The Lycan King and His Dark Temptation by Luna Nova

Chapter 13 MY MAID IS NOT GUILTY VALERIA He simply carriedprincess style from the bed, and no matter how much I told him I could walk on my own, it went in one ear and out the other.

Hold on tight, he ordered when I didnt know how to position myself against his solid chest.

Hesitantly, I raised my hands and wrapped them behind his strong neck.

Closer.

Am I that unpleasant to you? He shota cold glare that could kill, and I shook my head frantically, like a doll with a loose spring My fingers laced behind his neck.

His powerful heartbeat echoed against my side, and I fought the urge to let my eyes wander over his masculine features.

That fiery red hair swirled and danced with his every step through the castle corridors and down the stairs, as if he carried no weight at all.

His skin felt so warm, and that intoxicating scent lingering hear my nose teased my senses.

Had he already controlled his rut? Or would I soon have to drag more of his lovers out of the castle by their hair ? Dont be afraid, he said suddenly.

Point to whoever you think is guilty, Valeria.

We had stopped before the massive kitchen doors.

Fine... And you ...

what will you do to that person? III kill them, of course, he replied without further explanation, kicking the door open as he stormed into the room where the entire staff was trembling, waiting The scent of fear filled the air, and tonight, more blood would be spilled Your Majesty, Ive gathered the entire kitchen staff as you ordered, the housekeeper immediately announced, approaching us .

She looked atstrangely, just like everyone else.

And honestly, I was embarrassed to still be in the Kings arms.

He walked to the side and setdown on a chair, grabbing another one to sit beside me, exuding such a deadly aura that even I felt its weight pressing down on me.

Now, Valeria.

Tellevery detail of what happened when you cfor my dinner, he commanded, and I didnt hesitate to recount everything from the beginning.

When I reached the part about the maids, I looked directly at them.

Both had their heads lowered, fear clearly clutching their hearts .

Then, I went to the housekeepers home, but she wasnt there.

Those men claiming to be guards captured me.

Yes, they were low ranking warriors from the pack, responsible for patrolling the forests borders.

I identified them, and the one who survived confirmed it as well.

Suddenly, I froze in surprise, noticing the Lycan Quinn standing In the shadows, leaning against a pillar with his arms crossed over his chest.

MY MAID IS NOT GUILTY Sir, did he say who gave the orders? I asked him respectfully, even in the dim light, his golden eyes were sharp and clear.

No.

He refused to confess, even under torture, Quinn replied, his gaze shifting toward the King beside me.

I assumed His Majesty Aldric had been the one to interrogate him .

And yet... he didnt break? Was his accomplice really that important to him? I turned my head slightly toward the King, only to freeze under the icy, accusing glare he was giving me.

What did I do now, Your Majesty?! I dropped my head immediately.

When Maid Valeria cto my house, Your Highness, I had stepped out for a moment.

Thats why she couldnt find me, the housekeeper defended her side of the story.

Fine.

III keep this brief.

You two are the main suspects.

You can speak now, or III drag you both to the dungeons, Aldric declared, pointing at the two maids.

They immediately collapsed to the floor, sobbing, swearing and pleading their innocence.

They insisted they had no access to His Majestys food, claiming it was only the cook, the housekeeper, andwho handled it.

Sir, if I may add I already searched their rooms and clothes.

There was nothing suspicious, the housekeeper interjected.

Please search my belongings too.

I dont want any doubts about my innocence, I added quickly, noticing the hidden suspicion in his eyes.

Thats not necessary, Aldrics sharp voice cutoff completely.

At that moment, the back door of the kitchen opened, and the woman who had ripped the hearts out of those ment in the forest walked in.

She looked powerful.

I wasnt sure what kind of wolf she was I had never seen a female Lycan before.

She greeted the King with respect and then handed a document to Guardian Quinn.

Sir, according to the packs records, that warrior was ... the brother of your cook, Quinn stated after reading the report.

Bring her here.

NOW! Aldric erupted in fury.

Yet ... I still had doubts.

If the food had been laced with that I aphrodisiac, why didnt I feel anything when I tasted ite Thats why, to me, I the two maids were the prsuspects. Trose from my seat, limping slightly toward the royal kitchen staff.

Whats going on, Valeria ? the housekeeper asked, frowning as she approached me.

Something doesnt add up, maam.

I tasted the food the cook prepared and it didnt affectat all, I explained, and she immediately unlocked the storage cablet.

We began searching for anything suspicious, even tasting leftovers.

Nothing seemed tainted with any aphrodisiac 13 MY MAID IS NOT GUILTY Lethelp you.

1 froze when I heard that low, husky voice behind me, so close that his breath caressed the back of my neck.

Your Majesty... with all this space, why do you have to stand so close to?! I wanted to cry without tears but instead focused on steadying the trembling in my hands and keeping my mind on the search. Theres a strange scent.

Faint, but I can detect it, he suddenly announced.

I watched as his hand reached out toward the silver serving trays used to cover the food.

Of course, when he leaned forward, his muscular chest pressed even closer against my back, trappingbetween him and the counter.

I didnt dare move a single inch or worse, glance at the housekeeper, who stood awkwardly beside.

It must be the rut still lingering in his body.

That had to explain why he was being so ... clingy.

It smells like a foreign substance.

There are traces of blue powder here , he declared, flipping the tray reveal the concave underside the part that always remained above the food, out of sight. The one spot I would have never thought to check.

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