?Chapter 35:


    Kristina’s POV:


    As soon as the soldiers entered the training room, the other sex ves erupted into whispered chatter.


    “Why would the king suddenly want to see her? Did she mess up or something?”


    “Serves her right. She made herself too noticeable.”


    “She’s always been a troublemaker. It wouldn’t surprise me if she gets kicked out one of these days.”


    Their eyes gleamed with malicious delight as they nced my way, but I paid no mind to their words or their smirks. I kept myposure and followed the soldiers, knowing I had to face whatever awaited me.


    Sooner orter, trouble always came knocking. I didn’t think I’d done anything wrong, so there was no reason to be scared.


    When I was brought to the main hall, I found Leonardo seated on his throne, his expression one of thinly veiled annoyance. Kristina was there too, crying and seemingly pouring out herints.


    I had already braced myself, understanding that Kristina was likely the reason I was summoned so abruptly. I remained calm, but as I nced at the man standing behind Leonardo, myposure faltered for a moment.


    Frank Thomas? What was he doing here?


    Our eyes met briefly, and I caught a flicker of mockery in his gaze before I looked away, choosing to ignore him entirely.


    Kristina spotted me then, and her reaction was immediate. She nearly leaped to her feet, pointing an usatory finger at me as she shrieked, “It was her! That unruly woman! She struck me!”


    Tears filled her eyes as she turned to Leonardo, pleading with him in a voice dripping with grievance, “Your Majesty, please deliver justice! This hateful woman must be punished.”


    I couldn’t help but smirk at Kristina’s melodramatic usations. Instead of responding to her, I simply bowed to Leonardo, “Good morning, Your Majesty.”


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    His gaze was cold, distant. “Did you hit her?” he asked sharply.


    I met his gaze and nodded without hesitation. “Yes, Your Majesty, I did.”


    “Preposterous!” Leonardo’s fury was swift. “Do you have any idea who Kristina is? She’s the future queen! And you—you’re nothing more than a sex ve. How dare youy a hand on her!”


    His scolding brought a smug smile to Kristina’s face. She looked at me with triumphant eyes, clearly convinced that I was about to face punishment.


    But I didn’t panic. I didn’t attempt to defend myself. Instead, I met Leonardo’s gaze and asked, “Your Majesty, I’m confused about something. Is it true that a sex ve must endure humiliation from Miss Harrison after serving the prince?”


    Leonardo frowned, his expression puzzled. “What are you implying?”


    Kristina’s face paled, and I noticed her fingers clutching the hem of her blouse tightly.


    I couldn’t suppress a smirk. As I suspected, Kristina hadn’t been entirely truthful with Leonardo.


    I calmly exined what had transpired the previous day, detailing how Kristina had gone out of her way to provoke me after my training ss, even ordering her followers to strip me. I had only defended myself.


    As I spoke, Leonardo’s expression grew increasingly stern.


    Sensing the shift, I raised my voice slightly, repeating, “Your Majesty, if it’s customary for a sex ve to be mistreated after serving a prince, I believe we should be informed so we can brace ourselves.”


    “Ridiculous!” Leonardo exploded with anger, mming his fists onto the armrests. He turned to Kristina, demanding, “Is she telling the truth?”


    Kristina stammered, her fear palpable as she struggled to form a coherent response.


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