The Lycan King's Forbidden Craving - Chapter 94: Chapter 94

Brigid took a fourth deep breath as she waited before the imposing doors.
“Come in.”
Her heart fluttered at the sound of the deep voice from within the room. With a smile, she stepped inside, carrying a tray of mouth-watering food.
Lucas looked up to meet her gaze, then almost immediately returned his attention to his work.
“Drop it on the table in the corner,” his voice was flat.
Brigid obeyed, walking over to the table. Her movements were slow, intentional—she wanted to linger, to feel his presence a little longer.
“You’ve been coming here quite often to serve my meals. Were you appointed, or are you simply doing it of your own will?” Lucas asked, still not looking up.
“Hilda is currently ill, and Madam Selene hasn't been around lately, so I took up the assignment. I hope you don’t mind, Your Highness,” Brigid replied, her voice soft.
Lucas gave no reply, his attention fully focused on the papers before him.
Brigid’s eyes lingered on him. Her hand reluctantly let go of the tray.
His sharp features were captivating, and Brigid couldn’t help but admit—he looked more handsome by the day.
Holy hell, she thought, I’m actually considering breaking the rules just to spar with him again. Crazy, right? But she missed him.
“Is there something you wish to tell me, Brigid?” Lucas’ voice broke her train of thought.
“Uhm…” Brigid quickly searched for an excuse, but nothing came. “Nothing. I’ll leave now.”
Still, the male didn’t raise his head, even as she reached the door. But then—
“Brigid.”
She halted at the sound of her name. “Yes, Your Highness?”
“Ask Lylah to meet me at the yard in a few minutes.”
A shiver ran down Brigid’s spine. She glanced back to find the Grand Lord had finally raised his head, one brow arched as he waited for her reply.
“Yes, my Lord,” she answered, stepping out of his chamber and heading straight to her quarters, where Hilda, seated on the bed, gave her a knowing look.
“So?” Hilda sat up. “How did it go?”
“He didn’t even look at me,” Brigid groaned softly. “Not a glance. No acknowledgment. Nothing. He was just buried in his work.”
She stepped in front of the mirror and let out a sigh. “Am I not beautiful? Why won’t he even look at me?”
Hilda chuckled. “Maybe you should change your mode of dressing this time around.”
“You mean seduce him?” Brigid raised a brow.
“Yes. Try wearing a shorter skirt instead of trousers. A bit of makeup. Dress like a woman sent to appease, not serve.”
“Won’t he get mad?”
Hilda rolled her eyes. “He’s barely seen with a woman. His dark-skinned mate left him years ago for another man. I’ve always thought that’s why he’s been giving you the cold shoulder—when really, he might just be waiting for a brave woman to stir his heart again.”
“His mate is the worst. Leaving a man like him—she must be truly blind.” Brigid tilted her head, considering Hilda’s words. “Perhaps you’re right. His heart is like stone, but maybe… just maybe, someone can break through. I’ll keep trying.”
“Hm,” Hilda mumbled, lying back down. “What about that young friend of yours you were worried about?”
“Lylah!” Brigid suddenly remembered. “Lord Lucas summoned her.”
“Summoned her?” Hilda frowned.
“Yeah. It must be about their training,” Brigid replied.
Hilda’s expression shifted. “That’s quite the challenge. Chosen by the cold Grand Lord and personally trained by him—mostly in the middle of the night.”
“She’s just a kid.”
“She’ll be eighteen in a few days.”
“Stop,” Brigid gave her a sharp look, and Hilda’s mouth snapped shut as Brigid turned to leave.
On her way out, she caught a glimpse of Alpha Toran watching her. Brigid gave him a short, emotionless glance before walking past him without a word.
Toran didn’t stop her—he simply watched her figure disappear into the night.
•••••••••
ARIANNA'S CHAMBER… next morning.
“All done, my lady.”
Arianna gazed at her reflection, wondering if her attire was too much—even though she had been the one to ask Nyra to make her look impressive.
Her fine silk gown clung perfectly to her figure. The waist was cinched like a belt, pressing gently against her curves—enough to push up her breasts, with her cleavage slightly exposed. Her makeup was just enough to accentuate her beauty.
Nyra cleared her throat. “My lady, is there an occasion today?”
“Why? Is my outfit a little much?”
“I’m afraid men might stumble over their feet as you walk into the dining room,” Nyra replied in a teasing tone.
“That’s precisely what I want,” Arianna said seriously. She hadn't slept a wink after what she’d heard from the King last night.
As they walked through the hall, heads turned—both men and women. Arianna was used to attention, but today, she'd gone the extra mile for a reason.
The gown wasn’t overly revealing, but her perfect curves were undeniable.
Reaching the front door, Falcon froze for a moment, then gave a short bow before opening it.
A delicious array of meals and drinks had been served on the large table. Duncan sat at the other end, his eyes narrowed the moment he met her gaze. They gently slide at every inch of her body.
She could feel the heat of his gaze and she gaze him enough time to take a good look before finally speaking.
“Your Grace. Good morning,” she bowed, now keeping her gaze to the floor, waiting for him to speak. She could feel his intense stare.
His scent filled the air, and she fought to keep it from overwhelming her senses.
“Are you heading somewhere?” His deep, cool voice broke the silence.
“Not at all, Your Grace," her tone flat and she could guess the arch of his brows.
“Is everything alright?” he asked smoothly.
A pause, then she replied in the same tone. “Yes, Your Grace.”
Instantly, Duncan’s chair screeched echoed the air. Arianna's breath seized hearing his footsteps increase as he approach.
“Look at me,” he demanded when he reached her, but Arianna kept her eyes down. Looking at him might shatter the composure she had built.
“Ari, look at me," his voice ran softer. Like a plea. It broke her resolve, and slowly she met his gaze. His golden-amber eyes stared into hers with concern.
“Did something happen?” he asked.
“Would you care if it did?” she replied, then added her ultimate weapon: “Your Grace?”
A vein pulsed in his jaw, and Arianna felt a swell of pride—she was getting under his skin. He stared at her silently, his gaze flicking down her neck and trailing to her chest.
He raised his hand to touch her.
“Let’s eat. I’m hungry,” she said abruptly, cutting off his action. She shifted away slightly and looked aside, missing the way Duncan’s eyes dilated.
“Hm… let’s eat," he agreed.