Chapter 113:
Makenna’s POV:
After retreating to my house, the frustration gnawing at me still clung like a stubborn shadow. I couldn’t seem to shake it off, no matter how hard I tried.
Lily approached me, her eyes full of concern as she noticed my troubled expression. Her voice, gentle and warm, broke the silence. “Makenna, what’s wrong? You look like you’ve got the weight of the world on your shoulders.”
Pulled out of my thoughts by her question, I quickly shook my head and forced a smile that felt more like a grimace. “It’s nothing, really.”
Then it hit me—I had planned to talk to Dominic today about letting Lily stay. That conversation had been my priority, but then Bryan had appeared out of nowhere and thrown everything off course.
I sighed as I turned to Lily. “I’m sorry, Lily. I meant to speak with Dominic about your situation today, but something unexpected came up.”
I explained briefly what had happened, and she immediately dismissed my worries.
“The fact that you’re even considering helping me means the world,” she said, her voice soft with gratitude.
I exhaled, feeling a small measure of relief. But I still had to remind her of the reality of her situation. “You aren’t part of the palace, and being seen outside could be risky. Please stay here for the next few days. I’ll find another way to approach Dominic and plead.”
Lily nodded quickly, her promise to stay clear in her eyes. Yet, when I mentioned Dominic, something shifted in her expression—a flicker of shyness that was almost imperceptible but there.
Curiosity nudged at me, and I decided to gently probe.
“Lily, what do you think of Dominic?”
My suspicions earlier began to resurface. Could she possibly have feelings for Dominic after he had helped her that one time?
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If so, I needed to warn her—Dominic was not someone to be trusted lightly.
“No!” Lily said, shaking her head so quickly it was almost comical. Then, clumsily, she switched the topic. “I made dinner. You must be hungry after such a long day. Come on, let’s eat.”
Her sudden change of subject was odd, but she was a young girl, and I didn’t want to press her too hard on this topic. So, I let it go and followed her to the table, where a feast of beautifully prepared dishes awaited me.
“Wow!” I exclaimed in genuine delight, feeling a rush of appreciation. “Thank you so much, Lily! You must have worked so hard to prepare all this.”
Lily’s cheeks turned pink as she blushed shyly. “It’s nothing, really. I should be the one thanking you for saving me. This is the least I can do to repay you.”
I smiled, telling her not to be so formal as I picked up my utensils and began to eat.
As I took my first bite, I couldn’t help but be amazed at her culinary skills.
“Your cooking is incredible!” I said, my curiosity piqued. “But why are you so set on staying in the palace? With talent like this, you could be a chef anywhere.”
For a brief moment, something flickered in her eyes—something that looked a lot like fear—before she quickly lowered them, her voice almost pitiful.
“I tried before, but I was too clumsy. No one really liked me, so I was often bullied. Only you and Alice were ever kind to me. And if I went out on my own, those people would probably come after me… I’m too scared.”
Hearing her story tugged at my heart, pulling at strings I hadn’t even known were there. It was clear she had been through more than I had realized.
Not wanting to stir up more painful memories, I gently reassured her. “I can’t make any promises, but I’ll do everything I can to help you stay.”
“Thank you,” Lily replied, her smile heartfelt and sincere. Her eyes shone with a gratitude that spoke volumes.
I was about to offer more comforting words when suddenly, the doorbell rang, cutting through the moment like a knife.
Panic surged through me, and I quickly motioned for Lily to hide.
She wasn’t supposed to be here, and if someone found out, it could lead to serious trouble.
