Stolen by the Beastly Lycan King-Chapter 160: The Engagement Banquet

Lorelai gazed at her reflection in the tall standing mirror, her expression void of emotion as Marianna’s skilled hands carefully inserted golden pins into the front of her cream-colored corset. Her attire was nearly complete; now, it was time for the accessories to bring the look to perfection.

"You look exceptionally beautiful, Your Highness!" Marianna exclaimed, stepping back to admire her handiwork. "Just like always!"

Lorelai studied her reflection with a blank stare, nodding reflexively so as not to upset her lady-in-waiting after hours of painstaking effort.

Today marked the official banquet celebrating her engagement to King Kai Erelith, and she, of course, was expected to look flawless in front of the kingdom’s most esteemed guests and nobility.

Ever meticulous, her fiancé had commissioned the best seamstress in the capital to create a gown designed solely for this occasion, ensuring that no one else in the kingdom would ever wear anything even remotely like it.

Taking a closer look at her attire now, Lorelai had to admit that the dress was indeed stunning.

The silk fabric hugged her petite frame perfectly, flowing gracefully yet allowing her freedom of movement. The hem pooled elegantly on the floor like a cascade of white cream, so rich and luxurious that another lady-in-waiting would likely be assigned to ensure no one dared tread too close to it.

The corset, though soft to the touch, pressed against her ribs with noticeable force. It was adorned with intricate golden lace, and the golden pins Marianna had so meticulously placed were topped with pearl flowers.

Her shoulders were bare, while her sleeves trailed dramatically down to her delicate fingertips, ending in a precise triangular shape.

Her wavy blonde hair was gathered at the crown of her head, just the way Queen Althea preferred, revealing her long, elegant neck. Around it sat a heavy diamond necklace, its brilliance casting a rainbow of flickering light as it caught the fading sunlight streaming through the windows.

"If this is just the engagement dress," Marianna said, clapping her hands in excitement, "imagine what kind of miracle the seamstress will create for your wedding!"

But Lorelai couldn’t share her lady-in-waiting’s enthusiasm.

After the incident during their picnic, the princess hadn’t seen her stepbrother even once. Meanwhile, the strange male voice continued to haunt her dreams more frequently, though she could never quite remember what it was telling her.

The recurring presence of that voice, coupled with Kai’s absence, only deepened her sense of confusion and loss. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t summon any joy or comfort from the thought of her upcoming marriage.

"Your Highness," Marianna’s voice interrupted her wandering thoughts, pulling her back to the present. "It’s time to join the banquet."

Lorelai nodded, casting one final glance at her reflection.

Why didn’t she feel happy?

***

The royal banquet hall buzzed with the cacophony of loud conversations and the soothing notes of a string quartet playing in the background.

After a loud announcement, the lively chatter and music fell silent, and all eyes turned toward the princess. Accompanied by Marianna and another lady-in-waiting sent by Althea, Lorelai moved carefully through the crowd. She could feel the weight of curious gazes—ladies and gentlemen alike—burning into her, their stares making her skin grow warm as if they were leaving invisible marks on her pale form.

Kai stood tall beside the queen at the podium reserved for the royal family, his white attire perfectly complementing hers.

Althea, always elegant and composed, appeared somewhat muted and overshadowed by the harmonious matching attire of her children.

"You look wonderful, Lorelai," Kai whispered as she approached. He extended his hand to her, his voice soft yet clear.

Lorelai nodded politely and placed her hand in his, the cool silk of his white gloves brushing against her skin.

How strange, Lorelai thought as the smooth surface of the king’s glove brushed against her bare skin. For the first time in what feels like forever, his touch doesn’t feel so cold.

After Kai’s speech welcoming the distinguished guests and urging them to eat and drink in honor of the occasion, the princess was finally allowed to take her seat. Yet, Kai’s hand remained firmly clasped around hers, holding it captive.

Time seemed to stretch endlessly. Though countless servants approached the podium with trays of luxurious drinks, all Lorelai could manage was a single flute of golden champagne. Althea’s stern gaze bore into her with unrelenting intensity, scrutinizing her every move.

"Lorelai," Kai’s voice was unexpectedly close, startling her. She turned her head to find his face mere inches from hers, his lips dangerously close to brushing her cheek.

"You don’t look like you are enjoying yourself," he murmured.

Lorelai forced a smile, her lips curving slightly as she shook her head. "I am, Your Majesty."

Kai’s answering smile looked just as forced, the bitterness in his amber eyes cutting deeper than any words. "Is that so..."

Before he could finish his thought, a noblewoman stepped gracefully up to the podium and curtsied before him. "Your Majesty, may I have the honor of this dance?"

Kai’s gaze flicked briefly to Lorelai, whose carefully composed expression betrayed no emotion. Her stoic silence was all the permission he needed.

"Of course, my lady," he replied smoothly.

It was considered improper for a king to dance with another woman without his fiancée’s consent, but Lorelai reminded herself that he was the king—he could do as he pleased.

As Kai led the noblewoman onto the dance floor, his hand rested low on her back, far too close to her buttocks. Yet his gaze never left Lorelai, sharp and unwavering, as if daring her to react.

Despite herself, the princess couldn’t look away. Her eyes remained fixed on the pair as they danced, their bodies pressed scandalously close in the center of the hall. It felt as though an invisible force compelled her to watch, the image searing itself into her mind with every step they took.

To her own surprise, however, Lorelai felt nothing. Kai noticed it too.

When the music faded once more, the king returned to his seat. Without so much as a glance in his stepsister’s direction, he accepted a tall glass of red wine from a passing servant.

"Come see me in my chambers after the banquet," he said, his tone cold and matter-of-fact. "This is an order."