The Lycan King and His Dark Temptation by Luna Nova

Chapter 15 ARRIVING TO THE PACK VALERIA The Kings carriage was spacious and comfortable, lined with soft red and black velvet.

We had left the castle that morning, traveling along winding roads toward a distant pack.

As soon as we emerged from the dark mist surrounding the forest, I tensed slightly, nervously watching out the window.

It was absurd to think they might still be huntingoutside the Golden Moon pack.

Maybe they didnt even realize I was still alive.

His Majesty sat across from me, absorbed in reading several manuscripts, fully focused on his task.

He wasnt a man of many words, and the trip was quickly becoming dull .

At spoint, I closed my eyes, but a sudden jolt of the carriage startledawake.

A comforting warmth was pressed against my side my head resting on a broad, muscular shoulder.

Im so sorry, Your Majesty ! I shot up, stiff as a board, realizing I had been sleeping against the King Wasnt he supposed to be sitting across from me? Why are you apologizing this time? For breathing? Or for drooling on my shirt ? he asked sarcastically, tilting his head to glance down at me.

My eyes immediately searched for any stain on the dark fabric, but it seemed His Highness had also learned how to mess with me.

Go back to sleep, Valeria.

We still have a long way to go, he muttered, his rough hand settling on my hair, gently pushingback against his shoulder.

The journey continued, mile after mile.

Outside, the temperature was freezing, but nestled between the carriage wall and Aldrics massive body, his protective warmth surrounded me, and I eventually drifted off to sleep again.

When I stirred much later, still half drowsy, I realized the carriage had stopped and I was alone.

Voices echoed from outside.

Blinking the sleep from my eyes, I noticed the Kings heavy cloak draped over me, almost coveringfrom head to toe.

Carefully, I folded it, fixing my messy hair before peeking out the window.

Youre awake? his deep voice cut into my thoughts, suddenly filling my view : Come.

Get down.

Were staying here for the night.

I nodded, pulling on my own dark cloak, which shielded my face somewhat from view.

I hated how people stared atlike I was skind of freak Looking around, I realized we were inside a courtyard.

There was a stable in the back and, ahead, an old wooden and stone building with several floors. Stay close to me, Valeria.

Always.

Dont stray, he ordered firmly short, precise commands I obeyed without ARRIVING TO THE PACK question.

I followed the King and the coachman as we left through the gate and rounded the front of the inn.

Sunrise Inn, the sign read above the door.

Aldric gestured forto enter before him.

We were immediately greeted by a cozy hall filled with tables where people were eating, while the innkeeper stood behind a long counter on the side.

We headed straight for the counter, all eyes turning toward us.

It was impossible to go unnoticed with a towering figure like him beside me.

Few had ever seen King Aldric in person.

There were plenty of exaggerated rumors about him, but the wolves in the room could clearly sense his power.

They recognized a Lycan when they were in the presence of one.

Lycans were rare but the Guardians and the King werent the only ones in the kingdorn.

I need three adjacent rooms, Aldric demanded in his usual blunt tone.

I... Im sorry, Your Excellency, but I dont have three rooms available.

Only two and theyre ... separate, the thin innkeeper stammered, visibly shaking with fear.

Is there another inn in this pack? Aldric asked, his brow furrowing in annoyance.

N No, Excellency.

But if you wait until tomorrow, perhaps- Im not traveling back to return tomorrow.

Givethe two rooms, Aldric interrupted, his voice sharp enough to make the poor man flinch.

I almost felt sorry for the innkeeper.

But I should have been worrying about myself because clearly, I was going to be the most affected by this. Valeria, youll share a room with me.

The coachman will take the other, he stated, turning to facewith a disturbingly calm expression.

What?! I wanted to scream in frustration.

Is there a problem ? He raised a brow, noticing my obvious discomfort.

S Sir, I think its ... a bit irrational for us to share a room.

You might feel uncomfortable- Would you rather sleep with the coachman, then? No! I blurted instantly, shooting a sideways glance at the poor coachman, who was watchingwith a silent plea, clearly terrified .

L..I could sleep.- in- Where could I sleep? S Sir, I can stay in the stable ... with the horses-Did Pask for your opinion? Aldric snapped, turning toward the coachman like a predator . The man nearly wet himself on the spot.

ARRIVING TO THE PACK We were stuck, and the growing tension was drawing attention.

So, as usual, I gave in to the whims of t insufferable man Ill stay with you şir sir muttered, seething with En frustration. If my hands were strong enough to wrap around his thick neck, I would have strangled him right then and there.

The innkeeper looked relieved as he hurriedly handed over the keys, eager to get rid of us.

But before we could leave, the front door burst open.

A tall, burly man with chestnut hair rushed inside, pale faced, wiping sweat from his forehead with his arm.

The moment his eyes landed on Aldric, his face drained of all color, and he approached cautiously, bowing with reverence.

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