?Chapter 879:


    Makenna’s POV:


    The conversation between Jett and me lingered in the air, causing the three princes’ expressions to darken like thunderclouds, filling the dining room with palpable tension.


    Maia, ever the gracious hostess, broke through the awkwardness with a well-timed smile. “Prince Dominic, when did you find a mate? I haven’t heard a word about it.”


    Her surprise was warranted—everyone knew of the king’s controversial initiative to select sex ves for the princes to ensure the royal bloodline’s continuation.


    A veil of sorrow shadowed Dominic’s eyes as he replied, his voice tinged with longing, “We haven’t had the chance to mark each other yet, and then she vanished like morning mist.”


    Bryan’s lips curled with contempt as he shot Dominic a withering nce. “You’re lost in delusions. Makenna would never bind herself to you.”


    The mention of my name sent a jolt through me, my fingers curling tightly around the fork and knife.


    Beside me, Alden’s eyes widened with sudden recognition. “Makenna? The woman whose face adorns the wanted posters throughout the kingdom?”


    yton’s expression instantly hardened to granite. “Remove all wanted posters in Marehelm,” hemanded, his voice cutting through the air like a de.


    Confusion flitted across Maia’s face, but the fierce intensity radiating from the three princes silenced any questions forming on her lips. She simply nodded, acquiescing with a quiet, “They’ll be gone by tomorrow’s light.”


    Relief washed through me, though beneath it churned a maelstrom of conflicting emotions.


    I never had imagined that even now, with everything that had transpired, the princes would still extend their protection over me. Their unwavering loyalty tugged at my heartstrings, reigniting feelings I’d fought to suppress.


    Yet reality’s cold grip reminded me of the vast chasms between us and the unfinished business that prevented me from revealing my true self. I set my utensils down with practiced grace, masking my inner turmoil. “I’ve had my fill. Please excuse my early departure.”


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    Rising from my chair, I noticed Jett immediately mirror my actions, offering Maia a courteous smile. “Your hospitality has been exceptional, Mrs. Pierce. My wife and I…”


    “Shall take our leave now.” Maia’s gaze flickered to our barely touched tes, concern etching her features. “You’ve hardly eaten. Was the fare not to your liking?”


    “I possess a delicate appetite, Mrs. Pierce,” I exined softly, forcing warmth into my smile. “Even small portions satisfy mepletely.”


    She epted this with a maternal smile. “Then rest well.”


    She then turned to Jett, gratitude illuminating her eyes. “Mr. Burton, my husband’s condition has improved remarkably. We’ll require your healing touch in the days toe.”


    Jett acknowledged her with a modest nod. “Have no concerns, Mrs. Pierce. I consider it my sacred duty.”


    To maintain our charade and deflect the princes’ suspicions, Jett entwined his fingers with mine, leading me toward the dining room’s exit.


    Yet after mere steps, an rming heat began to surge through my body, wild and uncontroble like wildfire.


    Oh no! The damned aphrodisiac potion surged through my veins like liquid fire, threatening to consume me from within.


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