?Chapter 339:


    My father and stepmother, ustomed to bullying the weak but fearing the strong, were now visibly shaken by Bryan’s presence. They trembled under his piercing stare.


    “Your Highness, it’s not as it appears. We only came to speak with Makenna,” my father stuttered.


    Bryan’s gaze was as cold as ice. Without giving them a chance to exin further, he ordered Amon outside the house, “Amon, take them away and have them flogged ording to thew.”


    Amon swiftly followed the order, leading several soldiers to silence my father and stepmother before dragging them away with ruthless efficiency.


    Once they were gone, I approached Bryan, curiosity piqued. “Why are you here?”


    Bryan pinched my cheek and grunted, “I heard you were going out alone to find the Dunn family. I was worried you might run into trouble, so I intended to go with you. I didn’t expect to walk into this scene.”


    I was taken aback by Bryan’s thoughtfulness.


    “Thank you, Your Highness,” I said, my gratitude genuine.


    A flush of embarrassment crossed Bryan’s face but was quickly overshadowed by his usual irritability. “I’m just concerned that if an idiot like you gets bullied, it would bring shame to the royal family and affect our reputation.”


    Seeing Bryan’s gruff demeanor, I shrugged resignedly. I wasn’t in the mood for more banter. As I was about to politely ask him to leave, he suddenly pushed me toward the kitchen. “Woman, I didn’t get the meal you cookedst night, and I’ve helped you today. So, you owe me a meal.”


    I was amused. Considering how often he had helped me recently, I had little choice but to agree.


    Makenna’s POV:


    Updates loaded at g@lnoνe??s


    I carefully selected the ingredients and prepared a bowl of noodles to Bryan’s liking. As I served the dish, Bryan looked at it with skepticism.


    “Is this your idea of a treat?” he questioned, his toneced with a hint of disdain.


    His golden hair caught the light, and his blue eyes were filled with doubt.


    I raised an eyebrow and replied confidently, “Your Highness, just give it a try, and you’ll see.”


    With some hesitation, Bryan picked up his fork. As soon as he tasted the noodles, his expression shifted from surprise to satisfaction.


    “Well, this is actually good. I didn’t expect you to be such a skilled cook!” Bryan admitted, his praise making me feel a surge of pride.


    I couldn’t help but smile, saying, “I’ve been honing my cooking skills since I was a child.”


    Seeing my pleased reaction, Bryan chuckled, his usually stern face softening. “You seem rather pleased with yourself.”


    I smirked and replied, “Don’t talk too much. Just eat!”


    Bryanplied and continued to enjoy the noodles, his demeanor more rxed than usual.


    I sat at the table, propping my chin in my hands, and observed him closely.


    His golden hair was striking, and his blue eyes held a deep, mysterious allure. His narrow, long eyebrows added a touch of sternness to his otherwise heroic features.


    At that moment, he seemed less like the imperious prince I knew and more approachable and gentle. I found myself unexpectedly appreciating this softer side of him.


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