Stolen by the Beastly Lycan King-Chapter 92: Tension

Her silver hair was cut short, framing a face that could have been beautiful if not for the stark, jagged scar that trailed across the left side. Starting just above her eyebrow, it carved a path down to the middle of her cheek, its presence a harsh contrast to her otherwise pale, smooth skin. Her eyes, bright and piercing blue, reflected the shimmer of fires like enchanted crystals.

Yet, it wasn’t the scar or her strange attire that captured Lorelai’s attention the most. It was the black fabric mask that obscured the lower half of her face. The material clung snugly to her nose and flowed down to cover her mouth and chin, attached securely behind her ears. The mask gave her an air of secrecy, a shadowy mystique that seemed almost out of place even in this already strange gathering.

As if sensing the weight of Lorelai’s gaze, the woman’s eyes flicked toward her. For a brief moment, their gazes locked—blue meeting green. Something unspoken passed between them, though Lorelai couldn’t quite place what it was.

The woman’s body stiffened subtly, her posture growing rigid. Her brows knit together in what could only be described as a worried expression. It wasn’t fear, but it was far from the indifference Lorelai might have expected from someone traveling with Rhaegar.

Who is she?

Before Rhaegar could reach Lorelai, another figure emerged to intercept him. Prince Kai, who had been tightening the saddle on his horse, straightened and moved deliberately into the lycan king’s path.

Kai was the first to break the silence.

"Good morning, Your Majesty," he said, his tone as smooth as silk but carrying an edge of condescension. "A rather gloomy day for a hunting trip, wouldn’t you agree?"

Rhaegar’s sharp amber gaze didn’t waver. He barely acknowledged Kai’s words with a curt nod, his eyes fixed unwaveringly on Lorelai. His piercing glare seemed to strip away any pretense, leaving the princess feeling exposed and uneasy under its weight.

Queen Althea, too, seized the opportunity to intervene.

She called for her attendants to tend to her hawk, discarding her dirty gloves carelessly onto the ground. With a measured stride, she approached Rhaegar, her thin red lips curling into a practiced smile that never quite reached her dark brown eyes.

"It has been far too long, Your Majesty," Althea said, her voice light and sweet as honey but dripping with insincerity. "I imagine your time has been consumed with the endless demands of taking care of your... people."

The queen’s words hung in the air, their subtle barb not lost on anyone within earshot.

Alim and Gian, standing next to Rhaegar as his loyal guards, shifted their attention to her, their expressions unreadable but their presence suffused with quiet menace. Their predatory gazes roamed over Althea as if she were some peculiar curiosity, a creature both bold and foolish enough to provoke their king.

Despite their scrutiny, Althea remained undeterred. She returned their intimidating stares with her own icy smile, a silent declaration that she would not be cowed.

Rhaegar, too, smiled, though his was far from warm.

"Indeed, the king’s duties are many and varied," he replied in a calm but authoritative tone. His amber eyes flicked briefly to Althea before landing squarely on Kai. "Perhaps you are unaware, but a true king never ceases to care for his people. It is not a task bound by necessity or convenience."

The subtle sting in his words was impossible to miss, and Kai’s jaw visibly tightened. His hands clenched at his sides, and a retort danced on the tip of his tongue.

But before he could speak, Althea subtly intervened. Her hand brushed against his, fingers curling around his wrist in a firm grip. With a discreet tug, she pulled his hand behind her back, giving it a reassuring squeeze—a silent command to let the matter rest.

His visit was almost over.

Although she hated his guts and wished he would be torn apart by a wild animal, the queen could not allow Kai to be dragged into any mess before he safely ascended the throne.

The beasts were their enemies, but not for long. Once their preparations were complete, Erelith would become a formidable foe to everyone else instead.

Smiling at the crown prince’s fuming face, the lycan king finally turned his attention to the princess.

She had intended to greet him briefly and then turn away, but she doubted Rhaegar would let her go so easily. As she stepped forward to bow her head, the beasts’ eyes fixed on her with unnerving intensity. Their leader’s strong scent seemed to envelop her, sinking into her skin like an intoxicating perfume and leaving no doubt that she belonged only to him.

