Marriage Alliance With The Lycan Monarch
Chapter 75: Secrets

Chapter 75: Secrets

I sat under the shade of a tree. I have taken my cloak off, allowing my body some air. I wasn’t cold, surprisingly enough, given how I was most of the time.

I took a sip from the tea. They serve fine tea here.

"Is there anything else you want, my lady?" The Butler asked politely.

"More cookies?"

I wanted to sit alone, but he’s been standing there watching me, and I felt uneasy. Drevon didn’t want to leave me, but whatever they had to discuss was important.

"Certainly. I’ll be right back." He walked out of the compound to the corridor at the next turn.

I took a breath of relief and set the teacup on the saucer. I decided to take a stroll in the nearby garden to clear my head.

The wind howled through, rustling the leaves and the bushes. The garden here wasn’t as grand as the one in the castle, but it was decent and reminded me of Beloria.

I halted my steps and looked at the sky. The entire conversation with Ravyn plagued my head. Drevon was sacrificing so much for me, and even though it warms my heart, I don’t want him risking everything for me.

I wasn’t worth it.

I exhaled sharply and turned to walk back to the compound, but I didn’t move further because someone blocked me.

With wide eyes, I took a step back. "P-Prince Damon?"

What in all the gods’ name is he doing here?!

A feeling gripped me, the same one that did when I first met him. Fear. But something else twisted my insides, burning through my skin like it was on fire. Pure anger.

How dare he show his face after what he had done to me?

Like the devil, a wide smirk spread across his lips. "Enjoying your little outing?"

"W-What are you doing here?" I asked, trying to sound strong, but I found myself stuttering.

"Watching you," he replied unashamed. He moved his finger to his lips, using his thumb to glide the bottom as if to allure me to that spot.

But I kept my hard gaze on his eyes, sidestepping how terror filled my lungs. The last time I was alone with him, I ended up a whore.

I wondered if he had collaborated with Sloane on that matter. I wouldn’t be so surprised.

"W-Watching me?"

"Yes, ever since that day you have tasted my lips."

"You were the one who kissed me, you shameless man!"

"Oh? I didn’t recall it happening that way. You are the whore who shamelessly seduced me."

"I’m not a whore," I said through clenched teeth. "And I know you worked with Sloane to bring me down!"

"Who?" he asked.

"I’m not dumb."

"But you’re becoming one who says confusing things."

I paused. Did he not work with her?

"But I did enjoy those whispers, though. But after a while, it became unappealing. It didn’t make my brother angry enough. I’ve this desire to shed the mask he wears to fool everyone. They call me a monster, not knowing that one who walks like the calmness of a sea is the storm."

I’m not following his nonsense, so I asked. "What do you want?"

"I came to return this."

I veered my gaze to my hairpin, the one I lost that day.

"You want it back, do you not?"

I did, but why would he give it back?

"Why?"

He leaned down to me. "Did you tell my brother about our kiss?"

I attempted to move away, but he took my chin and kept me in place.

"You didn’t, did you?" he was amused. "Why?"

"Take your filthy hands off me," I gritted.

"Make me."

But he knew I couldn’t. He was mocking me, knowing I couldn’t throw a finger at him.

"Then it shall be our little secret," he said, eyeing my lips. "I’m looking forward to our pleasant meetings."

I slapped him. Hard. Even though my hand felt like it would fall off.

"Touch me again and you’re going to regret it. Nothing gives you the right to do that."

He pinned me with a murderous glare, but I stood my ground, not caring if he ripped my head off.

On cue, a wide grin spread across his lips, revealing his teeth. "I like a challenge."

"My lady?"

A voice came, and when I turned, I found the Butler coming close. Looking back at Damon, he was gone.

~•~

I didn’t know what the result of Drevon and Ravyn’s conversation was, and I didn’t ask.

We were on the hill now, as Drevon promised he would take me. And he was right, it was more beautiful taking it in at daylight and as the sunset, it gave it a magical look.

The Great Lycan Empire...Valkanor.

I was looking forward to this moment the entire time, but I couldn’t bring myself to appreciate the view.

"Eloise?"

"It’s beautiful," I said in a murmur.

I felt his hand beneath my chin as he pivoted it so that I looked at him.

"Is everything alright?" he asked with worried eyes.

I forced a smile. "Yes."

Drevon wasn’t satisfied with my reply. "Do you feel..." he trailed. "Off?"

"Actually, I feel better, ever since I woke up. I’m not always so cold anymore, and my body feels lighter."

"I see..." he muttered, and now suddenly he seemed like the one who had much to say but chose not to.

"My liege?"

A subtle smile curled on his lips as he faced the view, the wind carrying his hair weightlessly. "I thought by now I would hear you say my name more often."

My cheek tinted red, my eyes trembling. My lips came apart as the desire to say it grasped me, but when it came to say it out loud, I stopped. My lips pressed in a thin line as I peeled my eyes away from him.

We spent the rest of the day watching the view in an uncomfortable silence.