The Lycan King's Puppet-Chapter 43: Why Quit?

Her mind was already getting used to being at his side.

If she wasn’t by his side, serving him, what was she supposed to do with herself?

Grunting, she walked across the green lawn. The lake that surrounded it was transparent, as clear as a crystal.

It reminded her of the brief time she had spent in the lake at Pembroke.

Servants wheedled past her with trays of drinks, sauces, pies and whatnot.

They all had a purpose, a destination - something she obviously lacked.

A serving wench? Is that what she had been reduced to in everyone’s eyes?

Yes, Yeren defended her, but it didn’t make their words any less true.

What would her father think of her now? She wondered.

At least Aurora was happy.

Speaking of Aurora, where was she?

Her eyes scanned the beautifully adorned canopies for a table that possibly hosted two children with wide smiles and large appetites.

The games would soon begin, so would all the entertainment.

She wanted to be sitting down when it began.

Spying auburn hair and a lemon dress, she moved to where her sister sat.

The guard assigned to her stood a few feet away. Claire’s own guard had remained with Yeren.

"Claire!" Her sister exclaimed giddily.

To her surprise, there was an empty seat.

But her face fell when Arlan revealed that the seat belonged to some dignitary that was yet to arrive.

There went her chance to have a decent seat.

She wasn’t a dignitary - how did she expect a seat to be kept for her.

"If I knew you were coming, I would have kept a seat for you... but you can have mine." Aurora said, guilt etched in her voice.

Claire patted her back.

"It’s fine. Have a nice time."

But it wasn’t fine. It never could be fine!

"Have mine instead. I’ll have a new chair brought here."

Claire glanced at Arlan. She could tell he’d be a gentleman when he grew up.

"I don’t want to inconvenience either of you. Like I said, have a nice time."

"...Without me", she wanted to add.

Nodding at them, she left the table.

The Hanswick’s were seated in the table beside the King’s.

She couldn’t wander too far - in case her services were needed.

Laughter filled the air, accompanied by sounds of clinking glasses and lively chatter.

Just as she was about to return to her perch at Yeren’s table, a pair of green eyes in the woods drew her attention.

The wolf.

Why was it here?

"I’ll catch you this time." She murmured, stalking towards it like a farmer stalking a hen.

Three steps forward and a hand touched her arm.

"What are you doing?"

She jerked in surprise.

Andon clutched her shoulder, staring at her like she’d just sprouted a pair of horns.

"Nothing."

When she glanced back, the wolf was gone.

"Why are you not with the King?" Then his eyes narrowed. "Are you thinking of running away?"

Her brows drew together.

For some odd reason, that thought had not brushed her mind.

"I thought I saw something."

"I’m sure you did. Shall we head back."

She felt his gaze as he took in her armour of servitude.

"I can see why he was looking at you like that all morning."

She touched her chest. "Me? Pardon me?"

"You’re dressed like a servant of the Crown, but even in such a dress, you’d tempt the priest."

A strangled cough escaped her.

"That was not my intention, my Lord."

"It wasn’t, but it can’t be helped, my dear. Even if I’ve sworn off women, my eyes work perfectly well."

She coughed again.

"If you keep coughing, you might actually die of it."

Claire shot him a glare, eyes wide.

"Don’t look at me like that. Would you join me at my table?"

She glanced around.

People were gathering in the center for their presentations.

"Is it far from the King’s table?"

He followed the direction of her gaze.

"Forget him for a while, he can pour a drink or two by himself."

A small smile curved on her lips.

Just as she was about to join him, a maid dressed in the same uniform stopped her.

"Do help me take these to the third table."

She glanced down at the tray.

"I’m not..."

The woman’s face transformed into an ugly scowl.

"Oh, I forgot... you’re the one who was carefully selected to warm the King’s bed."

Claire’s hand moved before her mind fully comprehended the woman’s words.

Her palm connected with the woman’s cheek, causing her to stumble backwards.

Andon turned at the sound.

The tray fell from the woman’s hands and scattered on the ground, along with all its contents.

Both of them looked down at the damage.

Claire dipped to pack it up, but Andon stopped her.

A lot of people were staring. She was sure the situation would be grossly misinterpreted. Nearly everyone didn’t like her.

"You’re lucky a slap is all you got." Andon told the maid as he led Claire away.

She was panting heavily.

When they were seated, Andon poured them wine.

"You’ve never done that before, have you?"

Her brow arched up. "Done what?"

"Hit a woman."

Comprehension finally dawned on her and she cracked a faint smile.

"I haven’t. But there’s a first time for everything."

He handed her the second goblet, but she declined it.

"Ale?"

She nodded.

He poured a small amount and handed it to her.

She murmured her thanks as she took a sip of the cool liquid.

"What’s troubling you?"

"Nothing." She responded quickly.

Too quickly.

And he caught on.

"I don’t tell the King everything... I can keep secrets."

She laughed at his attempt to needle the truth out of her.

"If you must know, I no longer want to be the Cupbearer of the King."

His hand froze midair, his goblet half-way to his lips.

"Are you serious?"

"Yes. I’d rather leave it to someone more capable."

"And who would that someone be?"

"Anyone but me."

He shook his head.

"The sad part is that you actually believe that."

"What’s sad about it?"

He took a swig of his drink and stared at something behind her, ignoring her question.

"May I ask you something, Miss Stenly?"

She nodded, taken unawares by his sudden seriousness.

"You may."

He set his cup down and stared her dead in the eyes.

"Do you promise to be honest?"

She glanced around, wondering what he wanted to ask.

"It depends on your question."

"Smart answer. But, I need you to swear..."

Sighing, she swore on her sister. Curiosity had the better part of her.

He smiled slightly.

"Is it because you’re afraid you’ll be inviting the King to your bed?"

She flushed all the shades of red but

didn’t utter a single word.

And the silence spoke louder than words.

Andon broke into a devilish grin.

"I thought so."