Chapter 7:
Makenna’s POV
“Everything that’s gone wrong is her fault.”
Kristina’s eyes bored into me with the intensity of a cornered beast. “If that shameless woman hadn’t tried to seduce Bryan, I wouldn’t have lost my temper. Your Highness, are you going to punish me because of that wretched woman?”
Clayton’s frown deepened, his gaze flicking to me with a softness that didn’t match the tension in the room. “Is there any truth to this?”
“No, there’s not!” I bit down on my bottom lip, unable to muster any defense. It didn’t matter what I said; in the end, everything seemed to circle back to being my fault.
“Very well.” Clayton nodded, his expression unreadable. It seemed he didn’t buy into Kristina’s accusations as he turned to the servants in the hall and calmly ordered, “Escort them all back to their rooms.”
“Your Highness!” Kristina’s eyes widened in disbelief, her voice rising with fury. “You’re just going to let her go? No! I won’t allow it!”
“Enough!” Clayton’s scowl darkened as he snapped. “If my father learns that you attempted to kill someone in broad daylight, he won’t show you any mercy.”
Kristina’s protests lingered, stubbornly clinging to her anger. Clayton, however, had already dismissed her, waving his hand for the servants to take her away.
After the storm of chaos that had just swept through the hall, the servants moved with lowered heads, their responses muted and respectful. Soon, I was being led out of the oppressive atmosphere.
Before I was out of the hall, I couldn’t resist casting one last glance at the silver-haired man. But Kristina’s glare intercepted my gaze, her eyes filled with the savage possessiveness of a predator guarding its prey.
I quickly averted my eyes, the fear curling tight in my stomach. Kristina was a force I couldn’t afford to challenge. Her power was a shadow that loomed large, and if she still wanted me dead, tonight’s escape might be my last.
A soft sigh escaped me as I entered my room, the day’s events replaying in my mind, leaving me drained and weary. My heart felt weighed down by a despair that gnawed at the edges of my soul.
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I was nothing more than a lowly she-wolf in the palace, a figure of scorn and ridicule. Everyone seemed to take pleasure in trampling my dignity into the dirt.
And then there was Bryan, the prince with a temper as volatile as a storm. His attention had turned to me, and I feared that if I stayed, I wouldn’t live to see another day.
Tears began to well up, spilling down my cheeks as sobs wracked my body. I was lost in a sea of misery, wondering what I had done to deserve such a cruel fate.
I didn’t know how long I cried, but the night deepened around me. My tears eventually ran dry, leaving me hollow as I lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling.
What was I supposed to do?
Suddenly, a memory flickered in my mind—the servants’ whispers as they led us back to our rooms. They’d mentioned a garden behind the chambers, a place where we could wander if we were brave.
A spark of hope ignited within me. Perhaps this wasn’t the dead end I’d feared. Maybe, just maybe, there was a hidden path that could lead me away from this prison of a palace.
With that thought, I sprang from the bed, my resolve firm, and set off to explore the back garden.
However, regret quickly followed me once I arrived.
The back garden sprawled out before me, vast and confusing. As I walked, the paths twisted and turned until I realized I was lost, returning to the same spot for the third time.
I stood there, bewildered, unsure of where to go next.
“Makenna? What are you doing here?”
A familiar voice cut through the stillness, freezing me in place.
I turned slowly, already knowing who I’d find. There stood Frank, his expression a mixture of annoyance and curiosity.
Frank approached me with a stern look in his eyes. “I asked why you’re here. Answer me!”
My fists clenched at my sides as I stared at him, hatred bubbling up from the depths of my soul. “Why am I here? Shouldn’t you, of all people, know the answer to that?”
If it hadn’t been for his betrayal, I wouldn’t have endured this nightmarish day. Who did he think he was to question me now?
Frank seemed taken aback by the coldness in my voice. His face hardened as he warned, “You can’t just wander around. If the king finds out, you’ll drag us all down with you.”
His selfish, callous words cut into my already raw heart, making me curse myself for not seeing through him sooner.
“You disgust me, Frank Thomas,” I said with all the loathing I could muster.
Frank sneered, his tone dripping with mockery. “Want to blame someone? Blame yourself. You’re too dull, too boring. You can’t compare to Jessica. You have no idea how intoxicating she is in bed. I’ve been enjoying her for a long time; I should have dumped you ages ago.”
His vile confession churned my stomach, making me feel sick to my core.
I stared at him, my hatred intensifying. “I was such a fool, blinded by love—like you!”
He wasn’t worth my heartbreak.
“You worthless wench! Who do you think you are to judge?” Frank’s face twisted with anger as he lunged at me, his hand raised to strike.
Fear jolted through me, and I instinctively took a step back. But before his hand could connect, a large hand shot out, grabbing Frank’s wrist and twisting it with brutal force. Frank let out a pained scream.
A tall, imposing figure stepped in front of me, shielding me. My heart pounded when I recognized him.
It was Bryan.
