The Lycan King's Forbidden Craving - Chapter 98: Chapter 98

Sitting in front of the mirror, Nyra combed Arianna's hair gently.
"How is your health, my lady?"
Arianna who was deep in her thought snapped out of it and met her gaze through the mirror. "My health?"
"The king mentioned you are not feeling well and that you should be taken care of," Nyra replied smoothly.
Arianna's face flushed slightly. "I'm fine... um, it's not that serious."
Her mind drifted to how she woke up with Duncan by her side. They were about to have breakfast together, and he mentioned he had a surprise for her before leaving to attend to something first.
A knock sounded on her door, and a guard stepped in. "You have a visitor."
Arianna gasped at the sight of the figure that stepped into the room.
"Selene!" She dashed to hug the middle-aged woman. Her heart pounding.
"Aria," Selene grinned, hugging her back. As they broke the hug, Selene reached to cup her face. "Oh dear. You're fine."
"And you're here," Arianna chuckled, tears welled up in her eyes.
"Yes. His Majesty released me this morning," Selene replied in between her laughter. "I'm still in shock."
Nyra gave Arianna a small bow and excused herself. The door shut, and Selene and Arianna sat on the bed.
"Did you... tell him?" Arianna knew Selene had the determination not to let out any crucial information about Drakora.
"No, I didn't. The soldiers came all of a sudden and let me out," Selene replied. "It was all because of you. His Majesty told me how your dragon disturbed you last night and wants me to guide you on it since we carry the same bloodline."
Arianna heart skipped a beat. She stared at Selene in disbelief. "He did?" Selene nodded. "But at least you're free now. No more being within those barricades."
"Not entirely free," Selene corrected, and though Arianna knew she was right, she couldn't help but feel for her.
"I'm sorry. The dragon terrifies me whenever it tries to connect with me. I know you told me to accept it, but... it's still not working," Arianna admitted.
Selene nodded with understanding. "I knew it wouldn't be easy, Aria. Our inner dragons are meant to grow with us, but yours is already fully grown. Its sudden appearance is bound to scare you. But since I'm here, you don't have to worry. I'll teach you to be strong."
"Why are you in the palace when you could easily leave? Why are you risking your life so much?" Arianna asked.
Sadness flashed in the older woman's eyes.
"The remaining Ouroboros need a place. They need land," Selene admitted softly. "As punishment, our realm is like ice-cold and frozen, making it hard for us to survive over the years. That's why I'm here, Arianna. To see if, by chance, we can find an answer." Selene cupped Arianna's cheek. "A hope."
Arianna's brow furrowed. "You mean... you want me to..."
"You don't have to. It's your choice. My main purpose now is to protect you, Aria."
Nyra, who hadn't completely left, heard everything. Her face was stunned... there are other Ouroboros? Even the head maid? Without a word, she slipped away.
••••••••
DINING ROOM
As Duncan stepped into the room, Arianna rose to her feet to greet him politely.
However, he closed the distance between them and pressed his lips to hers in a light, passionate, and brief kiss.
When he pulled away, Arianna's heart raced hard, face flushed like red tomatoes.
"Did you wait long?" he asked, his warmth enveloping her as he caressed a thumb on her cheek.
"I just got here, Dun," she replied, softly. A smile brushing he lips.
"Hm," he gave her that rare smile. "Let's have a meal then."
He sat down, and before she could settle into her chair, he stopped her by nudging her toward him, making her sit on his lap.
Arianna gasped at the sudden action.
With his gaze locked on her and his hand resting on her slender waist, he said, "This is the position I want from now on-for every breakfast."
"Dun-"
"What? You don't like it? You don't want me to feed you?" he asked hoarsely.
Her lips parted, but no words came out.
Arianna could hear the rapid beat of her heart. Judging from the smirk that formed on his lips, she knew he could hear it too.
If this was a dream, she didn't want it to end.
"Y-you," she cleared her throat, finding her voice. "You released Selene. Thank you."
"You need her. I don't want to see you get hurt again. She'll teach you how to handle it." He glanced at the food, stabbed a piece of steak, and brought it to her lips.
"Open," he urged, and she obeyed, parting her lips to take the food.
Then his gaze dropped to her mouth, watching her chew.
The intensity of his gaze nearly made Arianna choke. He quickly grabbed the cup of water and brought it to her lips.
After a few gulps, she felt okay.
"You alright?" he asked softly, gently caressing her back.
Arianna nodded.
Setting the cup down, Duncan stabbed another piece of steak and brought it to her lips.
"Dun, I can eat."
She wasn't sure she could handle another of his heated stares while chewing.
"I know," he raised a brow, still urging the steak to her lips, which she took. "I just want to feed my mate. Is there something wrong with that, little flame?"
Arianna didn't know the nicknames she loved the most.
Ari-or Little Flame.
Both sounded irresistible when they rolled off his tongue.
"Are you ready for my surprise?" he asked, and her brows knitted.
"Surprise? I... I thought that was Selene," she stammered.
Duncan snorted. "I have something better."
He glanced at the door, seeming to communicate through a mind link. Within a minute, the door creaked open, and the guards dragged in a man.
Beaten, battered, and soaked in blood. His skin was bruised, swollen, and grotesque. He was nearly unrecognizable. The blood fresh blood dripped down his head, down to his eyes almost blinding him.
His breath was slow and shallow, as though he were barely clinging to life.
Kael Fangton.
Arianna froze but didn't move an inch away from Duncan.
Kael was dropped to his knees, the wheezing of his breath echoing in the room. Half of his face was disfigured. His body trembling as pain seared through every part.
The steel inferno had truly done a number on him.
With shaky heavy breath, he slowly looked up, stunned by the sight of Arianna seated on the King's lap.
His barely one open eyes, went wide.
"Dun?" Arianna whispered, returning her gaze to the king, with a questioning look.
"Don't be scared, Dearest. He's only here to watch," Duncan whispered, placing a kiss on her jaw.
Shock and disbelief rippled through her.
Duncan added, "Let him watch the right way to treat a treasure like you."