Defying the Lycan King (Kira and Derek) novel Chapter 35

Chapter 35: A Little Birdie

Ruby pushed through the heavy glass doors of the outdoor gym, stepping into the bright morning sun. The air felt cooler out here, carrying the faint scent of cut grass and pine from the palace grounds. She didn’t bother waiting for Sasha to catch up as she rolled her shoulders, still buzzing from the rush of pinning Kira to the mat again and again. The little werewolf’s face when she hit the floor the second time was priceless. Ruby’s lips curved into a slow and satisfied smile.

Sasha fell into step beside her, ponytail swinging with each stride. "Is that the woman we should all call our queen? A weak person who couldn’t even fight to save her life? She would only bring embarrassment to this pack." She shook her head, voice low. "I’m sure His Grace must be regretting why he married her."

Ruby snorted. "I’m sure he does. Being a queen isn’t for the weak."

Sasha sighed. "Speaking of the King. Have you noticed he seemed a little cranky these days? And that fight with Master Brian... It’s been ages since he lost it like that in front of the pack. What could have made him so angry?"

Ruby let out a low, throaty chuckle that had nothing to do with humour. "It’s sure has been a long time since he has lashed out like that," she agreed, her tone light. "Almost... personal."

Sasha shot her a sideways glance. "What? You look way too pleased with yourself. Spill."

Ruby kept walking, forcing Sasha to hurry to catch up. "Let’s just say I was a little birdie. I caught our little wolfless queen sneaking out of the gallery the other day. And guess who was right behind her? Brian. They looked very suspicious together."

Sasha’s steps faltered. "Brian? As in... the King’s cousin Brian?"

"The very same." Ruby’s smile sharpened.

Sasha sucked in a breath. "No. You think they...?"

"Yes. They were alone in there for a good thirty minutes before they slipped out separately. I watched them long enough to be sure," she lied.

Sasha let out a sharp breath. "You told the King."

"Of course I told him. What kind of loyal subject would I be if I didn’t report suspicious behaviour from a werewolf in our palace?" Ruby’s voice stayed light, almost playful, but her eyes were hard.

She had expected Derek to drag Kira to the dungeons or at least tear a strip off her in private. Instead... he had called Brian to the training yard the very next morning and beat him bloody in front of half the guard. Left him looking like raw meat."

Sasha stopped dead in the middle of the path. "Wait. You’re saying the King took it out on Master Brian instead of her? Because of what you saw?"

Ruby shrugged one shoulder. "Apparently so."

Sasha stared at her for a long moment, wheels clearly turning behind her eyes. "That means... if he punished Master Brian instead of her, does that mean he has feelings for her? Is the King actually jealous?"

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