The Lycan King's Forbidden Craving novel Chapter 20

Chapter 20: Why does it hurt?

Arianna blinked repeatedly, desperately hoping the King wasn’t standing before her right now.

Those deep, golden amber eyes pierced through her like a blade, pinning her in place.

Her mouth hung open, but no words came out. It was as though she had forgotten how to use her mouth, even as the King stepped closer, closing the distance between them. His scent enveloped her entire being.

She stood frozen, completely mesmerized and trapped by his gaze.

Speak, Arianna! Say something!

“Hi.”

No! Oh, shit, Arianna, are you insane?!

It’s the king!

“I mean… Good morning, Your Grace,” she quickly corrected, praying the King wouldn’t order the soldiers to hang her head on a spike.

How dare she greet her master, the King, so casually?

“I’m deeply sorry, Your Grace. I didn’t mean to say that, I just…” She paused, her breath hitched when the King moved closer, causing her to instinctively step back, her eyes still locked with his.

“You just what?” he asked, his deep voice rumbling through his chest.

“I just…” Arianna swallowed as her back touched a table behind her. She cleared her throat. “I just… I just happen to love reading, Your Grace. The library is one of the places I find tranquility.”

“Back in your pack?” he asked, his voice edged with a hint of softness. His eyes studying her and it made the skin on her arms

stood.

“Yes, Your Grace. I used to read with my father before he died. I miss home. I wish I hadn’t trusted him.” Arianna’s voice faltered, sadness creeping in. Yet, her first conversation with the King was surprisingly going a bit smoother than she expected.

“Who?”

“My ex-mate,” she replied.

“You had a mate?” he questioned, his voice tinged with something she couldn’t quite place.

For a fleeting moment, she saw something shift in his gaze. It happened so quickly, she almost missed it. Her gaze remained

locked with his.

“Yes, Your Grace. He betrayed and rejected me just to take my place in the pack.”

King Duncan’s jaw clenched hard. He tilted his head slightly, leaning forward. Eyes darkened.

“No slave has ever stared straight at their master this long. You’re breaking a lot of records, little flame.”

His words held so much meaning, one that left Arianna hanging desperately for clarity.

“Little flame?” The nickname coursed through her like adrenaline.

“It suits someone like you. Too much flame that might burn you alive. Down to the ashes, fading away into the wind, never to exist again,” he whispered, a subtle dangerous smirk dancing on his lips.

Arianna pressed her lips together tightly. Her eyes swirling in confusion.

“What… flame?” she stuttered.

King Duncan’s eyes flicked to the book in her hand. He reached out and took it from her.

“You should be taught how to behave like a slave. I’ll let this slide, but I won’t next time. This isn’t your pack.”

Arianna’s chest tightened. Did he know how much those words hit her?

“Your Grace…”

“Let me make this clear, little flame. You’re spared in the Grand Court, alive because my Lycan beast craves you,” he almost growled, and Arianna’s heart sank to her feet. “You saw how it almost devoured you last night. You’re here to satisfy my beast, even if it breaks you. Once it’s done, I’ll toss you aside.”

Why? Why was he suddenly cold?

She had just been sharing her story with him, and now his icy demeanor froze her.

Besides, why did it feel like her heart was clashing against her chest, making it hard to breathe?

Maybe she shouldn’t have mentioned the word mate, knowing how sensitive that word might be to him.

“I don’t care how you got here. You’re my slave, and that should stick in your head. Am I clear?” He questioned.

“Yes your Grace,” she breathe, a tear almost slipping from her eye.

“Give Selene my order that she should train you. Now go.”

Arianna bowed. “Yes, Your Grace.”

As the door shut behind her, tears finally fell, trailing slow paths down her face.

She quickly wiped them away. It hurt so much. Why does it hurt so much?

24

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