?Chapter 685:


    “Makenna, I understand your pain—the ache of losing your own child. But grief cannot justify rash decisions. The traditions of our royal family are not so easily bent.”


    Before I could respond, Antoni bowed deeply and interjected smoothly, “Your Majesty, you need not worry. I will ensure the servant is disciplined and her grave mistakes are corrected. The child will be cared for appropriately, and suchpses will not ur again.”


    Leonardo’s nod of approval was swift, as if Antoni’s words had resolved the matter.


    Panic bubbled in my chest, but I dared not speak out loud. Instead, I tugged at Dominic’s sleeve, whispering, “You have to do something. We can’t let this child go with him.”


    “Don’t worry.” Dominic pressed his palm onto mine, his calm demeanor grounding me.


    “Hold on.” He nced at Antoni before turning to Leonardo. “Father, consider this carefully. A servant with such cruelty in their heart cannot be changed by discipline alone. If the child remains with her, his suffering will only grow.”


    Antoni bristled but tried to maintain hisposure. “Your Majesty, I assure you…”


    “You are already burdened with countless duties, Antoni,” Dominic cut in smoothly. “How will you find time to ensure the child’s safety? If left with the Harrison family, his fate will almost certainly be death. Is that what you want?”


    Leonardo’s eyes narrowed, his gaze now razor-sharp as it pinned Antoni in ce. The tension in the air thickened, the silence heavy and oppressive.


    Antoni bowed lower, his face pale with guilt. “Your Majesty, it was my failing to manage my subordinates properly. I will reflect on this and make amends.” His gaze flicked toward Dominic—unreadable butced with veiled challenge. “But tell me, Your Highness, why does a servant’s child matter so much to you?”


    Leonardo’s silence betrayed his agreement with Antoni’s question. It was clear he, too, found the entire matter overly dramatic for the sake of a servant’s child. My arms instinctively tightened around the fragile baby cradled against me.


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    Though the child wasn’t mine, something about his tiny, frail form pierced me deeply. A fierce ache blossomed in my chest, as if my own heart had been bruised.


    I took a step forward, locking eyes with Antoni. “Antoni, your words couldn’t be more wrong.”


    Makenna’s POV:


    “Oh? Why don’t you tell me what’s wrong?” Antoni’s voice carried a subtle sneer as he raised an eyebrow.


    I met his stare head-on. “His Majesty, as the leader of the werewolves, is wise and valiant—a ruler with the welfare of all in mind.”


    I turned my head toward Leonardo, letting an expression of admiration settle on my face. “His Majesty treats every member of the kingdom as his own children, loving and protecting them. How could he possibly look down on anyone because of their bloodline? Do you truly believe His Majesty would stoop to discriminating against his citizens?”


    Antoni opened his mouth to reply, but no words came. His confidence vanished, and for a brief moment, he waspletely at a loss.


    Though Leonardo’s regal demeanor remained intact, a flicker of satisfaction gleamed in his eyes at my praise. It was fleeting, but enough to reassure me.


    He stayed silent, observing me with a quiet expectation, as if granting me the floor.


    Encouraged, I pressed on confidently. “Regardless of this child’s bloodline, as long as he is a werewolf, he is entitled to His Majesty’s protection. This is the wisdom passed down by our ancestors—values we all honor.” I then added sharply, “Antoni, do you not respect the wisdom of our forebears?”


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