out of his lungs.
But Duncan didn't mind; instead, he enjoyed the way she clung to him like a scared cub. He even rode faster, just for her to hold him tighter.
“Dun… slow down, please, or I might puke,” her words reached him, and he listened, slowing down the horse until it was now walking.
Arianna let out a breath of relief. However, as she opened her eyes, her jaw dropped in awe. They were at the city.
The streets were alive with movement, laughter, and the rich scent of roasted meat and freshly baked bread.
Lanterns swung gently in the evening breeze, casting golden light over the cobblestone roads. Vendors shouted their wares, and children weaved between the crowd… Arianna had missed this sight.
She had loved strolling with her mother among the people.
They stopped at an inn, Duncan tied his horse among the others outside set outside.
“I didn't expect this…” Arianna giggled, her voice softa and excited.
“What? You thought I spent my whole life brooding in a castle?” Duncan raised a brow.
"Uhm..." Arianna nodded. “Honestly, I do.”
“Well, this king has a habit of sneaking out once or twice in six months,” Duncan said, tying the horse properly. “It started with my older brother. We snuck out together, and now it’s a habit. It helps to lift the heavy weight that are always rested on my shoulder. I feel free.”
Arianna was glad she was finally getting to know him more, apart from intimacy.
“I guess we have one thing in common. I love the city… but I am wondering why I am dressed as a boy.” Arianna pouted, glancing down at her male attire.
“So you can run,” Duncan replied, and Arianna gasped.
“What?” she panicked.
“Relax and trust me. I won't let anyone hurt you, okay?” He took her hand, and her pulse quickened.
"Come on,” he nudged her, leading her into the inn.
••••••••
After his work, Lucas decided to take a stroll to the barracks.
It was way past midnight; most of the warriors were asleep, except for the patrolling night guards.
When he reached the military sector’s small yard, his eyes settled on a figure training—her kitchen knife flashing under the moonlight. She seemed to be mimicking the training warriors in the day. It didn’t look like her first time.
Lucas leaned against the archway, arms crossed, as he watched her.
Lylah.
The young little wolf was persistent, even after not being given a chance to train. Lucas could have easily ordered the head warrior to let her, but he wanted to see what she would do on her own.
“Oh shoot,” she gasped when her eyes met his. She stood frozen for a moment before bowing. “My Lord.”
When Lucas didn’t respond, she asked, “What brings you here, Lord Lucas? Is there anything I can do for you?”
Lylah knew she shouldn’t be there; her actions could get her into trouble. Yet, she stood firm, without regret. Despite his intimidating aura, she forced herself to keep her gaze on him.
Lucas approached her with steady steps, his gaze hard. “You're too slow. You should work on your speed, not strength. That is your power, Lylah. You don’t have a wolf yet, but a quick strike to the right region will bring down your opponent.”
“Speed?” Lylah mumbled, slight excitement edging her voice. “Wait, is the Grand Handsome Lord tutoring me right now?”
“I chose you as a warrior; it’s only reasonable that I take responsibility for it, little wolf,” Lucas muttered, and Lylah gasped. “And don’t call me Grand Handsome Lord. As for our training, it will be once, twice, or thrice a week at midnight. Under no circumstances should you miss a session, or you’ll face strict consequences. Your training will be harsh almost all the time,” his gaze sharp and intense. “Under no circumstances should you give up.”
“Noted, my Lord!” Lylah grinned, excitement rushing through her every nerve.
Who cares about the damn head warrior when she could get training from the Beta himself?