Everyone was able to sense his claim on her.

Rhaegar regarded Lorelai with his usual calm demeanor, his amber gaze steady as he returned her bow with a faint smile.

"Your Highness," he said softly, his voice unaffected by the presence of others. "Is there a particular hunter you are rooting for? Perhaps you have a request? Is there any beast or animal you would like to receive as a gift?"

Lorelai opened her mouth to respond, but another voice interrupted her.

"My sister is not interested in gifts from anyone but her brother."

Kai’s hand shot out, gripping Lorelai’s wrist tightly as he pulled her back, placing himself protectively in front of her.

"You don’t need to concern yourself with her, Your Majesty. It is improper for a taken woman to expect gifts from single men. As her brother, I will ensure she receives a worthy token in her fiancé’s place."

Rhaegar’s eyes narrowed, slowly scanning the crown prince’s irritated face. A dangerous tension crackled between them, as though a single spark could set the entire forest ablaze.

"As far as I’m concerned, as long as the princess is alone here today, anyone is allowed to present her with their loot. It is common courtesy. After all, wouldn’t it reflect poorly if other ladies received gifts, but the only princess of Erelith did not?"

His lips curved into an empty smile, his eyes glittering coldly, almost ominously. Though his voice was calm, it cut like a blade, laced with a clear challenge.

"It seems you’re afraid that my offering Her Highness a gift might somehow annull her engagement and make her fall in love with me. Is that your fear? That this marriage arrangement will fall apart?"

It was obvious to anyone listening that he was trying to provoke the crown prince. Kai drew a deep breath, his irritation evident though he fought to keep it in check.

"Why should I be afraid?" he retorted, his smile steady despite the anger simmering beneath. "My sister, like everyone else in Erelith, values marriage far more than cheap, meaningless affairs. No gift can change that. ’Marriage arrangements,’ as you call them, are sacred in this kingdom."

Kai’s eyes glared as he observed the lycan king’s reaction. Then, with a voice as biting as the winter wind, he added, "And you, Your Majesty... should not covet what belongs to another."

Rhaegar tilted his head slightly, letting the words hang in the tense air before responding with a low chuckle.

Lorelai, standing awkwardly to the side, glanced at Queen Althea. Normally, the queen would be quick to lash out at any perceived slight or disrespect toward her beloved son. But to Lorelai’s surprise, Althea appeared unusually pleased, her pale lips curling into an almost amused smile.

The sight unsettled Lorelai. Why was Althea not provoked? She had always treated Kai’s pride as an extension of her own. Lorelai’s unease only grew.

Rhaegar’s amber eyes briefly followed Lorelai’s gaze before shifting to Althea. His lips curved into a knowing smile that sent a chill down Lorelai’s spine.

"Really, now..." Rhaegar murmured, his voice smooth. "I think this is going to be a fun hunt."

Kai’s posture stiffened, but his reply was curt. "I, too, look forward to its outcome."

Rhaegar gave no further response, turning away with the commanding grace of a predator. His broad back disappeared into the camp, leaving behind a weighty silence.

Kai’s gaze lingered on the lycan king’s retreating figure before he exhaled sharply and turned on his heel, dragging Lorelai with him. His grip on her arm was firm but not bruising, his steps purposeful as he marched her back to his camp.

Inside, he released her without a word, his attention immediately shifting to his preparations. He tested the tautness of his bowstring, adjusted the saddle on his sleek white horse, and inspected his quiver of arrows with mechanical precision. His silence was sharp enough to cut through the tension in the air, and Lorelai found herself rooted to the spot, uncertain whether to speak or remain quiet.

Finally, once his tasks were complete, Kai straightened and turned to her, "The ribbon. Is it ready? Give it to me," he demanded.

Silently, Lorelai opened her small leather pouch and presented the long, wide, green silk ribbon she had brought specifically for her brother.