The Lycan King's Puppet-Chapter 60: After Midnight

Spy on the King? Was he out of his mind?

She pushed up from the table instantly. "I serve the King. I will not do such a thing."

He stood up as well.

"You’re serving the King by protecting him. If he dies now, what do you think will happen to you? I’m not asking you to commit any atrocity, am I?"

She folded her arms across her chest. "Then what exactly are you asking me to do? I don’t serve the council, I serve the King. Outside council and court meetings, I have no dealings with them. You of all people should know this."

"I know that-"

"They are guarded men, especially around the King. I won’t hear anything useful from them."

"You’re the Cupbearer, aren’t you? Men tend to be loose-tongued when they are filled with strong wine. And when their senses are dulled you can eavesdrop."

She let out a dry laugh, instantly remembering her refusal to serve them even a single drop of wine.

"It would be too suspicious if I suddenly decide to serve them, don’t you think?"

"You’re a woman they love to torment - when they ask again, you will oblige them."

Her lips thinned.

"My pride-"

"Your pride doesn’t matter now."

She stepped away.

Why did people keep saying that to her?

"And if I refuse?"

"I won’t force you. But keep in mind that whatever you discover will not benefit just me."

She looked around, at anything but his face. He looked so confident, so confident that it bordered in being smug. He must be certain she would accept his offer, she thought.

"How would I even communicate with you?"

"You won’t. We have to be extremely careful. I have someone planted in the castle, a chambermaid named Maria Salmon."

Her breath caught. Maria? Rory’s Maria?

"Am I to pass the information to her by word of mouth?"

He laughed as if she just asked if pigs could fly.

"Of course not. Write it in a letter and seal it. If the seal is broken, I’d know who’s at fault."

She looked up at the chandelier with thousands of lit candles arranged on it. "And what do I get out of this arrangement?"

He reached for her slender hand. In her haste she hadn’t worn her gloves, she realized. His hand felt cool beneath hers.

"I will protect you."

"How will you do that? No one will care if a mere Cupbearer vanishes from the face of the earth."

"I’ll marry you as soon as this is over... if you will have me as your husband."

She blinked. Claire had expected him to propose at the beginning, but after everything he’d said, such thoughts fled her mind. Her throat worked.

"Thank you for the kind offer. I will gladly think about it." She offered him a small smile.

He didn’t return the smile. "I want you to know that I highly respect you and would ensure that your happiness is paramount. The arrangement would suit both of us."

Arrangement? Why had she thought otherwise?

Her head dipped slightly.

Aldrich held her chin and lifted her head up. "Do you accept this mission?"

If he kept looking at her like that, she’d say yes even if he asked her to walk on hot coals. She reminded herself that she wasn’t betraying Yeren.

"Yes."

He sighed in relief.

"I’m honoured, Claire."

Then he glanced down at the food that had now become cold.

What time was it?

Sparing her a brief glance, he clapped his hands. The servants arrived with fresh trays of dessert. The old dishes were cleared and replaced with new ones.

They talked about many things from their childhood as they ate. Her appetite had returned in full force. Claire devoured all the cake and pie servings that she helped herself to. They laughed about a lot of things.

When they were done with dinner, he took her on a tour of the house.

What would it feel like to be the Lady of such a grand house? He told her about the renovations that had been done in the west and east wings, the changes in architecture.

"And my father always wanted a bigger study." He said, taking her there.

Her gasp betrayed her as she saw the rows of books. It was very large, but still not as big as the one at the castle. Her father and Aurora would have loved it.

They talked about books they had both read. He would even climb the tedious ladder just to get a book she’d request for.

He gave her an old book of his. When she opened it, pieces of old parchments fell out of it.

She leaned down to pick it up. The scrawl on them was familiar, but she could not place where she had seen them. It was a poem about the Lake.

Aldrich leaned closer to look at them.

"I still have this!" He burst out laughing.

Claire looked at him, completely lost. "I stole them from Yeren seven years ago when he visited our house. His father was still alive then."

Her mouth formed a little circle. She wanted to exclaim ’I knew it!’ but she held her peace.

A glance at the mantle piece clock told her that it was past two in the morning.

"I have to leave!" She bolted for her seat and dashed to the door.

He caught her arm and turned her around.

"You can’t possibly ride back this late. The Rogues are..." He trailed off.

"Rogues are what?" She urged.

"Never mind. I have arranged lodgings for your carriage rider and guard."

But the King had said...

Would he punish her for returning late?

"Let me show you to your room. The maids must have had it cleaned by now."

He opened the door to one of the rooms along the hallway.

It was fancily furnished and candles had been lit.

"I will see you in the morning." He said, yawning.

She waved as he closed the door.

How would she even sleep?

She laid on the bed with her dress and prayed for sleep.

She dozed off just as rays of dawn began creeping through the curtains. A cock crowed in the distance, forcing her eyes open.

She had to leave.

As she got up from the bed, there was a knock on the door.

"Come in." Her voice was muffled. She tried to smooth her tangled hair with her hands.

Aldrich walked in, wearing a loose shirt that exposed his chest to her view.

Her eyes widened.

The contours of lean muscle...

"I’m glad you’re awake."