Chapter 153:
I knew that any clash between Bryan and Clayton inside the palace would inevitably enrage Leonardo. I couldn’t bear the thought of Clayton suffering because of me. He was a decent man who didn’t deserve to be dragged into my mess.
So, despite my fear of Bryan, I stepped forward, holding a kitchen knife tightly in my trembling hand, and pressed it to my neck.
I locked eyes with Bryan, my voice steady despite the shiver in my hands. I repeated, “If you want to take me away by force today, you’ll only get my corpse!” I had resolved that if torture was my fate, I’d rather meet death on my own terms.
But to my surprise, Bryan didn’t react with anger. Instead, he seemed lost, as if he were grappling with something deeper.
For a moment, I could have sworn I saw heartbreak flicker in his eyes. Could that be possible?
“Makenna! No!” Clayton grasped my arm, his voice filled with anxiety. “Let me handle this. Don’t risk your life!” His concern was a balm to my troubled heart.
I shook my head firmly, refusing to let him get involved. “No, this mess is my doing. I have to face it myself. I don’t want you dragged into it.”
“But—” Clayton started, but I cut him off, stepping in front of Bryan with steely resolve.
“If you kill me here today, the king will find out about your little siege,” I declared with hatred and determination. “You think you can handle his wrath if this turns into a royal scandal?”
Despite my lowly status, if Bryan provoked Clayton and forced me to kill myself, Leonardo’s anger would not be contained, whether he cared about me or not. It would be a disgrace to the royal family.
As I spoke, my heart raced, unsure if Bryan would be swayed by my threat.
His madness was unpredictable; I couldn’t be sure of his response.
But I had steeled myself for the worst—my death would be the price I’d pay.
𝖀𝗉𝖉𝖆𝗍𝖊𝗌 𝗈𝗇ɩү 𝓰⍺𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘀ꞏⅽ𝗈𝗆
I was already resigned to it. Should I truly pass away, I would simply accept it.
Bryan’s face hardened, the fleeting trace of heartbreak vanishing as he resumed his arrogant demeanor.
He scrutinized me with a sneer. “You’re quite the orator.”
With all my courage, I retorted with biting irony, “I don’t believe you’re foolish enough to risk the king’s fury over a woman.”
I tried to appear calm, though sweat was already soaking my back.
“You are indeed brave,” Clayton said, gripping my hand tightly with a look full of tenderness. “Don’t be afraid. Just do whatever you want, and I’ll always be there for you.”
His words touched me deeply, fueling my determination.
I couldn’t let him be harmed because of me.
I had to protect him just as he had protected me.
Bryan sneered, “What a profound love!”
He stared at me coldly for a moment before suddenly grinning, sending a shiver down my spine.
“Makenna, I’m not letting you go that easily. Let’s see if you can find someone to save you next time.”
With a dismissive wave, Bryan turned and left with his soldiers.
