The Lycan King and his Dark Temptation novel Chapter 316

KATHERINE

I stepped out in a simple, comfortable dress for the long journey.

Adjusting my gloves, I let the housekeeper help me into the spacious carriage, explaining a few things along the way.

"Have a safe journey, Duchess," she said at last. I thanked her and slid to the side of the plush seat, leaving space for the Duke.

The interior was lined with green damask featuring silver patterns—elegant and beautiful.

Under the facing seats, there were locked compartments. The housekeeper mentioned they contained provisions for the trip.

The luxury was obvious, but of course, this was the carriage of the lord and master of these lands.

Speaking of the Duke—I waited and waited, but nothing.

The carriage door was closed, the structure shuddered as the coachman took his seat, followed by the crack of the whip and his shout to the horses.

I immediately leaned toward the small window, pulling the curtain aside. That’s when I saw him.

The Duke was riding that beautiful white horse from last night, surrounded by a group of men who looked like our guards.

Not many—maybe ten at most.

I let out a sharp breath and snapped the curtain shut. So much for getting closer to him.

This man avoided me like the plague.

Each day, I grew more convinced that I’d have to risk going along with Nana’s plan. It seemed like the only way.

The journey continued without delay. Drowsiness crept in, boredom settling in with the constant rocking. I should have brought a book.

At some point, I drifted off, only to be jolted awake when the carriage hit a pothole before coming to a stop.

I dared to open the door, needing to stretch my legs and get some fresh air. As soon as I set one foot outside, a shadow loomed over me.

My eyes traveled upward, locking onto the Duke’s piercing blue gaze.

"We’re stopping at one of the silos on the map. I need you to come with me for the inspection. It’s just observation," he said, his voice gruff.

His eyes wandered over my face.

I nodded and leaned forward to step out of the carriage. I heard him clear his throat in irritation. Now what?

With a powerful motion, he dismounted from his horse.

"You couldn’t have worn something more… covering? We’re about to visit rough field workers," he muttered, frowning as he stepped closer.

"Covering? I’m wearing one of the plainest, most modest dresses in my wardrobe," I replied, glancing down.

Alright, so maybe my cleavage was a bit visible, but it wasn’t like I could hide my two friends.

Sorry, but this is what it is, and my sister’s dresses always fit a little too tight in that area.

"Don’t stray from my side. Understood?" He took a step forward, lowering his voice to a near growl.

"You’re the only one avoiding me, dear husband. I, on the other hand, love being by your side," I shot back, stepping toward him, switching to offense.

His jaw clenched, the storm in his blue eyes swirling.

I expected him to throw some sharp remark, but instead, his gaze dropped to my neckline again. I could swear he let out a low growl before abruptly turning and walking away.

Who even understands this man? Do you like what you see or not?

*****

Following the Duke, we entered a small settlement of laborers.

Rustic wooden houses with thatched roofs stood in neat rows, typically used for workers during harvest season.

"Your Lordships, it is an honor for us that you have come personally to this humble place," greeted a stout man with a graying mustache, balding head, and small glasses perched on his nose.

He must be the administrator of this area.

"Mr. Philip, I don’t have much time. Take me to the silo and show me the account book," the Duke cut straight to the point, as always.

The man tried to remain composed, but it was obvious—he was sweating profusely.

With trembling hands, he handed over a heavy ledger.

I pushed open the door of the first pen, immediately hit by the stench of fresh manure. A man was refilling the water trough and laying out food for the donkey.

He gave me a brief nod before continuing his task.

I then turned to inspect the other pen, located in the farthest corner.

The scent of manure filled my nose again, but this time, the droppings were piled in one corner, and several bales of dry hay were stacked against the back wall, almost covering it completely.

I was about to turn away when something unusual caught my eye.

Footprints. Strange ones. They seemed fresh. The muddy shoe prints stood out. I crouched down to examine them.

They came from a very specific type of boot—far too luxurious for a simple laborer but quite fitting for the administrator.

It was clear that someone had walked this path many times, and the tracks led straight to the hay-covered wall. Suspicious.

Why would the administrator walk all the way to the back of a donkey pen?

I stood up immediately and tried pushing the hay bales aside.

The dry grass tumbled down, scattering across the wooden floor, but the bales were heavy, and I struggled to move them properly.

My instincts screamed at me to keep digging. I was almost certain—there was something hidden here.

"Mmm," I groaned, sweating and breathing hard as I tried to drag one of them. I was definitely going to need help.

"May I assist you with something?"

A deep voice came from the narrow entrance.

"You shouldn’t be here. You might… dirty your clothes."

I turned to see a very tall, muscular man staring at me with unfriendly eyes.

He stepped forward, his movements slow but intimidating, and I instinctively took a step back, my pulse quickening as I glanced anxiously behind him.

He was blocking the only way out of this trap. How far would they be willing to go to keep the Duke from discovering they were stealing from him?

Would they do anything to save their necks?