The Lycan King's Puppet-Chapter 34: Taste of Victory

"She is lying, is what my father told me to say." He took in a long breath, staring down at the polished wood of the box.

"He told me to say that she was disobedient, haughty and uncultured. He also told me to say that she kidnapped me in order to get money from him."

Gasps tore through the crowd.

Jarren remained seated, clenching and unclenching his fists.

"He imprisoned her younger sister for daring to protect her when he asked her to undress before all the servants. I left willingly with her because I believed that my father would sue for peace if he loved me enough - but I was wrong. It is true that she was caught kissing Zachary, her father’s steward, but it was not my father’s place to take offence. It was mine, and I didn’t take offence. She is innocent and my father is guilty by all the claims. I urge that justice be served to the deserving party."

Saying that, he walked calmly back to his seat. His shoulder lightened almost immediately.

She released the breath she hadn’t known she had been holding.

Yeren stood up and walked down the steps. He stopped at the second to the last one and looked at everyone in the room.

"Do we have any objections from any party in this room to the testimonies we have borne witness to?" His voice was deep and lulling.

Silence met his question.

"I should debate with my council members and announce the verdict in a fortnight, but given that this very matter has dragged on for so long, I think it is fitting that the verdict be announced at once."

Murmurs began among the council members.

"To be fair, a vote will be cast. Every one will be part of the judgement." He pulled out a coin.

"This face," he showed them the face of the Lycan, "is for Miss Stenly. And this one," he showed them the face of the were-man, "is for Lord Straught. Step forward and drop your vote."

His guards moved forward immediately to regulate the movements.

The first person stepped forward and showed the face of the were-man to the acknowledgement of the whole court.

As each person showed his vote, the whole court counted.

Claire had seventy-nine votes whereas her uncle had the same.

Everyone had cast their vote, it seemed.

Except the King.

It was obvious which path he would choose, she told herself. He would support his kind - and she wasn’t his kind.

Yeren stood and tossed a coin between his fingers.

Jarren was scowling.

"I choose justice." He whispered and showed the face of the Lycan.

Claire almost shouted in joy.

Cheers went through the crowd. The maids standing above cheered for her.

Some council members nodded in approval.

"What verdict would be his fate?" The old man asked Yeren.

"I will let her decide."

Her gaze snapped to him.

Decide?

What did she want?

"I want the mate bond with Aurora dissolved immediately."

Another round of gasos tore through the crowd

Even Yeren seemed a bit shocked.

"What mate bond?" He asked.

"My sister was marked against her will."

Jarren remained seated, grinding his jaws.

Yeren turned to him.

"That is against the sacred laws. He must be flogged." To Claire, he said, "Do you know who her mate is?"

She shook her head.

His guards stepped forward and seized Jarren.

The doors leading outside were opened.

Zach held her hand.

"Let’s go."

Part of her wanted to watch how Jarren would be flogged, but it was uncommon for a woman to participate in such activities.

Yeren looked down at their tangled hands briefly before walking down the aisle.

Claire felt he wanted to say something - but didn’t.

The guards divided themselves, some escorting Jarren out while others followed their King.

Seraphine tapped her.

"I’m happy you didn’t end up like my daughter."

Claire managed a watery.

"I’m glad as well."

"Take care of your sister. I’m leaving for the South."

The quiet woman pulled her close for a tight embrace.

Tears of joy, despair and confusion streamed down her cheeks.

After the hug, they walked to the door and parted at the entrance.

At the entrance, Arlan met her.

"I won’t forget your kindness, even if my father would. Thank you for showing him mercy."

She rubbed his hair.

"I did it for you and Aurora."

He averted his gaze at the mention of Aurora.

"I hope to visit sometime."

"What about your father?"

"I don’t care anymore."

Then he left.

She tried spotting Margaret but couldn’t find her.

Only Zach remained.

"So you live here now?" His tone was stiff, almost accusatory.

She managed a nod.

"He found me. I didn’t have much of a choice..."

He wrapped his arms around her and buried his face in her neck.

She stiffened at first, shocked at his sudden action.

"I was so scared."

Her arms slowly circled his back.

The hallway was empty, just walls of chiseled stone staring at them. Her room was at the end of the hall.

He pulled away and stared into her eyes.

Then, he leaned in and kissed her.

The kiss took her by surprise. He kissed her with so much hunger that it took her breath away.

She clung to him to steady herself. She could barely breathe.

His hands slipped into her hair, massaging her scalp.

Claire was transported back to the night at the garden.

Zach pinned her against the wall.

Her senses finally returned somewhat.

"What are you doing?"

He moved down to her neck, causing her to arch under his ministrations.

She attempted to push him away but her hands ended up resting on his chest. She let him explore, constantly searching herself to see if she would feel the same things she felt at the garden.

Her stomach didn’t feel like melting honey. Her knees didn’t feel weak. Her lungs didn’t go on vacation. Her heart wasn’t running an endless marathon.

What was the difference between the two of them?

Zach pressed himself against her further, until she felt his arousal against her abdomen.

Her cheeks stained instantly, her face heating up.

Curiosity took over and she let him continue. Even when it wasn’t the right time.

He slowed down, gradually coming to a halt.

His forehead rested against hers as their breaths mingled.

Her eyes remained closed.

"Interesting." Another masculine voice cut in.

Both of them turned at the same time.