Chapter 151

[ 1,073 words ]

Arabella:

I was perfectly happy sitting with Maya and Toby.

I had sent Lucien to his royal table earlier, but apparently, sending him away didn’t mean I could get rid of his attention. Every few minutes, I caught him looking at me.

He watched me while taking a sip of his drink. He watched me while eating. Once, I caught him staring with his fork halfway to his mouth. And apparently, I wasn’t the only one who had noticed.

“Why don’t you just go sit with him?” Maya asked.

“Where?” I snapped, glancing toward the royal table. “There isn’t an extra chair.”

Toby leaned forward. “Don’t tell me you’re missing him.”

“I’m not missing anyone. I just want to enjoy my food and your company, okay?” I pointed toward one of the dishes. “Now shut up and pass me that mutton.”

Toby pushed the platter toward me. My phone pinged just as I reached for it. I frowned and pulled my phone from my clutch.

Lucien: Come over.

I looked up after reading the message. He was already watching me from across the hall.

Ugh. What was wrong with everyone tonight? First Toby, now him.

I typed back.

Me: And where exactly am I supposed to sit, Your Highness?

His reply came a few seconds later.

Lucien: On my lap.

I stared at the screen for a minute.

Damn him.

I quickly put my phone down and reached for my food again.

“What happened?” Toby asked.

“Nothing.”

“What is it?” Maya immediately leaned closer. “Who were you messaging?”

I ignored her curiosity and picked up a piece of roasted mutton. “His Highness.”

That got Toby’s attention. He stopped chewing and looked from me to the royal table. “He wants you over there, doesn’t he?”

“Yes.” I took a bite, hoping that would end the conversation. It didn’t.

“Then go.” Maya nudged my arm.

I gave her an irritated look. “And sit where? I already told you there’s no extra chair.”

Maya glanced toward the royal table before turning back to me. “You fool! He’s the King. I’m pretty sure finding one chair won’t bring down the kingdom.”

Toby snorted into his drink.

“Both of you are being extremely annoying tonight.” I tried to return to my food, but now neither of them was even pretending not to watch me. I drummed my fingers against the table. Fine.

If they were so determined to get rid of me, maybe I should give them exactly what they wanted. I pushed my chair back and got up.

Toby immediately broke into a grin. “Finally.” I picked up my clutch and gave them both a sweet smile.

“Oh, and apparently, we don’t need an extra chair.”

Maya frowned. “Why?” I glanced toward Lucien and left without giving her an answer.

If it was his lap, then it would be his lap.

I tucked my clutch under my arm and made my way toward the royal table, deliberately slowing my steps once I knew Lucien was watching.

My hips swayed with each step, probably a little more than necessary, but that was entirely his fault. He was the one who had invited me.

A daring smile tugged at my lips. Let’s see if His Highness was still so confident when I actually did it.

By the time I reached the royal table, Jasmine and Theodora were both smiling at me. Apparently, neither of them had figured out the real reason I was there.

“Ms. Arabella!” Theodora greeted me warmly, extending her hand. “I was wondering when you would come and wish me good health.”

I took her hand politely. “Your Majesty. You’re looking remarkably healthy for a woman who had punctured ribs not too long ago.” Her smile tightened for a fraction of a second before returning in full force.

“The healers have done a wonderful job. I’m almost completely recovered.”

“I can see that.” I gave her my sweetest smile. “You even managed to arrange two whole nights of celebration. Very impressive.” Jasmine lowered her gaze to her plate, but I could have sworn her lips twitched.

Something was brewing in that head of hers.

Theodora thanked me and released my hand, clearly expecting me to leave after that. I didn’t. For the next few seconds, I simply stood there.

The Queen glanced at me again. Jasmine stopped pretending to be interested in her food. Even Amy looked between us, probably wondering what the hell I was doing.

Only Lucien remained completely at ease.

He sat at the head of the table with one arm resting lazily against his chair, watching the entire exchange over the rim of his wineglass. He took a slow sip, and although the glass hid most of his mouth, it did nothing to hide the amusement in his golden eyes.

The arrogant jerk knew exactly why I was there.

“I thought maybe I should join you all for dinner,” I finally said, although my eyes remained on Lucien.

Theodora let out a small, uncomfortable chuckle and glanced around the table. “I’m afraid that won’t be possible, dear. The seats at the royal table were arranged beforehand, and as you can see, there isn’t an extra chair. Perhaps you should return to your friends and—”

“Oh, but I do have a seat here.” That finally made Lucien lower his wineglass. He placed it carefully on the table and leaned back in his chair, giving me all the space and invitation, I needed.

Fine. You asked for this, Your Highness.

I walked around the table, stopped beside him and, without giving myself enough time to reconsider what the hell I was doing, I lowered myself straight onto the Lycan King’s lap.

For a few seconds, nobody at the royal table seemed to know what to say.

“Happy now?” Tilting my head, I asked Lucien.

Before Lucien could answer, I ran my fingers through his perfectly styled hair and messed it up as if he were an annoying little boy.

His arm came around my waist almost immediately. I looked over my shoulder toward Maya and Toby. Both of them had stopped eating.

Maya was staring at me with wide eyes while Toby sat frozen with his fork still in his hand. I gave them the sweetest smile I could manage. After all, they were the ones who encouraged me to do the dare.

I picked up Lucien’s wineglass and took a sip, still smiling at them.

Dare completed.

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