Lucien's POV
Those words sent a chill down my spine.
He's been expecting me?
Why?
I stared at him, my heart pounding as a cold sweat crept down my back.
This King…
He always kept me on edge—always surprising me at every turn.
What the hell is his deal?
For a moment, panic threatened to take over.
But I forced it down.
No.
I couldn't afford to lose control—not now. Not in a situation like this.
If I slipped up even once…
It could be destrous for me.
So I took a slow breath.
Then straightened myself and met his gaze directly.
"Expecting me?" I repeated, a faint smile forming on my lips. "And why would you be expecting me, Your Majesty?"
"Oh… you know why," he replied, his voice low as he began to walk toward me.
Step by step.
Closing the distance.
"Actually," I said smoothly, "I do not. It would be very helpful if you could enlighten me… your majesty."
He chuckled.
And kept coming closer.
With every step he took—
my heartbeat grew louder.
Faster.
