Curves And Claws: The Lycan King's Relentless Claim novel Chapter 19

Chapter 19

Roana,

When I said that his words made me feel like I was stepping into a battlefield just by selecting a servant, I wasn’t exaggerating. The moment Cassian and I entered the dining room—his arm casually draped around my waist in that staged, public gesture—my eyes immediately locked onto the rows of servants and butlers standing stiffly along the walls.

Each one radiated a distinct energy. They didn’t seem like ordinary servants; rather, they resembled officials on duty around the clock. Their posture was impeccable—professional, composed, and unwavering.

Yet, for some reason, a chill ran down my spine. Maybe I just didn’t understand the ways of royalty. I was accustomed to people who worked for me—warm, smiling, genuine humans who sometimes stumbled but made the atmosphere lively and real.

Sure, they could be chaotic at times, but that chaos felt alive. And honestly, I was no different—just another person under contract, fulfilling my role.

“Attention.” Cassian’s voice cut through the room sharply. “I’ve gathered you all here to introduce someone very special!” His grip tightened around my waist, pulling me closer in that overly familiar way.

Not very professional, Mr. King. I rolled my eyes silently but kept my mouth shut.

“Meet Roana Milestones, my destined mate and my wife. We are married, and from this moment forward, she is the head of this household—the Luna of this Pack. Any decisions made within these walls must be approved by her.”

The perfectly composed servants immediately betrayed subtle cracks in their demeanor. Exchanging glances, the eldest among them—likely the heads—lifted their eyes to Cassian, seeking permission to speak.

“Your Majesty!” one butler said cautiously.

“Yes, Butler Mathew?” Cassian raised a brow.

“Until now, Miss Carolyn has been managing the household. Did you consult her before this change?”

Carolyn? This was the first time I heard a name other than Veronica.

“Carolyn was only temporary help until now. She understands her role perfectly. But now, my Queen is legally married to me, so the responsibility shifts to her. Any questions?”

“Your Majesty!” another butler raised his hand. “The party for the Ocean Region is in two days. We’ve already planned everything. Does Her Highness’s approval need to be sought?”

Cassian glanced at me first, then back at the butler. “No, Butler James. She is new here and needs time to settle before taking on bigger responsibilities. For the party, contact me directly or my Beta. Any other questions?”

“No, Your Majesty!” they answered in unison.

“Very well. Now, serve the meal.” He released me from his hold. “Let’s go. Do you have any allergies I should inform them about?”

Panic flickered through me, and without thinking, I covered his mouth with my hand, eyes wide. “Shush! Your Majesty! You can’t ask me something so trivial in front of everyone.”

He stared at me, eyes wide with surprise. Assuming he was confused, I leaned closer and whispered, “A couple who claims to be in love and married but doesn’t even know each other’s allergies, likes, or dislikes will raise eyebrows.”

He said nothing, but when he parted his lips, they brushed against my palm. I blinked, suddenly aware that not only had I covered his mouth in front of everyone, but I was also tiptoeing just enough to reach his lips.

I quickly stepped back, cheeks burning with embarrassment.

“I’ll remember that,” Cassian said with a grin I couldn’t quite decipher. Then he reached for my wrist again and led me toward the dining table.

I stared down at my hand, feeling the heat of his palm pressed against mine. He wasn’t supposed to touch me again, much less hold my hand as we walked a few steps. Yet, I let it happen. We were both playing our parts, trying to make our relationship appear genuine. Although, as Lycan King, he didn’t really need to prove anything—his word was law.

“Please, Your Highness, have a seat.” One of the female servants pulled out a chair with a gentle smile.

“Thank you, sweetheart,” I replied playfully, but instead of sitting opposite Cassian as the chair suggested, I walked over to him and smiled. “I prefer to sit next to my husband.”

Cassian looked up sharply. The room’s atmosphere shifted instantly, faces falling. I didn’t notice until a hand stopped me from pulling out a chair.

“You can’t sit here,” Cassian’s voice dropped to a dangerous low. “This chair isn’t for just anyone.”

His cold, indifferent tone made my eyes widen. My jaw clenched as a flush of shame and humiliation crept through me. He could have spoken normally instead of acting as if I’d insulted his pride.

I looked at the chair, then back at him. “Is this chair made of 24-karat gold, Your Majesty?” I asked, inspecting it. “If so, it probably can’t support my weight.”

Cassian’s jaw tightened. “Sit anywhere else but here,” he repeated firmly.

“I heard you loud and clear, love. I don’t sit where I’m not respected,” I shot back with equal coldness before settling into another chair.

The servants remained silent, the tension in the room thick enough to cut with a knife.

My gaze drifted to the girls standing quietly in the corner. Their uniforms were different, but they looked like automatons, waiting silently for orders.

“What would you like to eat, Your Highness?” the earlier servant asked again. I glanced at the plates and smiled warmly.

“I’m fine, thank you. No need to trouble yourselves. By the way, have you all eaten?”

“Please forgive me, Your Highness!” The female servant who had helped me sit suddenly knelt gracefully.

“What are you doing?” I gasped. Everyone looked confused. “Are you alright?” I hurried to help her up.

I didn’t understand what was happening, but a wave of insecurity washed over me—I hated feeling like I’d done something wrong.

“I’m sorry. You must have heard my stomach growl. I haven’t eaten since I had to attend classes today… I’m really sorry.”

“So you are hungry,” Butler Mathew said, concern flickering in his eyes.

“Then follow my Queen’s rule,” Cassian’s voice echoed through the room. “No one shall serve dinner on an empty stomach.”

The expressions on their faces stunned me. Relief, as if this was a problem they’d faced for years.

“We’ll take our leave, then. We’ll return in thirty minutes,” Butler James said politely.

“Take your time. No rush,” I waved as they left, watching Cassian sip his wine leisurely.

Once the room emptied, I leaned back in my chair, eyes fixed on him. His silver hair gleamed under the light. “Sorry for overstepping. I didn’t mean to push too far,” I muttered, feeling a sting of disappointment in myself.

Cassian finally met my gaze, swirling his glass slowly. His eyes were unreadable. “As I said, I won’t stop you from doing anything. Since I’ve given you responsibility for this household, it’s yours to manage.”

I straightened, a hint of determination returning. “Are you sure? I might seem overbearing. Look at me—I even set rules!”

“You did it for their own good. Also—” He paused thoughtfully. “The thought of them being hungry while I ate never crossed my mind. Did you know she was hungry?”

“No. I grew up around servants and employees more than my own parents. I just asked without thinking. It was a coincidence.”

“I see,” he whispered.

“But I’m still sorry. It was thoughtless.”

“As I said, it’s your responsibility now. You don’t have to worry about—”

Suddenly, a sharp voice cut through the room from behind me, cold and heavy with bitterness. “Then what are my responsibilities, My King? Am I now disposable?”