?Chapter 660:


    I scoffed. “Really? And why exactly? Because of the so-called precious peony?”


    Antoni waved a finger slowly, his tone calm, deliberate. “It’s not just about the peony. I risked my life to retrieve it from a cliffside and presented it to His Majesty. He treasured it and had it carefully nted in the royal garden.”


    “And your evidence that Martin was responsible for damaging it?” I shot back, my eyes narrowing. “Is it just your word?”


    He adjusted his ornate cor with deliberate calm, then countered, “Martin was on duty when the peony was ruined. Who else could it have been?”


    I red at him, speechless for a heartbeat, then snapped, “Antoni, you can’t torture someone without proof. This is clearly deliberate!”


    A coldugh slipped from his lips as he rose to his feet, each step toward me heavy with menace. His words fell like stones. “Your objections are meaningless. I hold the authority His Majesty gave me to discipline servants who defy the crown.”


    I scoffed sharply, meeting his gaze without flinching. “But surely, that authority doesn’t extend to cruelty, does it?”


    At my words, Antoni’s expression shifted, a flicker of rage shing in his eyes. I had struck a nerve.


    Encouraged by his reaction, I let out a mocking snort and moved toward Martin to untie his chains.


    “Stop her!” Antoni barked sharply. Instantly, a group of soldiers closed in, blocking my path.


    His voice dropped to a menacing growl. “No one takes away someone I intend to interrogate. Makenna, if you dare interfere with my duty again, I’ll punish you too!”


    Undeterred, I stood my ground. “Until you show concrete proof, I’m not going anywhere! I won’t stand by while you torture an innocent man!”


    At that moment, Martin weakly whispered, “Miss Dunn, please, just let it be.”


    Your escape begins with ga ln ov els .


    I turned to him and said firmly, “Don’t worry, I won’t abandon you. I believe you’re innocent—this is nothing but a trap Antoni set.”


    Antoni erupted inughter, as though I’d told the most absurd joke. His voice dripped with scorn as he sneered, “If that’s your choice, then don’t me me for whates next!”


    With a sharp wave of his hand, he signaled the soldiers to seize me.


    They began to close in, but I immediately raised yton’s token high, my voice ringing out boldly. “I hold Prince yton’s token. Who among you daresy a hand on me?”


    The soldiers froze at the sight of it, exchanging uneasy nces.


    Antoni’sughter grew louder, edged with madness. “Hmph! Should Prince yton me you, I’ll take responsibility! Now seize this woman who dares overstep her bounds!”


    Emboldened by his words, the soldiers began to surround me.


    Could it be that Antoni truly wasn’t afraid of yton?


    My fists clenched, cold sweat beading on my forehead. I didn’t know how I could possibly handle the situation.


    “Stop!” Amanding voice thundered from outside the prison.


    Makenna’s POV:


    I turned my head, startled, and there he was—Amon.


    He entered withmanding strides, nked by a group of soldiers. His sharp, chiseled features radiated authority.


    Behind him, Alice offered a yful wink, her mischievous gesture instantly easing the knot of anxiety in my chest.


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