Chapter 371
Chapter 371:
Under the intense scrutiny, I felt more uncomfortable than ever and instinctively pulled at my dress.
At that moment, Dominic’s voice, clear and unexpected, whispered in my ear, “Even though you’re not wearing the dress I gave you, you still look beautiful tonight.”
His unexpected compliment took me by surprise, momentarily rendering me speechless.
Just then, Leonardo made his entrance, surrounded by dignitaries and aristocrats. Their laughter and flattery filled the hall, and his smile broadened as he noticed me.
“Behold, Makenna Dunn,” Leonardo announced with pride. “She is exceptional. In just a few short months since entering the palace, she is already pregnant with the Lycan’s heir!”
The surrounding dignitaries, hearing this, cast approving glances my way, their congratulations raining down upon me. “Miss Dunn is young and promising; surely, she will bring forth a remarkable heir for the Lycan clan.” “Makenna, you are truly blessed!”
Leonardo seemed particularly delighted, showering me with lavish gifts and instructing the other sex slaves to emulate me to earn such rewards.
I stood awkwardly at the center of the banquet, feeling like a mere vessel for pregnancy, with everyone’s eyes fixed on my growing belly.
My hands clenched into fists; I was embarrassed and eager to escape the spotlight.
Thankfully, Dominic shielded me from the relentless flow of congratulations and inquiries, allowing me a moment to step aside and collect myself.
Suddenly, a voice rose above the crowd, cutting through the chatter.
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“By the way, whose child is Miss Dunn carrying?”
The question echoed through the hall, plunging the banquet into an immediate silence. All eyes turned back to me, including Dominic’s, filled with eager curiosity.
Makenna’s POV:
At that moment, my entire body went stiff as though an icy chill had swept over me, freezing my blood under the weight of those piercing eyes.
I could feel the tension rising with every breath, and just when I thought I might crumble under the weight of that sensitive question, a warm hand grasped mine, pulling me back from the edge.
It was Clayton. His tall frame stood resolute, shielding me from the sea of judgment. Gone was the usual gentle expression; his face had a stern edge. A rare flame of anger flickered in his eyes as he spoke, his voice unwavering. “No matter which prince fathered the child, it is undeniably a descendant of the Lycan clan.”
The room fell into a stunned silence.
The dignitary who had questioned me earlier fumbled with an awkward smile, attempting to patch up the tension. “You are right, of course. It’s just that, considering the matter of the throne’s succession, it naturally raises concerns for all.”
“Indeed,” Leonardo nodded as if the dignitary’s words made sense to him.
After all, the choice of a successor had a direct bearing on the future of the werewolf race. How could such a serious issue not get everyone’s attention?
The atmosphere at the banquet turned rather strained.
I stood behind Clayton, feeling small and uncertain.
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