The Lycan King and his Dark Temptation novel Chapter 315

KATHERINE

"No, not that elegant dress. Pack more practical things. Yes, yes, that riding outfit is fine." I instructed the two maids packing my essentials for this crazy trip.

I walked toward the window while they carried out their duties.

The night had deepened outside, so dark that nothing could be seen beyond the shadows cast by the large lanterns.

Where was the Duke, and why hadn’t he returned yet?

A heavy concern weighed on me. Was he at his mistress’s house? I needed to find out who she was. She was surely a beautiful woman, one who matched his status.

Is he in bed with her right now? I raised my thumb to nibble on my nail.

Anxiety churned inside me, the insecurity gnawing at me that she could get pregnant and threaten our position here.

All I had left was my father’s old house—not even the farmland.

Rossella had sold everything. We would be left with nothing.

Suddenly, through the night’s mist, I heard the distant neigh of a horse galloping up the entrance path.

Without even blinking, I saw him emerge from the deepest darkness, controlling the animal with an iron grip.

I couldn’t help but notice the detail—his hair was wet, and his shirt was half open.

His overall appearance was disheveled and, let’s be honest, incredibly sexy.

I clenched my teeth, thinking he could very well have just come from fucking. That she had just enjoyed him, completely naked, moving between her spread thighs.

Ugghh, damn cheater.

I knew perfectly well that he was bound to Rossella and that their marriage was nothing but a façade, but it still pissed me off.

He jumped down from the saddle, handed the reins to the stable boy, and strode toward the castle with powerful steps.

But just when I thought he wouldn’t stop, he hesitated for a moment and lifted his head.

I tensed, trying to hide behind the curtain, but it was useless.

My eyes locked onto his—those piercing icy blues that seemed to glow in the dark.

The Duke immediately lowered his gaze and continued on his way, his expression dark.

By His Majesty, I’m going to have to find a way to violate that man.

I pressed my fingers to the bridge of my nose, feeling the onset of a headache.

Thankfully, the maids finished quickly, and I was able to go to bed, though I barely got any sleep.

I should be spending my time trying to win over my daughter, not going on a trip with the Duke…

Although, wait…

Instead of tormenting myself over this, I should take this opportunity to get close to him.

Yes, yes, this was an opportunity, not a problem.

With a goal set in my mind, I finally managed to fall asleep.

*****

The Next Morning...

"Nana, I need you to take good care of Lavinia. I already told the housekeeper and the butler that you’re in charge of her affairs," I whispered to her in the sitting room outside my daughter’s quarters.

"Go in peace, I’ll take care of her. I know how to handle her."

"I love you, my daughter. I know I failed you, but I only ask for one chance, just one, Lavinia, to let me be your mother again. And I promise, you’ll never regret it," I whispered softly.

She didn’t respond. She just stared at the page without turning it, but my mother’s heart could sense that this was at least a small step forward.

"I’ll be back soon. Listen to Lady Freya, she only wants to protect you," I added, and after one last glance, I stepped out of her room.

As I gently closed the door, I turned back for a final look through the small gap before shutting it completely.

My daughter was crying. She had hidden her face behind the book, but her shoulders trembled.

I pressed the door shut without forcing her further. My hand trembled on the doorknob. I closed my eyes tightly, trying to hold back the tears that wouldn’t stop rolling down my cheeks.

I could forgive Rossella and my father for ruining my life, but never for stealing my daughter from me and robbing me of so many moments with her that I could never get back.

"Calm yourself, child. The Duke is waiting for you. You have to be strong, for her," Freya’s wise voice came from behind me as her hand rested gently on my shoulder.

I opened my eyes, now filled with determination. There was no room for failure. This Duchy had to be ours.

***

I wiped my tears and headed down the stairs. On the first floor, the servants were already loading the luggage into the carriage.

The Duke turned just as I descended. He was dressed in an indigo riding outfit that matched the light blue of his eyes.

"Good morning, Your Lordship," I greeted him, since he hadn’t shown up for breakfast.

"Good morning, Duchess," he replied curtly. "We leave in five minutes." He then walked outside without another word.

"So rude," I muttered under my breath, huffing.

The time to depart had arrived.