Lycan King's Regret: Punished The Wrong Daughter

Arabella Toussaint:

"So... here we meet again," I tried looking into the darkness and froze when I saw the queen seated beside my bed, holding a knife.

She slowly trailed her finger along its sharp edge.

"You see? Whether you fall asleep or faint. I’ll always be here... waiting for you..." she said with a chuckle and then looked up to meet my gaze, "This time, my son won’t come to save you, slave. Do you know why?"

I managed to shake my head, which only seemed to amuse her, "Because he’s asleep too."

Goddess.

What kind of sick game was she playing? I needed to wake up. Now!

I tried to force my eyes open without letting her know. Just then, she decided to rise from her chair and leaned closer.

Harder.

I tried harder and then at last, I saw my surroundings through barely opened lids.

When I woke up, the first thing I noticed was someone holding my hand. King Lucien.

He had fallen asleep beside my bed. I looked at him with a frown.

Why was he even here? What was his next agenda?

I tried to slip my hand out of his, but his fingers tightened around mine. I went still.

Why was he doing this? Making me feel as though he cared... when I knew he didn’t.

My thoughts drifted to Lilith, who looked like a witch. Her appearance was enough to tell me who she was.

Then everything came rushing back. Her questions. My tears. I couldn’t even tell them that my pack Alpha had bound me.

Taking a quiet breath, I pulled my hand a little harder. This time, his eyelids fluttered open, and his golden eyes met mine, "You’re awake," his voice was still rough with sleep.

"I’m... sorry... I didn’t mean to wake you," I said, lowering my gaze.

He at last released my hand before rubbing the back of his neck, "You didn’t, princess," I was still recovering from the unexpected endearment when he shot the next question, "Hungry?"

I hesitated before giving him a tiny nod. Without another word, his eyes glazed back to mindlink someone.

***

He accompanied me while eating my meal. When we were done with our food, we heard a slight knock on the door.

Two elegantly dressed women entered, carrying measuring tapes, notebooks, and several rolls of fabric. I looked at them in confusion.

"They’re here to take your measurements. You need clothes, Ara."

The way he called me Ara did something to my heart. Maya was the one who used to call me that, and now I was missing her more than anything.

The women waited quietly, maybe waiting for my permission, but my mind wasn’t able to take all that in.

"I’m sorry, your highness," I bent my head in respect, "I thought I was supposed to be your slave."

He looked at me like I was a dumb student in his class, "So? Don’t slaves need clothes? Or are they supposed to parade around naked?"

His remark made my face heat up.

"That’s not what I mean... It’s just..."

"Are you planning to wear my clothes once we go back, princess? Because doctors are planning to release you today. I won’t mind a naked slave in my chambers..."

He was doing it intentionally. What the hell!

"Do you treat every slave like this, My King? You ask these women to take every slave’s measurements?"

He must not be expecting this argument because he clenched his jaw, avoiding eye contact.

The women standing there exchanged an awkward glance, and something told me that all this would be reported to the queen.

"Listen, Arabella," I flinched when he tried to hold my hand. He took the hint and moved his hand back, throwing it up in the air "You’re under my protection. Okay? You need these clothes. Please..."

"Slaves are supposed to wear those grey uniforms, your highness. Its material is strong enough to withstand it if someone wants to grab me... or drag me through the palace halls. But this cloth? It will tear within seconds..." I started shaking my head.

His shoulders stiffened, and I could tell that his patience was thinning with each passing minute. I didn’t even nod when Lilith came inside. It was evident that she was here to talk to me, but now I was not in the mood to entertain anyone.

I was done being their toy. But... wait a minute.

Lilith was trying so hard to hide her smile, and I wanted to kill her. What was so funny? Just this morning, she gave me the impression that she was my friend, and now...

Look at her!

"Everyone! Out!" Lucien snapped his fingers.

The two seamstresses immediately bowed and hurried outside while Lilith looked from me to Lucien, amusement dancing in his violet eyes, "Didn’t I warn you, Lucien?" she winked before following those women out.

Warn him? About what?

When the door clicked shut, my heart skipped a beat. Now we were alone.

What had gotten into me? Why was I arguing with him? Did I forget my place?

I looked up and found him walking toward me until he reached close. Too close. He leaned down slightly, bringing his face only inches from mine, "Little wolf."

Wolf? Seriously? I don’t have a wolf, sir!

His low voice sent an unfamiliar shiver through me.

"You have two choices. Either let them take measurements or walk around in that palace wearing my clothes," My heart pounded even harder.

"Wearing my clothes means you officially belong to me. Imagine wearing those big t-shirts without your bras or panties," he said with a straight face, and my ears burned in embarrassment.

He leaned in just a fraction closer, "You’re already imagining yourself wearing them, right?"

I started shaking my head in bewilderment.

Oh, shit. No!

I swallowed hard when his eyes dipped lower to my lips. Before I could say something, his face moved closer, and his lips barely brushed the corner of my mouth.

The kiss was so brief that I wasn’t even sure it had happened.

"You had that strawberry jam there..." his breath fanned across my skin, and I forgot how to breathe.

He closed his eyes as if he was trying to control himself and then straightened abruptly.

"See you later, little wolf," He said and then turned on his heel to walk out, leaving me rooted to the spot.

I closed my eyes in disbelief, with my heart still racing. What had just happened?