Defying the Lycan King (Kira and Derek) novel Chapter 45

Chapter 45: Ruby Over Kira

"She is such a snake," Kira muttered under her breath as she paced the length of her bedroom. "How is it that they can’t see it?"

Mara smiled gently while she folded the fresh linens into neat stacks. "I heard some of the other servants talking this morning, Your Highness. They’re saying... well, they’re saying you didn’t show up because of the dress. They say you lied about being sick to cover up a tantrum."

Kira stopped in her tracks, her eyes snapping toward the maid. "That is not true, Mara."

"I believe you," Mara said quickly, her voice low. "I know you don’t like pink dresses, but I also know you aren’t a spoiled, bratty princess as everyone thinks."

Kira let out a disbelieving chuckle. "They think I’m a spoiled princess?"

Mara nodded once. "To be honest, Your Highness, I had that impression of you when you first arrived. But after spending time with you... you’re kind. You’re considerate. You just seem like a normal girl."

"I am a normal girl," Kira said with a smile. She didn’t blame them, really. After all, they all thought she was Chloe, the only spoiled daughter of Alpha Rolf.

"I admire your strength, Your Highness," Mara continued, a bit more boldly. "And your humour. You have a way of making the best of everything."

Kira felt a small warmth bloom in her chest despite everything. "Thank you, Mara. That means a lot."

Mara smoothed out the last sheet, her expression turning serious again. "But you have to understand, not everyone in Dravengard knows you like that. Lycans are very wary of werewolves. We’ve been told stories of your kind’s treachery since we were pups. It will take time before they all adjust and get to know the real you."

Kira sighed, leaning against the wall. She understood the history, the blood feuds, and the deep-seated mistrust. But there was one thing she couldn’t wrap her head around. "Why does Ruby hold so much power here? Why do people trust her so completely? Why would the King let her handle... everything, even the Queen’s own schedule?"

"For one, she is the pack’s welfare manager," Mara explained. "While the king runs the international and political part of things, she handles the domestic part. She is like a bridge between the people and their king."

Kira rubbed her temples. "That’s quite an important position."

"Yes, it is," Mara agreed, stacking the linens neatly. "She is the King’s childhood best friend, and to be honest, she has really earned her place. After she lost her family, she dedicated her entire life to this pack. For a long time, everyone, including the servants, thought she would become the Queen."

That was it, Kira thought. Ruby is mad and threatened by her.

"She’s worked hard, she’s been honest, and she’s the closest female to the King," Mara added. "To the Lycans, she is one of them. You are an outsider. The pack trusts her completely. It’s difficult for them to choose a newcomer’s word over hers."

Mara hesitated, then lowered her voice even further. "Besides... there is a rumour. I shouldn’t tell you, but..."

"Tell me," Kira urged.

"I heard that someone saw you and Master Brian leaving the gallery together the other day. People are saying... well, they’re saying things. Some think that’s why the King pummelled Master Brian in the spar. Maybe he is just taking out that frustration on you."

Kira felt like she had been slapped. The memory of Brian cornering her in the gallery, his oily voice and his hand on her skin, made her skin crawl all over again. Then she remembered Derek’s cold fury last night—the way he wouldn’t even let her finish a sentence.

He thought she was cheating? He thought she was sneaking around with his cousin? Her anger, which had been a simmering coal, suddenly flared into a roaring fire. Her jaw set, and her eyes burned with a new, sharp clarity.

If he heard a rumour about me, why didn’t he have the decency to ask me to my face? she thought, her pulse thundering in her ears.

Well, if he wasn’t going to confront her, she would confront him.

"I need to shower right now," Kira said abruptly. "Run my bath, please."

"Of course, Your Highness," Mara replied and hurried off to do her duty.

***

Kira was just finishing her hair, dressed in a simple but elegant two-piece when a curt knock came at the bedroom door and Derek walked in without waiting for her permission.

He looked impeccable, as always. He smelled of fresh air and that sharp, clean citrus scent that always seemed to scramble her senses. For some reason, her body betrayed her, finding the scent comforting even while her mind screamed in protest. She hated herself for it.

"I don’t need your ’useless emotions’ either," Kira fired back. "But if this charade is ever going to work, I expect a basic level of respect and trust. Humiliating me in front of your people wasn’t part of the bargain, and I won’t stand for it."

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