The Lycan King's Forbidden Craving novel Chapter 260

The dance

Eyes widened. Mouths dropped open.

“Will you be not just my queen, but my wife… tonight and forever? King Duncan said, caressing her knuckle. His gaze locked onto hers as though she meant the world to him.

“Yes, please,” she croaked, her voice broken as everything went blank in the background. Just the male who made her feel on top of the world.

He slid the ring onto her finger–a dark silver band, carved with ancient runes and crowned with a single bloodstone that shimmered under the Grand Hall light.

The moment felt surreal, too dreamlike to be real.

He pressed his lips to the ring, then rose to his feet. The Seer didn’t wait to recite the marriage oath.

After that, Duncan didn’t hesitate to pull her close, his lips slamming against hers as though he had been waiting forever to do it.

The hall erupted into cheers again.

Lylah wiped her tears as she clapped. Happiness radiated from every part of her face.

Duncan pulled away, caressing Arianna’s cheek with a soft grin. “I love you, dearest.”

“I love you more,” she whispered.

The celebration went on. As they were merry, those with gifts approached the throne and offered them to the new Queen.

One by one, they came–Alphas, Betas, nobles, and merchants–bearing gold–laced boxes, rare jewels, and enchanted silks. Each gift was presented with a bow, a whispered blessing, or a solemn vow of loyalty.

Lylah offered hers as well; it was a painting of them and their parents. She had commissioned the best artist in the realm to

make this.

Tears welled in Arianna’s eyes. “Thank you, little bear. I love it.”

“You’re welcome, Your Majesty,” Lylah returned the sweet smile, but her expression disappeared at the sight of a figure approaching.

Brigid.

“Hey, Lylah,” Brigid’s voice trembled in a whisper. “Uhm… Queen Arianna invited me.”

Silence.

“Lylah, I know that no matter how many times I say this, it won’t be enough. But I still want to let you know that I’m deeply

sorry.”

“Oh. It’s fine. You’ve got a second chance from my sister for a reason,” Lylah approached in gentle steps, her voice lowering coldly as she leaned close to Brigid’s ear. “But I hope you use it well because I won’t hesitate a third time.”

Brigid swallowed as Lylah walked away. She breathed out in relief, knowing that if Lylah we used her dagger to speak instead.

Clearing her throat, she went to gift Arianna, thanking her and the King for the invitation.

*ill mad at her, she would have

King Duncan glanced her way once–no response, no acknowledgment–before returning his focus to his son on his lap, one hand tangled with Arianna’s.

“How are your daughters?” Arianna asked.

“They are fine, Your Grace,” Brigid went to her knees before both the King and Queen, her eyes brimming with tears. “I can’t

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200. The dance

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thank you enough for the chance you’ve given me. I will forever be grateful.”

Arianna gave her a light nod.

Brigid now lived in the West Wing of the realm, a small house just for her and her girls. Arianna provided support to nurture the kids while Brigid planned to open a florist shop with her savings and build a life with her children.

It was time for a dance; slow, elegant music bloomed to life in the grand Hall. Rheal left his father’s side and went to a friend, having a strong Lycan soldier watch over him to make sure he didn’t wander far.

Duncan rose from his throne, offering his hand to his Queen and leading her to the dance floor. Arianna placed one hand around his broad shoulder and the other entwined with his, his other hand holding her waist gently.

They moved effortlessly to the sound of the music, gazes locked as everything around them faded. Just them, and their new beginning.

Others joined as well, picking their respective partners.

Amy walked towards Lord Atheon, who drank alone, watching the dance.

“Amy,” his gaze lit up at the sight of her. “What a pretty dress you have there.”

Her face flushed slightly. “Thank you, my Lord.”

Atheon nodded. He was a man of few words and not one to keep a conversation going, but he was charming and funny around the people he was comfortable with. Amy was one of them.

And that jovial part of him was what she liked about him. But with his status, she was always hesitant around him. She was a servant, and he was the Lord of the North–a great man.

Not a chance at all.

“Enjoying yourself?” Atheon asked.

Amy nodded with a hum, her trembling fingers clutching her cup of wine almost too tightly.

“Hm,” he averted his gaze to the dance, giving Amy the opportunity to admire him in silence.

The male had no woman in his life yet, not because he wanted to stay single, but Lord Atheon had admitted he was a bit unaccustomed to being with a female, except for his mistresses, whom he paid on full moons to satisfy his urge. None had been interesting enough to capture his attention.

But one thing she didn’t know was that he was already getting attracted to someone–her.

Atheon glanced at the human servant, catching her gaze. She quickly averted it and cleared her throat.

The mission had brought them close, this servant was talkative around him, literally telling him almost everything about her life -how she got adopted by some traveling wolves in the human realm and brought here.

He’d listened, finding her stories interesting. Soon she became bold around him, and then the spark came. She would zone out and stare at him when he spoke, blushing when he complimented her, and her heartbeat raced around him.

“Would you like to dance with me, Amy?”

Amy looked at him in shock. “M…me?”

“Who else?” He rose to his feet, offering her a hand. “Come on.”

She glanced down at his hand, swallowing before slowly taking it. He gave her a smile, and Amy felt like thousands of butterflies exploded in her stomach.

Just like that, he led her to the dance floor.

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260: The dance

+25 BONUS

Nyra was also watching the dance when a deep voice came from behind.

“Nyra.”

She turned to see Falcon, clad in fine attire, well–groomed. His half was slightly disheveled, but it still made him look charming

“I just want to say I’m sorry for everything–every pain I’ve caused you, and… I…” he paused, pulling his lower lip between his teeth.

Falcon exhaled, his voice suddenly too small for the weight in his chest.

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