?Chapter 1005:


    I was slightly taken aback, his suggestionnding like an unexpected truth.


    Makenna’s POV:


    I froze, momentarily stunned by Alden’s words. When I finally regained myposure, my voice emerged as an uncertain whisper. “But the three princes… they harbor such lofty aspirations and boundless pride. Surely they wouldn’t consent to remaining in the pce as mere lovers.”


    Alden’s lips curved into a knowing grin. “The princess will eventually ascend as ruler. Do you truly understand what that means? A ruler is the master of the kingdom. By epting this arrangement, the three princes—once sworn enemies of the princess—not only survive but also find purpose as her closest allies, eternally bound to her side. They should consider themselves fortunate. The alternative would have been their swift elimination of the princess upon discovering her true identity. I believe the princes willingly offer their allegiance because they’ve already reconciled themselves to this inevitable conclusion.”


    Alden’s prating gaze settled on me, searching, probing.


    I met his intense scrutiny with wide, bewildered eyes.


    Without warning, Alden cradled my face between his warm palms, his expression suddenly earnest. He breathed, “Are you the princess?” Before I could formte a response, his serious demeanor dissolved into a light chuckle. “My sister has already dispatched a messenger to inform me of everything.”


    His eyebrows rose yfully, his smile broadening to illuminate his entire countenance. When he spoke again, his voice carried an unprecedented gravity.


    “Makenna, you needn’t feel burdened. All of this is rightfully yours.”


    Emotion welled within me, gratitude forming on my lips. But then Alden’s expression transformed, a mischievous glint appearing in his eyes as he leaned perilously close. His gaze bored into mine with smoldering intensity. “Including me. I am also yours…”


    Under the heat of Alden’s fervent stare, warmth bloomed in my cheeks, the telltale crimson rapidly spreading to the tips of my ears.


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    I raised my hand to create distance between us, but Alden swiftly captured my wrists in his firm grip. “You little rascal… mmph…”


    My protest dissolved into the air as Alden suddenly captured my lips with his own. The tender, lingering kiss drowned out any unfinished words I might have uttered, recing them with a silent symphony of sensation.


    His warm tongue slipped between my lips with gentle urgency, stealing my breath and exploring the depths of my mouth with passionate curiosity. His strong arms encircled my waist, forming an inescapable cage of desire despite my struggles.


    The air between us grew heavy with heat and yearning. Though I tried to resist, my body betrayed me—trembling involuntarily as my heart fluttered like a captured bird, nearly erasing all thought as I surrendered to the waves of his tender affection.


    Before I could regain my senses, Alden had deftly removed most of my clothing. Noticing my diminishing resistance, Alden’s lips curved into a knowing smile.


    “Makenna, do you miss me too?”


    His voice, clear as crystal and warm with mischief, caressed my ears.


    Reality crashed back upon me. I opened my eyes and attempted to pull away from his embrace. But in that vulnerable moment, he lowered his head and captured my breast with his mouth. A shudder rippled through my entire being.


    Strength drained from my limbs as quickly as water through fingers, leaving me helpless even as I weakly pushed against him. Alden paid no heed to my feeble protests. His left hand traced a burning path down my chest, slipping beneath my skirt with deliberate slowness.


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