The Lycan King's Forbidden Craving - Chapter 89: Chapter 89

Apologize.
On his knees. Before a slave… not just anyone but Arianna Greystone?
"Your Grace, with all due respect, I did nothing wrong here. She is—"
"Mine," Duncan cut him off. "You touched what belongs to the King."
"She attacked me first, Your Grace."
"Do you think I give a fuck about that, Toran Venis?" The way Duncan dragged out the last name made his irritation clear... Hinting a deadly warning.
Not long ago, Toran had his father and sister punished. It was just a breath away before his turn would come.
Toran understood that fact too well. Clenching his jaw, he lifted his gaze to Arianna, whose expression still burned with anger.
The other elites remained quiet, keeping their distance. The tension in the air was thick, suffocating.
Then, slowly, Toran lowered himself to the floor, his blood boiling like lava as his knees touched the ground.
A thought clicked in Toran’s mind as he met Arianna’s gaze. A subtle smirk tugged at his lips—one only she could see.
"I'm sorry," he muttered, his voice void of any true remorse.
Silence followed. Eyes widened in shock and curiosity.
Arianna, who had been trying to make sense of everything, felt her anger creeping back in.
"Come with me," Duncan’s voice cut through her thoughts, pulling her away from the urge to burn Toran alive.
Reluctantly, she followed him. As they walked away, Duncan neither glanced at her nor spoke, but his anger was etched into every line of his face.
••••••
Reaching her chamber, Duncan pinned Arianna against the wall and punched the surface behind her. His face was inches from hers, every line etched with fury.
“What the fuck were you thinking? The moment Falcon excused himself, you disappeared to meet them?!” His voice was deep, laced with anger.
“What? Are you going to punish me?” she shot back, and Duncan drew in a deep breath, as if reining in his rage.
“You’re drunk,” he stated, his sharp gaze assessing her. “You almost used your fucking power. Do you have any idea what could have happened if I hadn’t shown up? You could have been in danger, and now you’ve drawn too many eyes to yourself.”
“He killed an innocent woman—one who didn’t deserve any of that.”
“She was a slave, Ari!” he snapped, his voice rising.
“She was a werewolf paying for her parents’ sins! She lost her only sister at Valkyrie’s hands, and now her own brother takes her life?” Her voice cracked with emotion. “Why did she have to suffer for something she had no part in?”
“And what would you have done if I hadn’t intervened? Killed him in front of every eyes in that hall? Then what?”
Arianna opened her mouth but found no answer. Because deep down, she knew he was right.
“Do you have any idea what could have gone wrong just because you didn’t think before you acted? If the Lycans—or any of those bastards—find out what you are, they will use it against you.” His voice had lowered slightly, but the edge of anger remained. “You’re walking on the edge of a knife. One wrong move, and it’ll all be over.”
With that, he stepped away from her and left the room, shutting the door with a light thud.
Arianna’s fists clenched at her sides, her mind clearer now. Even though Duncan’s words were true, they stung to her very core. But Nadia’s death had been unfair.
She needed Toran to pay, but a slave’s life was not acknowledged—just as Brigid had said. Yet… it didn’t feel right.
And the fact that the King was upset with her only shattered her heart further.
Afterwards, he gave strict orders, assigning two guards to watch her.
Arianna felt too confined, more like the king was hiding her. Even though it was for her own safety, she felt lonely and trapped.
After all, just like Selene had said, she couldn't hide what she truly was forever.
When the hours grew late, Arianna’s mind cleared. She felt a little guilty about what she had done, making him angry that way. She didn't want them to fight.
Sighing, after dinner, she decided to see him and reached for the door that led directly to his chamber.
The room was dark; none of the candles were lit, so Arianna could barely see a thing. That was one thing about Duncan. He loves dark room.
She stepped further, her eyes scanning the room. She could smell him but couldn't see him. Then she found his library door slightly open.
Arianna went in, her gaze sweeping through the neat shelves that lined the dark room. His scent was growing stronger.
“Your Highness?” she whispered, but her voice echoed louder than she expected.
A light gasp escaped her lips when she suddenly felt his warmth enveloping her from behind.
“Your Highness?” His deep voice vibrated behind her.
Arianna swiftly turned to meet his gaze; one of his brows shot up as he stared down at her.
“Does that mean you're no longer mad at me?” Her voice was barely above a whisper.
“I am,” he replied.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you and I didn't mean to yell either. I was just…” Arianna hesitated, biting her lip. “I couldn’t stand by and do nothing.”
He stared silently, his dark eyes fixed on her.
“I'm sorry,” she lowered her head. “I hope you forgive me.”
Then, almost instantly, she felt his hand reach for her face and waist, and before she could breathe, he pressed his lips against hers.
Arianna shut her eyes and responded to the gently warm kiss that soothed her nerves. Then he pulled away, his eyes locking with hers.
“I didn't mean to yell at you either,” he said, and Arianna's lips curled into a smile.
“Stay with me tonight,” he requested, caressing her lower lip with his thumb.
“I badly want to sleep in your arms, mine,” she whispered, and his eyes flashed with amusement.
“Mine,” he repeated her words and kissed her again, gently nibbling her lips one after the other, his teeth grazing them softly. His touch ignited her body.
“Are you prepared for tomorrow?” he asked, and Arianna smirked, knowing what he meant.
“Yes, Dun. I am,” she whispered, and the kiss continued, growing wild.
Tomorrow was the Royal Combat.
A day she was going to teach her ex mate a lesson.