Chapter 84:
Makenna’s POV:
The dance floor was filled with elegantly moving couples, and as soon as Clayton and I joined, we drew more than a few curious glances. Their attention made my nerves tighten.
Sensing my unease, Clayton gave my hand a gentle squeeze and whispered,
“Relax. Just follow my lead.”
With that, he slipped an arm around my waist and began to guide me into the dance.
Slowly, my anxiety began to melt away, replaced by the rhythm of the music and the comforting presence of Clayton. His height made me tilt my head up to meet his gaze, and as I did, I saw my reflection in his eyes, framed by his thick, dark lashes.
Under his intense gaze, a blush crept up my cheeks, and my heart raced.
I wasn’t a skilled dancer, and my nervousness made my clumsiness more apparent. As a result, I accidentally stepped on Clayton’s feet more than once.
“I’m so sorry… really sorry,” I stammered, mortified.
I kept my eyes downcast, too embarrassed to look at him, wishing I could disappear.
But Clayton only smiled and reassured me,
“It’s alright. Don’t worry. We can slow down.”
With his strong arm still around my waist, he gently adjusted the pace. As we continued, I began to relax, my movements gradually becoming more fluid.
Clayton’s gaze never wavered from mine. His steady presence, combined with the warmth of his embrace, left me feeling flustered and flushed.
The music played softly in the background, but my entire focus was on the man guiding me through the dance. The air around us felt warmer, charged with an undeniable tension.
“You look stunning tonight,” Clayton suddenly murmured, his voice low and sincere.
Ⱡ𝗮𝗍𝙚𝕤𝖙 ς𝗁𝖺𝗉𝗍𝗲𝖗𝗌 ɢ𝗮𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘀․𝚌𝗈𝗆
“Thank you,” I managed to reply, my heart beating even faster at his words.
We glided across the floor, the hem of my dress swirling with each turn. After a brief hesitation, Clayton asked,
“Has Kristina been giving you a hard time?”
I nodded, my expression resigned. From the moment I arrived at the palace, Kristina had made it clear we were enemies.
“Come to me if you need help,” Clayton said softly, his tone protective. “If Bryan bothers you again, you can rely on me. I’ll make sure you’re safe.”
His offer touched me deeply. Since my arrival at the palace, Clayton had been my only refuge, besides Alice. His kindness was a rare light in the darkness I had faced.
“Thank you, Your Highness. Your support means so much to me. And thank you for speaking up for me earlier today.”
Clayton chuckled, his voice warm and reassuring.
“It was nothing. You deserve to be treated with respect. You’re a good person, Makenna.”
His words brought a lump to my throat, and I fought back the tears that threatened to spill.
Life in the palace had been a series of challenges, and it felt as though I was constantly under attack.
Yet here was Clayton, offering me the kindness and protection that had been so scarce.
Despite the cruel rumors I had heard about the princes, Clayton was nothing like the brutal image painted by his family’s reputation.
The more I got to know him, the more I realized we were drawing closer to each other.
For a moment, I found myself lost in his handsome features, wishing this dance could last forever.
But just as I was beginning to believe that wish might come true, a waiter suddenly approached us, looking flustered.
“Excuse me, Miss Dunn,” the waiter said urgently. “Miss Alice Vance seems to be drunk and is causing a scene in the back garden. Could you please help calm her down?”
