Defying the Lycan King (Kira and Derek) novel Chapter 11

Chapter 11: Poisoned

Kira’s eyes flew open at the doctor’s words, every trace of sleep disappearing instantly.

Derek raised an eyebrow. "Speak."

"The Queen has a wolf, contrary to what her scent says," Lorenzo said carefully. "It’s there, but it has been suppressed for a long time now. Likely from long-term use of aconite extract and fadevine. We found traces in her blood."

"What?" Kira whispered, eyes wide. "What do you mean I have a wolf? I’ve never shifted."

Lorenzo turned to her, looking sorry. "Yes, Your Highness. The poisons probably stopped you from shifting."

Derek knew both poisons well. Wolfsbane in its pure form kills wolves, but when diluted, it keeps the wolf weak and asleep. Fadevine is an odourless, tasteless mixture that weakens the wolf’s bond to the moon, blocks shifting, and mutes senses.

Lorenzo went on. "The levels in your blood would kill most wolves outright. But since yours is suppressed, I drew a little energy from it to speed your healing."

Kira was taken aback by the information. How could she not have known about this? She had never felt any different.

"Thank you, Lorenzo," Derek said, nodding. "And keep this quiet."

"Of course, Your Grace." The doctor bowed and left with Julia, closing the door softly behind them.

Derek’s cold gaze turned back to Kira. "Seems there’s more to you than meets the eye."

"I don’t even know about this," Kira said, trying to defend herself.

But Derek looked at her without an ounce of conviction. "First thing tomorrow, we’re going to Moonfang. I don’t trust liars."

***

Ruby had just finished dropping off the welfare reports, and was heading down the corridor when the heavy oak doors of the royal quarters swung open. Dr Lorenzo and his young assistant were emerging from the queen’s bedroom. She quickly ducked behind a pillar, heart giving a small, curious thud as she watched the two healers walk towards the stairs.

Once they were gone, she stepped out and stared at the werewolf girl’s bedroom door. Why were the royal healers in there? What secret is the King keeping from the pack now?

Was the so-called Queen fragile? Was she sick? And if so, was it a simple fever, or something the pack would find... interesting? She needed answers. She needed a smoking gun to prove that this marriage was fake.

As if the universe were answering her call, the door opened again. King Derek stepped out, looking tired and more than a little irritable.

"Your Grace," Ruby called, walking toward him with a smooth smile.

Derek halted, his shoulders tensing as he turned to face her. "Ruby? What are you doing here?"

"I was just leaving, but I couldn’t help but notice Dr Lorenzo leaving the Queen’s chambers," she said, her eyes searching his face for any crack in the mask. "I wanted to offer my congratulations on the wedding again, of course, but now I’m worried. Is she quite alright?"

Derek turned and started walking again. "The queen is a bit under the weather.

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