The Lycan Emperor’s Temptation

Nyra's POV I woke before the first light touched the sky, when the palace was still quiet. I tied my hair into a loose knot, rolled up my sleeves, and picked up the bucket waiting outside my room. The marble floor felt cold under my bare feet as I began scrubbing the long hallway. I scrubbed, moved and I scrubbed again. My hands ached, but I kept going. “Luna.” Someone called, and I looked up to see one of the maids standing near the stairs with her arms crossed. “You missed a spot.” I lowered my head. “I’m sorry.” She smiled at another servant beside her. “Did you hear that? The Luna is apologizing to a maid again.” The two women laughed. “If I ever become Luna, I will never touch a brush.” “She isn’t a real Luna.” “Everyone knows Alpha Kaelen doesn’t even look at her.” Their laughter followed me as I continued cleaning but I pretended I heard nothing. If I answer them, they would only laugh more. When the hallway was finally clean, I carried the bucket to the kitchen where the cooks were already waiting. “You’re late,” one of them said. “I came as fast as I could.” “Stop talking and cut the vegetables.” I nodded, and the knife moved again and again. Carrots, potatoes and herbs. The smell of fresh bread filled the room, carrying a memory that brought a smile to my lips — our third wedding anniversary. For three years, Alpha Kaelen Draven had never celebrated this day with me. Still… I refused to give up hope. I hurried back to my room before sunset. The small room smelt of fresh flowers and candles glowing on the table. I had spent my little savings decorating it myself to compliment the occasion. Kaelen’s favorite food waited beside two glasses of wine on the table with a small wooden box beside it. Inside was the silver wrist guard I made for him. I smiled to myself, “Maybe today will be different.” I changed into the prettiest dress I owned. It was simple. Blue. The sleeves were worn from many washes, but still, it was my favorite. I stood before the mirror. “Happy anniversary, Kaelen.” I practiced saying the words and then laughed at myself. “You sound nervous, Nyra.” I commented, settling across the table. Hours passed, and the food was no longer warm, the candles grew shorter and darkness had taken over the skies. Feeling dejected, I lowered my head in disappointment. Maybe… He forgot again. I was ready to clear the plates when a knock came and my heart jumped. I rushed to the door. When I opened it, Kaelen stood there, still wearing his black Alpha uniform. His silver eyes met mine and for a moment, neither of us spoke. “You came.” “I did.” I quickly stepped aside. “Please… come in.” He entered, and his eyes moved around the room. The flowers, the candles and the dinner. “You prepared all this?” I nodded. “It’s our anniversary.” He said nothing and embarrassment filled me. “I know you’re busy. I only wanted us to share one meal.” He walked toward the table and then… He pulled out a chair. “Sit.” I blinked. “You… want me to eat with you?” “Yes.” His replies were curt, cold, still a smile slowly appeared on my face and I sat across from him. For the first time since our marriage, we ate together, not as Alpha and Luna, not as strangers but as husband and wife. He then finished the last bite and looked at me. “You made this yourself?” I bit my lower lip, “Yes.” “It tastes good.” Those three words made me happier than they should. I couldn’t hide my delight. “Thank you,” I whispered. Silence returned, but this silence did not hurt. I reached for the wooden box. “I have something for you.” He opened it and his fingers ran over the silver wrist guard. “You made this too?” “I wanted you to have something that would protect you in battle,” I smiled. He read the tiny words carved inside. “For my Alpha, for every battle you survive.” His eyes stayed on the gift for several seconds and then he closed the box. “I’ve never received a gift like this.” “I hope you like it.” “I do.” My heart beat faster, he actually liked it. I could not stop smiling but suddenly, he stood and my smile disappeared. “Is something wrong?” Instead of answering, he walked toward me until he was standing only one step away. I looked up at him as his hand rose. His fingers gently brushed away the loose hair covering my face and my breath caught. His touch was something I had missed for so long. “You’ve changed,” he mumbled. I swallowed. “Is… that bad?” “No.” His eyes remained on mine. “You’ve become beautiful.” My heart almost stopped. Three years. He had never once called me beautiful. Not once. My eyes began to fill with tears. “Kaelen…” He wiped away one tear before it could fall. “You cry too easily.” “I never thought…” His hand cupped my cheek before I could finish my sentence. My wolf stirred happily inside me, it had waited so long for this. “So many years,” I whispered. “I thought you hated me.” He did not answer, instead, he pulled me closer and his arms surrounded me. I slowly rested my head against his chest, listening to his heartbeat, steady and strong. For the first time since our wedding…I allowed myself to believe. Maybe… He had finally accepted me. “Happy anniversary,” I whispered. He lowered his head. “Happy Anniversary.” A smile spread across my face as his lips met mine. The kiss was gentle at first and I closed my eyes. Every dream I had buried inside my heart began to return and when we finally parted, I could barely breathe. He rested his forehead against mine. “You look happy.” “I am,” I said breathlessly, “So happy. I’ve waited three years for this.” His thumb brushed my cheek again. “I know.” The candles continued burning as we remained together, speaking quietly and sharing a closeness that has been missing from our marriage for so long. Every kind word, every lingering glance, every gentle touch made me believe the distance between us had finally disappeared. Later, I rested beside him with my head against his shoulder. My heart felt full, I smiled without even knowing it. Maybe tomorrow… I will wake up beside a husband who finally saw me. Maybe tomorrow… He would introduce me proudly as his Luna. Maybe tomorrow… Our real marriage will begin. I fell asleep holding onto that beautiful hope. Then a loud knock woke me and I slowly opened my eyes. Sunlight filled the room and my hand instinctively reached across the bed. It was already empty. Kaelen was gone. Another knock followed. “Luna Nyra.” “Yes?” “The Alpha requests your presence in his office immediately.” I sat up with a smile. Maybe he wanted to have breakfast with me. Maybe he wanted to spend the rest of our anniversary together. I quickly got dressed and hurried toward the door, my heart full of hope. I had no idea everything I treasured was about to be taken from me.