The Lycan King's Forbidden Craving - Chapter 77: Chapter 77

"Dun,” she called in a whisper, drawing her face closer to take in more of his scent, just to be sure he was here.
“Ari,” he whispered back, his deep voice vibrating through her veins.
She wrapped her arms tightly around him as if he might disappear if she loosened her grip, while Duncan drew her close letting her tears soak his shirt.
After a short while, Arianna drifted to sleep, her chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm. Her expression was calm.
Duncan stared at her without a word, his finger still stroking her hair with all the gentleness in the world.
But his face was unreadable. Those eyes barely held emotions.
Judging by how fast she had fallen asleep, Duncan could guess she hadn't slept since the moonlit ceremony.
“Dun,” she mumbled in her sleep, a little smile on her face as she nuzzled his chest.
After a while, Duncan decided to leave. Her brow creased when he disconnected their bodies, but he immediately reached to soothe that frown.
“I'm here,” he whispered. “Sleep well now, little flame.” Her body relaxed again, and she fell deeper into her sleep.
He felt her pain, the wrecking of her heart. It affected him, drawing his attention no matter how hard he tried to ignore it.
And to think he had been the one who caused it—guilt gnawed at him.
Without a word, he left the room. Meeting a strong guard, he ordered, “Watch over her. No one is allowed to see her except me.”
Falcon lowered his head, and Duncan strode past him, heading straight to his observatory.
There in the room was Selene, arms and legs chained, with two brute Lycan warriors watching her like a dangerous criminal.
Selene, who hadn't fully recovered from the poison, watched with concern as King Duncan stepped into the room, reeking of Arianna's scent.
Duncan signaled the warriors to leave the room, and as they did, he headed to the large oak table sprawled with scrolls and documents of the Ouroboros’ research.
One he had stored for many years without touching. As the silence stretched, only broken by Duncan's tapping finger, Selene grew restless.
“Your Grace?” Selene whispered, her concern evident, the chains clacking behind her as she moved to scrutinize the King's dress, searching for blood or anything. She worried that the king might have hurt or rejected Arianna.
"Your Grace please... How is she?" Her voice trembled.
“Worry not, Selene. My mate is fine and asleep in her chamber,” King Duncan reassured her.
A slight relief washed over Selene, but she remained worried.
After she had revealed how Arianna was born, the King simply said nothing and left with an unreadable look. The fact that she didn't know what this male was thinking or would do scares her.
She had been careful not to reveal anything crucial about Drakora… yet.
“Your Grace… I... Is she really alright?” she asked again to be certain. King Duncan met her gaze, and Selene tried to discern what he was thinking, but Duncan was hard to pin down.
“I told her what she needed to hear. Make her feel safe, and assure her that I won't reject her. Let her sleep in my arms and pet her like a little child finally in her mother's bosom," he finally said.
“So you didn't reject her?” Selene's heart tinged with a flicker of hope.
“Of course not. She is the mate I've been waiting for over centuries. I will not reject her and…” a pause. “I will not claim her either.”
Selene's eyes teared up. “Your Grace, please. We can leave the Lunaris Citadel and never return…”
“Where is Drakora?” Duncan's deep voice cut her off, his gaze back on the documents set before him. “Is she in the moon realm? Where can I find her?”
Selene's breath hitched. “I'm afraid I can't tell you where my goddess is, Your Grace.”
Duncan’s cold gaze met hers and a chill ran down her spine.
“Your Grace, we'll leave without a trace. Just… let me protect her as I promised.”
“She will be under my protection, Selene. Meant to be with me. Do not provoke me with your words,” Duncan warned, then fell silent, staring down at the old map, his gaze serious. “Being a goddess, punished and cast down by the heavens, Drakora is bound to lose most of her power. That's why she could birth Ari, like a normal female. She is living beyond the moon realm… is she not?” he mumbled.
Selene swallowed hard. “We did nothing wrong.”
“Don't get me wrong, Selene. I'm not going to kill the remaining Ouroboros. I simply need to see Drakora.”
Selene bit her lip. “You can't see her… for so many reasons.”
Duncan sighed, shutting his eyes as though trying to contain the storm within him.
“Yeah, I never expected this to be easy anyway. I'll have the warriors take you back to your cell for you to heal completely, then we'll return to the questioning. However, Selene…” he paused, his gaze never leaving her. “I can't promise to be gentle.”
With that, he spun gently to leave the room, and almost immediately the warriors stepped back in to take her.
••••••
Arianna woke up to the steady breathing against her cheek.
The scent was soothing, and the warmth she needed the most wrapped around her like a second skin. It wasn't a dream; the hard, firm chest that pressed against her face said it all.
King Duncan was lying beside her.
Her heart pounded in her chest as she hesitated to move.
She lifted her head slightly to look at him.
His eyes were closed, his expression calm, and he looked handsome as ever.
Smiling, she recalled his words from last night.
'My mate.'
Those words craved to roll off her tongue, but she was afraid to wake him and shatter this moment. She wished to stay in his arms a little longer.
'My mate,' she said inwardly instead.
'Yes?'
Arianna's eyes widened at the deep voice that rumbled through her chest. It was Duncan's... he mind-linked with her?
His golden eyes fluttered open, meeting hers as if he hadn't been asleep the whole time.
"Why do you look so shocked? You did the same as in the inn."
Heat rose on Arianna's cheek. "Good morning, your Grace," she whispered.
He cleared his throat.
"Dun," she quickly corrected herself.
"Did you sleep well?" he asked in a soft voice, and she nodded.
"I slept very well. What about you?"
"Hm... My night was fine," his lips tugged ever so slightly. "Have a bath with me."
It wasn't a request; it was a command.