?Chapter 1131:


    “Come in,” I called.


    A servant stepped in, bncing a tray brimming with avish breakfast. Her smile was warm and deferential. “Miss Dunn, this is what Alden specifically instructed us to prepare for you. It’s all your favorite dishes.”


    I paused, a flush of warmth spreading through me.


    Alden, for all his carefree antics, had a knack for quiet thoughtfulness. I gave a gentle nod and murmured, “Please convey my thanks to Alden.” The servant bowed slightly and slipped out of the room without a sound.


    Settling at the table, I reached for a piece of perfectly toasted bread, its golden crust warm in my hand, and took a small bite.


    The door hinges squeaked, and I nced up to see Pa marching in with her usual bold swagger.


    “Pa? What’s got you here?” I asked, caught off guard. She wasn’t one to drop by unannounced.


    She strode over, arms folded tightly, her face a mix of worry and resolve. “I heard you hit some rough patches yesterday. Came to see if you’re holding up. How are you feeling now? Those messes didn’t break you, did they?”


    Her concern warmed me, and my smile widened.


    Pa might usually act all tough and standoffish, but her care was always genuine.


    “Don’t get the wrong idea,” she added quickly, her tone sharp as ever. “I’m not fussing over you. It’s just that you’re Josie’s daughter, our n’s new Saint, and I can’t stand by and watch you fall apart. Otherwise, how are we supposed to crush our enemies?”


    I let out a softugh, familiar with her thorny ways. “Thanks, Pa.” Our eyes locked for a moment, and a rare grin spread across her face.


    But it faltered as if a sudden thought had struck her. She hesitated before speaking.


    Author’s version avable at g??ln ov els.????


    “Makenna… you know the three princes have been waiting downstairs all night, right?”


    I froze, the mug of steaming milk nearly slipping from my grip. The three princes had been downstairs all night? But wasn’t it raining outside?


    Scrambling to my feet, I hurried to the window and threw it open.


    A st of chilly, rain-soaked air stung my face as I peered out. There they were, the three princes, lined up in the courtyard below, drenched and unmoving.


    Water poured down their faces, their sodden clothes clinging to them, yet they stood like men seeking absolution.


    “I always figured those princes had some scheme behind cozying up to you. But now… it looks like they might actually care,” Pa said quietly from behind me.


    Her rare defense of them made me drop my gaze, my hands tightening on the windowsill.


    I knew how the princes felt about me, but I wasn’t ready to face them yet. Words failed me.


    Pa stepped closer, giving my shoulder a firm pat. “Makenna, you’ve got to talk to them. Sort it out. With enemies knocking, we can’t afford to be fighting among ourselves.”


    Makenna’s POV:


    “Makenna, I’veid it all out for you. Reflect on it.” With that, Pa turned and walked away.


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