Chapter 21:
Makenna’s POV
The turn of events had blown my expectations out of the water. I was yet powerless to object. How pathetic I had become! I felt like a mere pawn, tossed into Clayton’s care by Leonardo’s icy decree.
Clayton seemed momentarily taken aback but then offered me a gentle smile.
“Why let her serve him first?” Bryan’s voice cut through the air, filled with disbelief. His tone was as sharp as a blade. “As I’ve said, I have an interest in her too.”
“Are you done with this charade?” Leonardo rubbed his temples, clearly exasperated. “One more word and you’ll find yourself grounded for a month.”
Bryan hesitated, his frustration simmering. His father’s threat was enough to silence him.
Dominic remained quiet but cast a look my way, his eyes brimming with unspoken messages.
Leonardo scoffed, surveying the disarray of the training room. His gaze settled on Hayley, who was visibly trembling. “Hayley, you failed in your duties. Expect your wages to be docked for the next six months as punishment.”
“Your Majesty…” Hayley’s voice quivered as she tried to defend herself. “I had nothing to do with this…”
“Silence!” Leonardo cut her off with ruthless finality. Turning to the servants, he commanded, “Clean this place up immediately. These women will continue their training tomorrow. No delays.”
With that, he showed no interest in lingering. The three princes, wary of further inciting his ire, followed him out.
Before leaving, Clayton walked past me, offering a reassuring smile that seemed intended to ease my anxiety.
My heart fluttered. Anticipating what might come that night, I averted my gaze, overwhelmed by shyness.
As I looked away, I saw Bryan’s malicious grin. He mouthed to me, “I won’t go easy on you.”
Mₒᵣₑ ᵤₚdₐₜₑₛ ᵢₙ gₐₗₙₒᵥₑₗₛ.𝒸ₒₘ
I nearly lost my breath. My head dropped in a panic as I feigned ignorance.
A dark premonition loomed over me, like a time bomb ticking with Bryan’s threats. His potential for harm seemed imminent.
As the powerful figures departed one by one, only the trembling women remained in the ravaged training room.
One woman timidly asked Hayley if the training would resume, but Hayley, her frustration palpable, told her to be quiet.
Hayley glared at me before waving us away. “All of you, leave now! Be punctual for training tomorrow!”
Relief washed over the women as they hastened to exit. I too made my way to my room to rest.
Upon entering, I found a servant busily packing my belongings. It seemed I was to be taken to the new house bestowed by Leonardo.
Resignation settled over me as I realized I had no choice but to comply. After the servant completed the packing, I followed her to my new residence.
As I left, the other sex slaves cast envious and resentful glances my way. I knew their jealousy stemmed from my new role serving the princes, but I chose to ignore them.
With the servant leading the way, I arrived at a lovely villa in District B of the palace.
I was taken aback by the unexpected beauty of the house. The villa was spacious enough for me alone, with all sorts of amenities. It was spotless, and I discovered a charming garden.
Entering the home, I marveled at the exquisitely decorated living room. My anxiety and fear began to ease. At least I no longer had to endure cramped quarters with the other sex slaves.
Since my arrival in this grim place, I had prepared myself to sacrifice my body, though with great reluctance.
Reflecting on Latonia, who had been cast out and reduced to a rogue, I reminded myself that this was a perilous situation. I had no choice but to submit to the powerful forces around me.
I must endure the trials until I could rise to power and strength.
This resolve somehow soothed me. Just as I was about to ask the servant to leave, she insisted I sit.
“Miss Dunn, let me prepare you for Prince Clayton tonight. You’ll need to make a good impression.”
As she spoke, the servant roughly tugged at my hair, brushing it with a force that matched her indifference to my feelings. She applied makeup to my face with the precision of someone completing a task, not caring about my willingness. Then, she retrieved a set of revealing lingerie, clearly meant for me to wear.
The sight of the lingerie made my stomach churn. I shot to my feet in panic. “Absolutely not! I’m not wearing this,” I declared firmly, the words leaving my mouth without a second thought.
“Miss Dunn, you don’t have the right to refuse.”
With a solemn expression, the servant handed me the lingerie. “Your duty is to serve the princes. Please don’t make this difficult for either of us.”
My eyes lingered on the flimsy fabric that barely qualified as clothing. I bit down hard on my bottom lip and clenched my fists until my knuckles turned white.
Resistance wasn’t an option. I knew too well what had happened to Latonia when she defied them.
Yet, despite the hopelessness of my situation, a fire still burned within me—a desire for revenge, a refusal to let this be the end. I couldn’t afford to become a rogue or die now. If I gave up, those who had wronged me would get exactly what they wanted.
With my eyes closed, I forced the words out, my voice hoarse. “Alright, I’ll wear it.”
