Chapter 12:
Makenna’s POV
I never imagined that Clayton would step forward to testify on my behalf. I shot him a look of sheer surprise. At that moment, he seemed worlds apart from the other two princes, as though cut from a different cloth entirely. It was especially hard to believe that he shared the same bloodline as Bryan, that merciless brute.
Yet, with Clayton’s testimony, Leonardo finally accepted my words as truth. His gaze turned icy as he fixed it on Kristina, snapping, “What more do you have to say for yourself?”
His regal presence bore down on Kristina like a storm cloud, and she bit her lower lip, her eyes reddening with fear, unable to muster a single word in her defense.
Leonardo shook his head, his disappointment heavy in the air. “Fool! These women will bear the next generation of princes. If you cannot control your jealousy, who will carry on the royal line?”
Kristina visibly trembled at being called a fool by the king. The blood drained from her face, leaving her looking utterly humiliated.
I watched the scene unfold with detachment. But then Kristina glanced at me, her eyes brimming with hatred and resentment. I remained calm, my expression unreadable. Ever since Kristina had cruelly suggested casting me out to live as a rogue, she and I had become mortal enemies.
From that moment on, I vowed never to show weakness or tolerate her cruelty again. I needed to make her understand that I was no easy target. Maybe then she would think twice before crossing me again.
After reprimanding Kristina, Leonardo sought to ease our worries. “Rest assured,” he promised, “as long as you can bring new life into this world, you will be rewarded generously.”
With the king’s assurance, the murmuring among the women gradually died down, and I could sense their collective sigh of relief. The matter was finally concluded. Leonardo, looking exhausted, waved his hand and instructed Hayley, “Take them back.”
He made no mention of punishing me. I exhaled a silent sigh of relief, knowing I had narrowly escaped disaster. I shot a quick, grateful glance at Clayton before following the other sex slaves out of the main hall.
Discover fresh tales on gαℓησν𝒆𝓁s․çо𝗺
On the way back to our quarters, the women buzzed with excitement. They chattered on about the princes’ captivating looks and the promised rewards, their eyes gleaming with determination.
“Enough! Quiet down!”
As we reached the entrance of our quarters, Hayley interrupted, giving us the day’s schedule. “Take a break today; your training begins in earnest tomorrow. I will send out the class schedules later.”
Hayley acted as if nothing had happened, but I could not shake my anger. Her actions had taught me a harsh lesson: the palace was a treacherous place, where power could twist right and wrong. I reminded myself to stay vigilant and cautious at all times.
After delivering the schedule, Hayley turned to leave but not before casting a scornful glance my way. In her eyes, I was as good as dead after crossing Kristina.
I remained unfazed. Once Hayley was gone, I followed the others to the second floor for a meal.
In the short time since our arrival, the other women had already formed cliques, grouping at the tables. I found a seat alone in a corner, quietly eating while contemplating my next move.
With Bryan lusting after me and Kristina intent on my downfall, I found myself in a perilous position. I could not afford to sit idly by, waiting for doom to claim me. I needed a plan, or I might disappear without a trace.
As I pondered my fate, a hand holding a plate suddenly appeared before me. The next moment, the plate tipped, and all its leftovers were dumped onto mine. Greasy soup and scraps splattered everywhere.
Startled, I leaped to my feet, quickly stepping back. Thankfully, my clothes were spared from the mess.
“Watch your feet…”
A voice dripping with sarcasm broke the silence. I looked up to find a woman with fiery red hair standing at my table. Her face was as enchanting as her figure was seductive. Holding her plate, she gazed at me with an air of arrogance and disdain.
I instantly sensed her hostility and stiffened, meeting her gaze with cold defiance. “What was that for?” I demanded.
The woman smirked, slamming her plate onto the table. With a haughty tilt of her chin, she replied, “Allow me to introduce myself; I am Latonia Swain.”
I narrowed my eyes at her. “I have no interest in knowing you.”
Latonia let out a derisive snort and boldly declared, “I just wanted to let you know that I will be the first woman to carry a prince’s child. Your wolf is barely detectable. Sooner or later, you will be kicked out of the palace and left to fend for yourself as a rogue.”
