The Lycan King and His Dark Temptation by Luna Nova

Chapter 41 QUINNS SECRETS QUINN Stop making that face, like someone just died ... Nmmm ... I couldnt help but groan in pain, clutching several fractured ribs as I lay back on the bed.

Why are you doing this, Quinn? I told you to stay away from that woman.

Its obvious the King has becinfatuated with her.

This is his warning.

He noticed you paying too much attention to his maid ! Ah, damn it, easy, Celine, or youll end up piercing my heart with the tip of a rib.

Her rough hands were cleaning the blood from my torso, and as always, there was no trace of delicacy. Sometimes I even doubted she was a woman.

Are you even listening to?! Of all the women, youre interested in her ?! she shouted, exasperated, straightening up.

Yes, sister, Im listening.

Its just... Valeria is different.

She has so many mysterious things about her that drawin.

I dont know why, but I cant stop following her with my eyes every twe cross paths, I finally confessed with a sigh.

I know exactly what attracts you to that maid ... I tensed when she added that, her gaze lowered as she stood at the edge of my bed.

They look so much alike, but she isnt that woman, Quinn.

End this stupid obsession of yours, or it will get you killed.

Heal yourself its your own fault for being an idiot She threw the bloodied cloth at my face and stormed out of the room, furious..

Valeria can read them, Celine, I called out, watching her stop at the door, still facing away from me.

I dont know what connection she has to the Dark Kingdom, but she can read the Altars to the Goddess. Maybe....

maybe she could help us heal you.

I dont care for her help if it means your death, Quinn, she replied in a low voice.

And now, even more, youve toldthat.

Its just another reason to stay far away from the danger she represents.

since you risk your life every day by hidingright under the Kings nose.

What do you think His Majesty will do when he discovers his maid has ties to the Dark Kingdom? She finally turned to face me, her eyes turning completely black, like two endless voids.

Celine; he ... I dont know.

Thats also why I dont want to leave her to her fate.

Valeria isnt even aware of the danger shes in with Aldric ... He will kill her.

Just as he will kill you if he finds out youre hiding a hybrid, with half her blood from the Dark Kingdom.

Brother, forget that woman, or all your sacrifices until now will be meaningless.

I wont sit by and watch you destroy yourself over an obsession And with that, she stormed out, slamming the door shut behind her.

I leaned back against the headboard, sighing in frustration, closing my eyes to summon my powerful lycan strength and speed up my healing.

41 QUINNS SECRETS Valerias vibrant blue eyes invaded my mind, just like the moment I first saw her and almost thought I was seeing an illusion.

That mysterious woman who haunts my thoughts seemed to have cto life right before my eyes.

Yet Valeria wasnt that female ... and Aldric, too, had fallen under the spell of his maid.

Im not afraid of the King, even though hes stronger than me.

But its foolish to anger him that would mean leaving the castle and losing access to the ancient manuscripts.

I cant .

I wont leave.

I have to find the cure for Celine.

I need to save my younger sisters life and forget the dangerous temptation that Valeria represents.

VALERIA 1 successfully slipped away to the laundry area where the other maids were busy with their chores.

They all looked up when they saw me, but then returned to their tasks, with their sleeves and dresses rolled up over their thighs, sitting in front of large soapy tubs filled with the masters garments.

1 pretended to be there to collect sfolded and ironed clothes from the Kings chambers, but the housekeeper caughtwith free tand gaveextra work.

So here I was, holding my dress up with both hands to keep it fromm o keep it t getting soaked barefoot; along with the other girls stomping on the massive winter blankets. As always, I worked in silence, enduring the sticky discomfort between my legs.

I just wanted to leave, but suddenly, a hushed silence frozein place.

Sir? ... What brings you to the service area? Do you need anything? the housekeeper asked as she walked towards where I assumed Aldric was standing.

And I say assumed because I didnt even dare to turn and look at him.

My feet felt like two hammers, pounding the fluffy blankets faster and faster from how nervous I had become.

I could feel the others subtle glances on me, and I thought that any moment now, Id hear him orderback to his side.

Nothing, I just wanted to give you sinstructions for the next few days while Im away from the castle, he finally answered in a rough voice, and even without eyes on the back of my head, I knew very well that he was watching me. His searing gaze burned my body and made my heart race.

Now that he was so close, I wasnt as brave as when I used to run off through the corridors.

Very well, Im at your service, sir, the housekeeper assured, and then I heard them leave.

The air escaped my lips in a long, relieved sigh.

Hey, Valeria ! Wait, woman, youre going to tear a hole in the bedding if dinous you keep that up! Youre splashing everywhere! The girls suddenly shouted, and I realized I looked like a duck in a puddle, splashing water and soap all over the 41, QUINNS SECRETS place. Everyone had stopped when the King arrived.

I was the only fool still stomping away.

Im sorry, I apologized, embarrassed, finally stopping with my feet swollen and aching.

Damn perverted King, youre going to driveinsane ! mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLliIofifl0&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1