The Lycan King's Forbidden Craving novel Chapter 255

255: Too precious

Centuries, Duncan had seen offspring, seen how parents offered everything to give them life. But he never thought of his own. Not when he hadn’t found a mate and rightful Queen for the throne

In honesty, back then he might not have really cared. After losing his parents, Duncan, being the last line of his bloodline, never brought himself to the conclusion of wanting a family. Perhaps it was the trauma, or simply because he had buried himself into politics and locked his heart.

He wanted a mate due to his illness and loneliness. He wanted an heir just for politics.

But when Arianna told him about her dream of having children, something new awoke in him.

What would it feel like to be a father?

And then heaven did it. She got pregnant, and by the gods, when Amanna told him about their son, Duncan felt his head spiral into a world he had never known.

The emotions that swirled in his chest were raw, untamed like a new light awakened after centuries of being buried. And ever since that day he learned of his son’s existence, Duncan had been looking forward to this day.

Asked thousands of questions from his woman who equally couldn’t wait to see him too.

And there he was. Standing before him.

His features held his and his mate’s, making him look absolutely stunning.

Duncan halted a few paces away, then slowly dropped to one knee. A hand stretched out ever so gently. His heart thudding against his chest.

“Rheal.”

His name rolled off his tongue in a soft whisper, sending gentle tingles through his heart.

The boy didn’t move. He stared, as if taking it all in. Duncan didn’t push, it was the same for him.

Finally, he moved, reaching out those tiny fingers and placing them on Duncan’s larger ones.

He drew closer, then in a soft voice whispered, “Father.”

Gods.

“I’m sorry it took this long before we could meet. There’s a lot to apologize for… and I promise I’ll make it up to you,”

Rheal nodded, a smile flashing on his face. Then launched forward crashing into his arms.

Duncan caught him with a soft gasp, arms wrapping around his little boy, breathing in his scent. Tears stung his eyes as he glanced up at Arianna, who gave him a large smile.

“It’s great to finally meet you, Father. Mom talks about you all the time,” Rheal’s tiny raspy voice came.

Duncan grinned as they broke the hug.

“Your mother told me your favorites and I prepared them myself. It turned out we both love the same meal.”

“You cooked?” His eyes widened, excitement flashing across his features.

“I did. Let’s eat.”

Inside the cottage, the air was warm, carrying the rich scent of roasted meat, creamy mashed potatoes, vegetables, and fruity, rich cakes for dessert. A small wooden table stood at the center, candles glowing low beside the plates. All set with love.

Even Arianna didn’t expect this. She looked at Duncan as if to ask, When did you prepare all this?

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255 Too precious

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She knew how draining the war must have been for him and could see straight away that he hadn’t gotten a moment of rest yet. Those eyes were tired… yet full of life.

Rheal’s eyes lit up the moment he saw the food. “Venison stew and mashed potatoes!” he gasped, bouncing in place. “That’s my favorite! And what are those?”

Duncan carried him to sit on his lap and gave him all the replies he wanted, stating the royal meal one by one while Rheal’s lips parted in awe.

“Do you mind if I feed you?” asked the Grand King.

Arianna almost chuckled. It was rare to see the Grand King asking for permission. She could tell her mate was nervous.

She had been too. Rheal was extraordinary. It was bound to make anyone’s heart flutter.

“Dad looks bigger than I thought, Mom,” Rheal said to Arianna, mouth full as Duncan fed him.

“He does,” Arianna agreed.

“Really big and strong too. I don’t think I’ll ever be afraid.”

Duncan chuckled, mind–linking Arianna.

*He is so fucking adorable, Ari.*

Arianna smiled back at him in response.

“Of course there’s nothing to be afraid of. Not when you have us. We’ll always be there for you, Rheal.”

Rheal nodded, focusing back on his meal while Duncan kissed his hair gently.

“But I’d like to be strong like you. Do you think I’ll be strong like you someday?”

Duncan’s gaze softened. “No, son.”

The boy’s smile faltered until Duncan placed a large hand on his small chest.

“You’ll be stronger.”

Rheal gave a toothy smile and leaned his head on Duncan’s chest.

Dinner passed with warmth, laughter, and stories shared between mother, father, and son. Arianna watched them quietly, her fingers laced under her chin. She’d imagined this so many times. Wondered if it’d ever come true. And now, seeing Rheal nestled so comfortably in Duncan’s arms, she couldn’t have asked for more.

“I made something for you,” Rheal said, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a carved wooden wolf. “Cal, my friend from the dragon realm, helped.”

Duncan received it, caressing his hair. “I love it. Thank you.”

One thing Duncan loved about this place was the sunset. The beautiful view of the sun disappearing beyond the horizon. He ha come here a few times and had brought Arianna once, years ago.

They sat outside and watched the sunset together. Soon, Rheal fell asleep in his arms, murmuring how comfortable he felt in

them.

Arianna’s head rested on his shoulder, her arms clinging around his as they stared at the dark sky, stars

diamonds.

“I missed this,” she whispered softly.

Duncan kissed her hair. “Me too.”

“The realm can finally be at peace now,” she whispered. “They can finally sleep with both eyes closed.”

mering like

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255: Too precious

All thanks to someone,” Duncan said, glancing at her.

She looked at him. “You did many parts of it. You’re the great king”

“And you’re his heartbeat. We did this together,” he said.

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