Defying the Lycan King (Kira and Derek) novel Chapter 36

Chapter 36: The Queen’s Blessing Ceremony

Ruby knocked once on the heavy oak door of the private study, then pushed it open without waiting for an answer. Inside, the room was silent, filled only with the scent of fresh coffee, that citrus trace that always clung to Derek and the soft clicking of keys. Derek was already dressed for the day, looking sharp and imposing in a tailored charcoal suit that made him look every bit the powerful King he was. He didn’t look up from his laptop as she entered.

Ruby smoothed her hair and plastered a bright, professional smile on her face. She walked to the center of the room, her heart doing a little dance of hope. "You sent for me, Your Grace?"

Derek continued typing for a few seconds before he spoke. His voice was flat and devoid of any form of emotion. "The Queen’s Blessing Ceremony is scheduled for tomorrow. Is everything in order?"

Ruby tilted her head, smile still in place. "Yes, of course. Everything is prepared—the venue, the elders, the blessing oils. The pack elders confirmed attendance this morning."

"And the Queen?" Derek finally stopped typing, though he still didn’t look at her. "Have you informed her? Has she been briefed on her role?"

Ruby blinked, letting her brows lift in perfect innocence. "Informed her? Oh..." She pressed two fingers to her lips as if the thought had only just occurred to her. "It completely slipped my mind. With all the preparations, I must have overlooked it. I’m so sorry."

He finally lifted his gaze. Those amber eyes met hers, flat and unreadable. He leaned back in his leather chair. The silence in the room stretched until Ruby felt like she was being dissected under a microscope.

"It is your duty to guide the Queen," Derek said, his voice dropping an octave. It wasn’t a shout, but the weight behind it was heavier than any scream. "She has no knowledge of our traditions. You were supposed to make sure she understands what is expected of her tomorrow. She is a werewolf in a Lycan court. If she fails tomorrow, it reflects on the throne. It reflects on me."

Ruby felt a sting of resentment. Me, me, me, she thought bitterly. Always about the throne. Never about how I feel. She bowed her head, playing the role of the loyal assistant. "I am so sorry. It was a grave oversight. I will make sure to get all the information to her immediately and guide her through the steps."

Derek watched her for a moment longer before nodding. He went back to his screen. "Good. While you’re here—pack welfare. The lower town water supply. Any updates from the engineers?"

Ruby straightened, grateful for the shift to neutral ground. She rattled off the latest report: pipes replaced, pressure stabilised, no complaints in the last forty-eight hours. Derek listened, asked two sharp follow-up questions, then waved a hand.

"That will be all."

Ruby’s stomach dropped. That was it? No lingering look, no question about her report about his queen? She thought he somehow found something and believed her? Derek was cold, but he was still her friend, and before the "runt" arrived, he had some level of warmth towards her.

For a fleeting, terrifying moment, Sasha’s words echoed in her head: Does that mean he has feelings for her? Is the King actually jealous?

She pushed the thought down. It couldn’t be true. It was impossible. She turned to leave, her hand already reaching for the brass door handle, when his voice stopped her.

"And Ruby?"

She spun around, her heart leaping with a sudden spark of hope. "Yes?"

Derek was staring at her now. There was no warmth, only a chilling, frozen coldness in his amber eyes that made her blood turn to ice.

Ruby walked out without another word, closing the door softly behind her. Her anger was a living thing now, clawing at her chest. He had defended her. Again. He had called her "The Queen" twice. He had seen through her lies. She hated it so much when that title was used for someone else, especially that runt from Moonfang. She needed to act fast.

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