Chapter 167:
Makenna’s POV:
Bryan’s grip around my neck tightened, sending sharp pain shooting through me as each breath became a struggle.
But I refused to crumble, glaring at him with all the defiance I could muster. “How do you plan to punish me this time? Are you going to imprison me again, like before?”
I knew, deep down, that imprisoning me wasn’t an option he could afford to take anymore.
His grip faltered ever so slightly, and I seized the moment to shove him away. Stumbling back, I put as much distance as I could between us.
“Your chance is gone, Your Highness,” I spat out, clutching my aching neck as I gasped for air. A cold, mocking smile tugged at my lips as I added, “Everyone knows I’m back on my feet now, and the examination is just days away. What are you going to do—lock me up again, or maybe kill me?”
His face darkened, his eyes narrowing dangerously.
Fear clawed at my insides, but I held his gaze, refusing to show weakness. I knew the truth—he couldn’t imprison me now, not with the test for the sex slaves looming so close.
If I suddenly disappeared, it would raise too many questions. Even though I was just a sex slave, would the king allow one of his potential heirs to risk disgrace by imprisoning someone like me?
The time for pretending around Bryan was over. I’d already crossed the line with him—there was no going back.
His eyes glinted with a cold menace, but then, almost as if conceding, he sneered and nodded. “Very well. It seems you’ve grown quite bold since cozying up to Clayton.”
I shot back without hesitation, “Since you’re not planning to imprison or kill me, I’ll be on my way. I have things to do.”
I turned to leave, but Bryan moved with unsettling speed, once again blocking my path.
𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙛𝙞𝙡𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙜𝖆𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘀[ꞏ]𝖈𝖔𝖒
His gaze bored into mine, the cold edge in his voice cutting deep. “This isn’t the way back to your residence. Where are you headed? Couldn’t find Clayton, so now you’re off to track down Dominic?”
I took a step back, keeping my tone distant. “That’s none of your business.”
I needed to leave the palace. If Clayton was unreachable, then Dominic was my next best hope. As for Bryan, seeking his help had never even crossed my mind.
But my response seemed to strike a nerve. His hand shot out, grabbing my face with sudden harshness. “It doesn’t matter who you’re trying to reach—you won’t get to them.”
I felt a surge of dread come over me. With a slight tremble in my voice, I gazed up at him. “What do you mean by that?” Did he harm Clayton?
Bryan’s laugh was cold, his expression a mask of cruelty. “They’ve been meddling too much for their own good. I’ve made sure they have plenty of distractions to keep them occupied. They won’t have time to deal with the likes of you.”
“You!” I gritted my teeth in fury. “You bastard!” I hadn’t expected him to stoop so low, but what could I do? My frustration boiled over, but all I could do was glare at him, helpless.
If Bryan had managed to tie up both Clayton and Dominic, then who else could I turn to?
Should I really consider asking him? My anger flared as I glared at him and decided to go back home to think of another plan.
But Bryan’s smile widened, clearly amused by my frustration.
“If you have something that needs doing, you can always ask me,” he said, his voice oozing with a dark promise as he licked his lips, a tempting gleam in his eyes. “Given how well you’ve served me before, I might just be inclined to help you out.”
