The Lycan King and his Dark Temptation novel Chapter 344

ELLIOT

They left a moment later. There is no doubt in my mind that Lavinia is Katherine’s daughter.

Rossella never treated her that way; in fact, she seemed to hate the little girl.

"Katherine," I murmured under my breath, savoring her name. I longed to call her that openly.

I need to find the right moment, but first...

Knock, knock, knock.

The sound of knocking pulls me from my thoughts.

"Come in," I say as I move around my desk, hearing Vittorio step inside just as I take my seat.

"Your Lordship, I’ve brought the morning reports," he says, handing me the documents.

Sometimes I still struggle to believe Wallace betrayed me.

"He hasn’t confessed anything yet?" I ask, my face twisting with anger.

"No, sir. No matter the torture, he still insists he didn’t do it. His daughter... I’ve already sent for her to be brought to the capital," he explains, but my eyes remain fixed on the report about the south.

"So my spy has contacted the support? Everything went as planned?"

He confirms that it did. I nod, satisfied, knowing Aldo has started receiving backup.

"Sir, as stated in the report, your spy has informed us that a large shipment is expected soon. He was instructed to head to the other Duchy. He requests a way to get Duke Thesio away, as he plans to infiltrate as close as possible..."

"It’s too risky," I respond, my mind racing as I begin strategizing.

I must give Aldo and my men an opportunity, but how do I lure that fool Thesio away from his lands?

An idea takes shape in my mind.

"With all due respect, sir... him... I mean, I’m not sure, but I’ve heard that Thesio is... is..."

"Spit it out, Vittorio!"

"Well, sir, it’s rumored that he’s infatuated with Zafiro," he says, lowering his head immediately.

I understand why he hesitates so much.

Zafiro is the stage name of one of the most glamorous and sophisticated singers in the realm. Beautiful and delicate, yet complicated because she belongs to the nobility.

Zafiro is none other than Brenda, my former lover.

"Prepare a messenger to deliver a personal letter," I instruct him while grabbing paper and a quill.

I was already thinking about her.

Thesio is obsessed with my ex-lover, which is another reason he despises me. I don’t allow him into my lands to visit her either.

But I know he has tried in secret, attempting to lure her to his Duchy.

Brenda has told me so, but she refuses, especially fearing exposure as a she-wolf.

I jot down simple instructions on the paper.

The basics:

"I need you to arrange an appearance at a high-society gathering. Make sure Duke Thesio hears about it and attends. I’ll be there as well. Host it somewhere near my Duchy."

I seal the letter and instruct Vittorio that it is confidential.

Once he leaves my office, another matter weighs on my mind. What should I do about my Duchess? Should I take her with me or not?

If I leave her behind and she finds out, she might misinterpret my actions. But if I bring her along, I’ll have to deal with the fact that I still haven’t informed Brenda about the dissolution of our arrangement.

*****

KATHERINE

"Tell me, how did it go?" Nana asks in a whisper as we sit in one of the castle’s many lounges.

"His Lordship has also instructed me to begin teaching you about the castle’s management, administration, and accounting books," she informs me, and that actually surprises me.

I glance subtly at Nana, who meets my gaze for a second.

Wow, and he doesn’t even know about the exquisite ride I gave him last night—otherwise, he’d be making me queen of the entire realm.

"Very well, that sounds good to me."

"It’s... it’s quite a complex administration. If you wish, I can continue handling it in your name..."

"No, I believe I am perfectly capable of understanding the tasks you perform daily."

The tension between us thickens.

Her hand twists slightly over her skirt, betraying her true emotions.

Now I understand the root of her veiled hostility—Elliot is stripping her of power and handing it over to me.

"Then we shall proceed as you wish," she responds begrudgingly.

"There’s also another matter. The dressmaker will be coming to take your measurements for a new gown. His Lordship has requested your company for an important event."

"An important event?" I ask, puzzled, but she has no further details to offer.

She leaves shortly after.

"Nana, what do you think it could be? Did you ever hear if Elliot took Rosse... well, you know who, to events?" I whisper, leaning closer to her.

"No, as far as I know, he never showed her off at all. It seems everyone in the Duchy knew the Duke despised and humiliated her."

Her face wrinkles further, and her words don’t sit well with me. What is Elliot planning? Will he take me somewhere where everyone will treat me like garbage?

I don’t think so. I’m not my sister—I’m not weak or submissive. I have a feeling things won’t be that simple.

I was prepared for anything, except coming face to face with my husband’s stunning ex-lover.