Curves And Claws: The Lycan King's Relentless Claim novel Chapter 114

**Fireflies in Winter Rain — Neil A. Varma**

**Chapter 114**

Roana.

Dragging my weary body back to my room felt like a monumental task. The air wrapped around me, colder than I remembered, biting at my skin as if it were a living entity trying to burrow its way into my chest.

How utterly absurd. I had anticipated this moment’s arrival, yet here I stood, a pitiful figure frozen in place, helpless and vulnerable.

Sierra had kindly offered to fetch me some food, but I had declined her offer. My appetite had vanished after sharing that pie with Keane, an experience that now felt distant and surreal. But remaining within those four walls was a different kind of torture. The silence weighed heavily on me, pressing against my ears, while the emptiness slithered up my spine like an unwelcome intruder. I knew if I lingered there for even a moment longer, I would surely lose my sanity.

So, I stepped outside once more.

As I walked through the corridors, the servants averted their gazes, their hushed whispers and tense postures betraying their polite facades. They weren’t even attempting to hide their discomfort any longer. But I was too exhausted to muster any concern for their reactions.

Before I fully grasped where my feet were taking me, I found myself far from my quarters, wandering alone beneath a sky painted in deep oranges and purples, the northern chill cutting sharply against my cheeks. The distant sounds of workers echoed around me, grounding yet isolating, reminding me of the world I was a part of but also of the distance I felt from it.

“Your Highness? What brings you here?” a voice broke through my thoughts.

I looked up to see a guard standing nearby, his brows furrowed in confusion.

He approached me, a faint smile gracing his lips. “Are you here to interrogate Alpha Alexander again?”

I blinked, momentarily disoriented. It was only then that I realized where I was standing—right in front of the general dungeon, the place designated for low-ranking offenders.

“Why is Alexander here?” I asked, my voice trembling despite my attempts to keep it steady. “Wasn’t he in the central dungeon?”

The guard stiffened, clearly taken aback by my knowledge of the situation.

“Oh, well, His Majesty ordered him moved here since the punishment was deemed severe. He’s currently under investigation, but there’s no physical punishment involved,” he explained.

“What investigation?” I pressed, stepping further into the dimly lit corridor.

He followed closely behind me. “His pack submitted a request for consideration. His Majesty is contemplating letting him go.”

My heart lurched painfully at his words. I turned to him sharply.

“What do you mean he will be free? He assaulted the queen! That’s a serious crime!”

The guard froze, his gaze dropping as he swallowed hard, clearly uncomfortable.

“Commander Keane instructed us not to discuss it,” he murmured. “But His Majesty mentioned… since you are not technically a royal family member, it doesn’t qualify as severe.”

The ground felt like it shifted beneath my feet. Assault was assault, regardless of status. But suddenly, my position was dictating the gravity of the situation?

A cold, humorless laugh escaped me. “How convenient. Can I see him? Alexander?”

He hesitated, surprised at my calm demeanor, but eventually nodded.

“We still consider you our queen, Your Majesty. You will always have access.”

His sincerity sent a painful warmth through my chest.

“Don’t place your trust in me so easily. Even your king doesn’t,” I replied, forcing a smile as I walked ahead. Each step felt heavy, my heartbeat echoing painfully in my ears.

“Here,” he said, opening the door to a private cell.

I stepped inside, my heart racing.

Alexander lay on the bed, a book draped over his face. The cell was smaller than I expected, the blankets neatly folded, food arranged carefully on a tray. He was living in relative comfort. Of course he was.

“I’ll call you when I’m finished,” I told the guard. “Thank you.”

He nodded shyly and exited, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

As I moved closer, I noticed how much thinner Alexander appeared—his cheekbones more pronounced, shoulders slumped. The sight of his neatly bandaged shoulder sent a chill through the air, making the room feel even colder.

I pulled a chair closer and sat down, the scraping sound jolting him awake. He shot upright, panic flaring in his eyes until recognition dawned.

“Sleep well?” I asked, leaning slightly on the desk.

“Roana?” He blinked rapidly. “What are you doing here?”

“You mean, why am I here?” I tilted my head, trying to gauge his reaction.

He rubbed his eyes and nodded, confusion etched on his face. “I thought this was supposed to be a secret.”

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