Chapter 20:
Makenna’s POV
My heart sank a notch. It was clear that Latonia was attempting to drag me into the muck while she was teetering on the edge of disaster. Leonardo’s expression darkened as he looked at me, his displeasure evident. “You again?”
Latonia’s face was a portrait of schadenfreude as she threw more fuel onto the fire. “Your Majesty, this is all her fault! The princes clashed over this woman.”
Leonardo, ignoring her, fixed me with a frosty stare. His tone was unreadable. “Tell me what has happened.”
I cast a sideways glance at Latonia, whose sneer was almost a challenge in itself. It seemed she thought I was done for. Turning my attention back to Leonardo, I recounted the events with calm resolve.
“Your Majesty, here’s what transpired. I am confident I have done nothing wrong and trust in your wisdom. You will surely see reason and not lay the blame at my feet.”
With that, I bowed deeply, awaiting his verdict.
“I see.” Leonardo’s gaze softened, revealing a glimmer of curiosity. “Did you say the princes vied for your attention earlier? So, they have feelings for you, hmm?”
Feelings for me? I felt no tremor or emotion and disagreed with his assumption. As I glanced at the three princes, their expressions ranged from irritation to calm, and from gentleness to aloofness. But one thing I didn’t see was affection.
I lowered my gaze to my feet, contemplating how best to respond to the king’s question. Latonia, however, was in a panic. Desperation overtook her as she pleaded, “Your Majesty, don’t you want to punish this woman?”
Leonardo gave her a dismissive look and asked, “Do I need your advice to make a decision? Guards, remove her!”
“No! Why? Your Majesty!” Latonia’s voice quavered with fear and confusion as she begged. “Have mercy! I can change, Your Majesty. Please, spare me!”
It was too late. Two burly servants seized her and began dragging her away.
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“No! No! It’s so unfair. It’s unfair!” Latonia yelled.
Her cries grew fainter as she struggled in vain. Her voice faded into silence, leaving an oppressive stillness. Everyone, including myself, bowed their heads in fear. Such was the power of the royal family. They could decide someone’s fate with a mere decree.
With Latonia punished, my thoughts turned to my potential fate. A knot of tension formed in my chest. To my surprise, Leonardo merely cast a thoughtful glance my way and smiled. “Since the three princes have an interest in you, I won’t punish you. Instead, I will reward you.”
“Reward me? Really?” I gawked, wondering if fortune was finally smiling upon me.
Leonardo took a moment to deliberate before waving his hand. “There’s a villa in District B of the castle that now belongs to you. It’s conveniently close to the princes’ residences, allowing you to serve them at any time.”
My heart dropped. This was no reward but punishment in disguise. The closer I was to the princes, the more challenging my life would become. Yet, I had to mask my disappointment with gratitude. Although I wanted to weep, I forced a thankful expression. “Thank you, Your Majesty.”
“Very well.” Leonardo’s gaze shifted to his three sons. His smile widened as he said, “Starting tonight, you will serve one of the princes.”
Serve a prince? I instinctively wanted to protest, but Leonardo’s cold stare made my heart race. I swallowed my objections, the sorrow swelling in my chest. As a mere sex slave, I had no right to refuse.
I inhaled deeply, steeling myself to accept whatever came next. Then, I turned my gaze toward the three princes, my heart pounding as I wondered which prince would be chosen for me. At that moment, I could only hope it would not be Bryan. If it was, I might not make it back to my villa after serving him.
Bryan’s eyes lit up at his father’s words. “Father…”
Before he could continue, Clayton stepped forward, addressing Leonardo with respect. “Father, may I request that this woman be assigned to me tonight?”
Bryan interjected, irritation in his voice, “I also have an interest in her.”
Dominic, who had been silent until now, added, “I too find this woman intriguing.”
They all had an interest in me? I stared at them, stunned. Surely, they were only making these claims to provoke one another. I had become an unwitting pawn in their game. Inside, I prayed for the king’s mercy.
After a moment’s consideration, Leonardo said decisively, “Clayton made the request first. Very well. You will serve him tonight.”
