?Chapter 636:


    Evelyn’s eyes widened, surprise lighting her face like dawn breaking over a quiet horizon. She blinked and then replied softly, “If it’s not too much trouble, may I tell His Majesty myself once I’m fully recovered?”


    “That’s perfectly fine,” I said casually, brushing the matter aside. “We’ll discuss it when you’re better. For now, focus on your recovery.”


    I got up and walked out of the ward after that.


    Makenna’s POV:


    I burst through my front door, tears streaking down my cheeks, my breathsing in uneven gasps. Alice was perched on the sofa, her posture tense as though she’d been waiting for me.


    “Makenna, what’s wrong? What happened?” she asked, rushing to my side, her hands wrapping gently around mine. “Did someone hurt you?”


    I shook my head as I tried to speak, but the lump in my throat held the words hostage. The only thing I craved was a quiet corner to copse into—a safe ce to cry.


    Alice’s maternal instincts kicked in as she pulled me toward the couch. “Sit down. Take a breath.” Her eyes darted to Evie, who stood uncertainly near the kitchen counter. “Evie, is her fever down? I don’t want her rpsing.”


    Evie nodded quickly. “It’s gone, Alice. She’s fine now.”


    Relief softened Alice’s tense features, though her gaze remained glued to me. “So, what’s this all about, Makenna? You never break down like this. Did something happen?”


    Her words struck a chord. I froze mid-sob, suddenly hyperaware of how alien this all felt—this unraveling of my usual calm. I swiped at my wet cheeks with trembling hands. “Why am I acting this way? How did ite to this?”


    Alice crouched beside me and brushed away the remaining drops. “Is this about Evelyn again?”


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    The question hit its mark. I nodded, teeth pressing into my lower lip as I began recounting the day’s events. As Alice listened, her expression darkened with every detail. By the time I finished, her fists were clenched so tightly her knuckles had turned white.


    “This is uneptable!” she snapped, surging to her feet. Her fiery determination filled the room. “I’m going to the princes right now. They need to exin themselves! You can’t keep being treated like this!”


    She turned angrily, ready to storm out the door, but I grabbed her sleeve. “Don’t!”


    Alice stopped mid-stride, turning to me with confusion. “Why not, Makenna? They’ve gone too far!”


    I hesitated, my mind reying my own actions and reactions over the past few days like a fragmented movie reel. Something about all of it didn’t add up.


    Alice was right—I used to beposed, unshakable. The old me never let emotions rule the day. But now, I was a frayed string, snapping at every little tug. And Evelyn—calm, sweet Evelyn—always seemed to sow discord between me and the princes without lifting a finger. Was that really just bad luck?


    The more I thought about it, the more rity broke through my haze. I drew in a shaky breath and steadied myself.


    “Alice, I need your help with something.”


    Alice was already nodding. “Of course. Whatever you need, I’m here.”


    I leaned in close, dropping my voice to a conspiratorial whisper. Only she needed to hear this. When I finished, I leaned back, anxiously searching her face for a reaction.


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