The Lycan King is a Pathetic Lovesick

Primrose had never expected that she had a talent for acting.

Her little sob story about having a weak heart? Yeah, it was absolute nonsense. 

Total bullshit.

And yet, the mighty Lycan King looked like he was about to have a full-blown crisis over it.

[What if she faints? What if she collapses right here?]

[What if I'm the reason she—NO. NO. I WON'T LET IT HAPPEN.]

His throat felt dry, and his chest tightened with something dangerously close to guilt. He wanted to say something, any words to comfort her, but his tongue felt heavy.

[Stupid. Idiot. BEAST. How could I raise my voice at my own mate?!]

[She must hate me. She must think I'm cruel. She must be so afraid of me—]

Edmund inhaled sharply, trying to control the panic rising inside him.

[I have to fix this. I have to protect her. No more yelling. No more scaring her. From now on, I'll make sure she never feels pain again.]

And then, another horrifying thought struck him again.

[Wait … how many times have I yelled at her before?]

[Have I been hurting her this whole time?]

[Oh, fuck. I AM A MONSTER.]

He barely touched his food during breakfast, too busy worrying about Primrose's weak heart.

Ever since she told him, he hadn't dared to say a word. He just sat there, stiff and silent, his usual scowl replaced with something that almost looked like guilt.

Primrose sighed internally. 'Great. Now he looks like he's avoiding me, just like in the past.'

She didn't want him yelling at her like some untamed beast every time he spoke, but she also didn't want him to stop talking to her entirely.

By the time breakfast ended, she had an idea.

She reached across the table and placed her hand over his. His fingers twitched under her touch, but this time, he didn't pull away.

"Your Majesty," she said, her voice sounding gentle. "Maybe this doesn't seem important to you, but … since we'll be living together for a long time, there's something you should know about me."

She leaned in slightly, her lips close enough that he could feel her warm breath against his skin. "I get really sad when I feel lonely for too long." Her lashes lowered, whispering, "So … I hope you won't avoid me while I'm here."

Edmund's entire body tensed the moment Primrose's fingers curled against his palm.

[She's touching me again!]

[Stay calm. Stay calm, you beast.]

His gaze flickered to their joined hands, his fingers twitching as if he wanted to pull away, but he hesitated, afraid of upsetting his wife again.

[Wife, I'm afraid I might give you a heart attack if I talk to you again!]

[I have a terrible temper, wife! I don't want to upset you!]

Primrose sighed as she listened to his frantic thoughts. Was lowering his voice really that difficult? So much so that he would rather stay silent than risk speaking to her?

"Instead of avoiding me, why don't you just try speaking to me … nicely?"

[She wants me to be nice?!]

[What if I mess up? What if I scare her again?]

[No. This is my wife. If she wants me to be nice, then I'll try.]

Slowly, so painfully slow, he eventually gave her a stiff nod.

The moment he did, Primrose beamed at him, her smile stretching so wide that her eyes curved into crescent moons.

[She's smiling! Her smile is beautiful ....]

Honestly, she wondered, why didn't Edmund find it strange that his wife kept switching between warmth and coldness?

Last night, she had told him she wanted to run away. But this morning, she wanted him to treat her gently?

Was the Lycan King really just a pathetic, lovesick fool?

Because, at this point, everything his wife did seemed right in his eyes.

Before Primrose could push him further, a deep, gruff voice interrupted them.

"Your Majesty, we have urgent matters to discuss."

A royal knight stood at the entrance of the dining hall, his gaze lowered in respect. Edmund immediately straightened, his cold, kingly demeanor snapping into place.

[Damn it. Why now? My wife is talking to me!]

He let out a harsh sigh and turned to Primrose. His icy blue eyes studied her face, as if reluctant to leave.

Primrose chuckled to herself.

Wasn't this the same Lycan King who had been desperate to leave the dining hall just moments ago?

And now, when he finally had the chance to go, he looked annoyed.

Had her fake tears really killed his boner that fast?

"I have work," he muttered. His voice was calmer now—less harsh than before—but still carried that cold intonation.

Well, what did she expect? No one could change overnight.

But still … it was almost cute how he hesitated, as if he thought she might start crying again if he walked away.

"Of course, Your Majesty," she said sweetly, releasing his hand.

The warmth of her touch lingered, and Edmund clenched his jaw. With one last look at her, he turned and strode away, his large frame disappearing down the hall.

The moment he was gone, Primrose relaxed in her seat.

Honestly, dealing with the Lycan King was exhausting.

But at least now, she has made progress.

He was starting to listen to her.

And soon?

She would make him fall for her. Completely. Helplessly.

Then, people would think twice before they talked bad about her.

After that exhausting breakfast, Primrose took a leisurely stroll around the palace.

To others, it probably seemed like she was simply exploring, trying to familiarize herself with her new home.

But in reality, she was listening, sifting through the thoughts of those around her, carefully separating allies from enemies.

Unfortunately, it was too much for her. She wasn't used to this ability yet, and after less than fifteen minutes of listening to their thoughts, a sharp pain bloomed in her head.

She let out a quiet sigh and leaned against the window, pressing her fingers to her temple as if that could ease the ache. 

Her head throbbed, the overwhelming flood of voices still echoing in her mind.

If she couldn't adapt quickly, how would she endure grand noble gatherings or walking through the crowds without collapsing from a headache?

Leah, who had been trailing behind her the whole time, wasted no time sneering internally.

[Hah! Look at her! so weak and pathetic.]

[She can't even take a short stroll without looking like she's about to faint.]

[How could someone like her be the Lycan King's mate?]

[If I were his mate, I would never embarrass him like this.]