Chapter 7 Meet Frank Again

Makenna's POV:

"It's all this woman's fault!"

Kristina's eyes blazed with fury as she glared at me, teeth clenched. "If it weren't for her brazen ambition, would I be this enraged? Your Highness, are you really going to punish me because of this lowly woman?"

Clayton's frown deepened, his gaze briefly falling on me. His voice was gentle but probing. "Is that true?"

"No, it's not..." I bit down on my lip, struggling to defend myself, knowing that no matter what I said, it would likely be twisted.

"Alright." Clayton nodded, his tone carrying little conviction for Kristina's accusations. He turned toward the servants and calmly ordered, "Take them to their quarters."

"Your Highness!" Kristina's face twisted with disbelief, her voice rising in a sharp pitch. "You're just going to let her go? No! I won't allow it!"

"Enough!"

Clayton's face darkened, his voice hardening. "If Father learns you caused a scene in public, you won't get away with it so easily!"

"But..." Kristina still wanted to protest, her fury barely contained.

Ignoring her, Clayton motioned for the servants to escort me and the other women away.

The earlier chaos seemed to have sobered the servants, their heads bowed in submission as they hurried to follow his command, guiding us from the scene.

Before leaving the hall, I couldn't resist a fleeting glance back at Clayton. My heart inexplicably fluttered in my chest.

For a man surrounded by terrifying rumors, he was surprisingly kind and polite, embodying the elegance of a true gentleman.

But then my eyes were drawn to Kristina, who glowered at me with a fierceness that sent chills through me, like a beast watching its prey.

I quickly turned away, refusing to look around any longer.

Kristina was not to be trifled with. Her power was immense, and her influence far-reaching. If her hatred toward me lingered, I might not be as fortunate next time.

With a deep sigh, I went to my room, the weight of the day pressing down on me like a suffocating fog. Hopelessness and exhaustion clouded my mind.

In this palace, I was nothing more than an outcast, a she-wolf subjected to the whims of those far more powerful. There was no dignity left for me here.

To make matters worse, Bryan, the volatile prince, seemed fixated on me, and staying in this place felt like walking straight toward the edge of a cliff.

Tears burned in my eyes, trailing down my cheeks as quiet sobs escaped me. I couldn't understand why my life had come to this, why I had to endure so much suffering.

I didn't know how long I lay there, but by the time the sky darkened, my tears had run dry. Staring at the ceiling, I felt hollow, unsure of what to do next.

Then I remembered what one of the servants had mentioned when we first arrived-the garden behind this building was open to wander if we ever felt bored.

Perhaps it could be more than just a place to clear my mind. Could it hold a way out of this nightmare? With that thought, I quickly got up, hoping for an escape route.

But as soon as I reached the garden, I realized how vast and labyrinthine it truly was. The more I walked, the more I felt as if the paths were playing tricks on me, leading me in endless circles.

After finding myself in the same spot for the third time, I had to admit I was hopelessly lost.

I stood there, frustration building, unsure of which direction to turn.

"Makenna? What are you doing here?"

A familiar voice broke through the silence behind me.

I froze, turning slowly to see Frank walking toward me, his face set in a stern line.

"I asked you a question. What are you doing here?" he repeated, the storm in his eyes unmistakable.

My fists clenched involuntarily, hatred bubbling up inside me as I glared at him. "You, of all people, should know why I'm here."

If it weren't for his betrayal, I wouldn't be trapped in this mess. How dare he act so righteous?

Frank's face hardened, his tone cold as ice. "Don't wander around like this. If the king finds out, it won't just be you in trouble-it'll affect all of us."

His words cut through me, reminding me once again of his selfishness. Why had I ever been blind to his true nature?

I spat the words at him, my voice thick with bitterness. "You disgust me, Frank Thomas."

He sneered, his lips curling in contempt. "Blame yourself for being dull and predictable. You were never exciting, not like Jessica. You have no idea how intoxicating she is in bed-she's the only one I've ever wanted."

His vile words twisted my stomach, and I fought the urge to retch. Instead, I glared at him with burning hatred. "I must've been blind to fall for someone like you! You revolting excuse for a man!"

Someone like him wasn't worth even a single tear from me.

"How dare you speak to me like that, you worthless creature!" Frank's anger flared, and he lunged toward me, his hand raised to strike.

But I didn't flinch. Instead, I stood firm, a sharp smile on my lips. "I'm under the protection of the Lycan royals now. Lay a finger on me, and you'll be challenging them."

Frank's hand hovered in the air, trembling with rage, but he didn't dare to bring it down.

"You..." he sputtered, his face contorted with frustration. "You've changed in such a short time. You're not the woman I thought you were."

I laughed, the sound dripping with disdain. "I never realized you were such a spineless, cheating scoundrel."

Frank's body shook with fury, but he couldn't touch me. Instead, he hurled his final insult with venomous malice. "You ungrateful woman! You think being a royal plaything makes you special..."

But his words no longer held any power over me. I looked at his twisted, bitter face with cold indifference. Summoning every bit of strength I had, I slapped him hard across the cheek.