The Lycan King and His Dark Temptation Novel

---- made myself comfortable.

I had all day to play this little game of Bastard Duke versus Miserable Duchess.

I stared at him without blinking.

I looked like a professional stalker.

He coughed suddenly, bringing his fist to his mouth.

Fora second, I could have sworn the hint of a smirk flickered at the corner of that hateful mouth.

No, it must have been my imagination.

This ice man only hated Rossellathere was no other intention behind his actions but contempt.

«..

the figures per hectare of harvested grain are these, and we stored XXX in the silos...

Thats not right, I blurted, and then immediately wanted to slap myself.

Why the hell did I speak? My impulsiveness was getting the best of me.

And why does the Duchess think they re incorrect? Please, enlighten us with your wisdom, Mr.

Wallace quipped, setting the report down.

you're talking about the borders in the southern region, correct? He nodded.

Well, I dont know about other places, but I know the south and its agriculture very well.

That amount of land couldnt possibly yield so little wheat.

And how would you know more than the silo administrator? Has the Duchess ever worked the land? he scoffed, ready to keep running his mouth, but a cold voice cut him off.

Explain, Duchess.

Why do you believe the figures are wrong? The Duke finally addressed me.

---- For a second, I was tempted to let them keep robbing him blind.

But then I rememberedthis wealth was what I was fighting for my daughter.

Iwouldnt let anyone steal a single penny from her future.

Besides, I needed to get on his good side right now.

Look, I was just reviewing these maps you have here, I said, walking around the desk, gathering the fabric of my dress so I wouldnt trip.

I stopped beside his chair to get a better view of the enormous map he was studying.

Tf all these red crosses mark the grain storage silos and these mark the hectares, then in this area alone, they should be harvesting around...

I started explaining everything I knew.

Thad grown up in the countryside.

My father wasnt a farmhand himself, but he had always kept a close eye on grain collection.

Harvesters werent always the most honest men.

He had taught both Rossella and me about it, though she had been far more interested in cosmetics.

I was the one who had followed him everywhere like a shadow.

Td bet anything that in this biggest silo, they re hiding sacks in a false ceiling.

You wouldnt believe the hiding places they use! Iturned my head suddenlyonly to find myself inches away from those piercing eyes that seemed to look straight into my soul.

I was practically leaning over the Duke, our breaths mingling.

I understood why my sister had been crazy for this manany woman would be.

Except me, because I was more concerned with keeping my head ---- attached to my shoulders.

JT mean...

!wouldnt personally dirty my hands in the fields, but you knowIm from the south...

My voice trailed off as I instinctively took a step back, like I had been electrocuted, trying to escape his powerful, intimidating presence.

Yes, I know very well that youre from the south...

like your father...

His tone turned icy at the end.

Relax, we both hate that bastard.

Your Lordship, surely you dont believe This years report is significantly lower, and we havent even reached December.

Supposedly, a plague struck the crops.

Investigate this thoroughly orno, never mind.

I will personally go inspect it.

You, sir? Very well, I will make the arrangements for your trip.

Prepare the largest carriage.

They resumed their discussion, completely ignoring me.

I cleared my throat softly...

Nothing.

A little louder...

Ahem! Duchess, you may request water from any maid in your chambers No.

Leave us, Wallace.

Before he could return to his usual game of polite but venomous remarks, the Duke finally showed me some mercy.