My body continued to tremble as I entered the frigid bath. I permitted the water to alleviate the pain caused by Prince Jayce’s claws. I could still sense his lips on my neck and recalled how compliant my body was to his directives.
I felt devastated.
My physique was deteriorated, and I felt repulsed by myself.
How could I have permitted such an occurrence?
Shortly thereafter, the bathroom door opened, revealing my best friend and flatmate, Kylie, in the doorway. She was breathless, gazing at me with eyes that were both vigilant and cautious. I attempted to shield my exposed body with my hands, but it was futile; she observed everything as she entered the bathroom, closing the door behind her.
“I have searched extensively for you, Molly!” Kylie exclaimed, her voice tinged with panic.
She seized a towel from the rack at the opposite end of the bathroom and approached me. I exited the bath, permitting the water to cascade from my body and accumulate around my feet. A task requiring subsequent cleanup.
It appeared inconsequential to be concerned about a mere puddle in the bathroom. Particularly following the recent events. She surveyed my body while enveloping me in the towel; her arms radiated warmth, and I became aware of my intense shivering only when she held me firmly in her embrace.
“What transpired?” she enquired, maintaining a subdued tone to avoid alerting any nearby individuals.
“I…” My voice emerged as a hoarse squeak, and I almost recoiled at its fractured quality. I was rendered speechless; any attempt to speak would provoke tears, and I wished to avoid weeping in her presence.
I was unable to disclose to her what had transpired. I was unable to disclose the information to anyone.
“It is acceptable…” she murmured while embracing me more firmly. “Everything will be fine.”
—
Good morning.
As anticipated, my external wounds had entirely healed by morning; nonetheless, the internal wounds would endure for a lifetime. I believed that if I could not observe the markings on my body, I would be able to forget the occurrences that transpired.
However, I was mistaken.
I had to endure; I could not succumb to tears and continue weeping. I wept throughout the night. This morning, I was responsible for preparing tea for the Banquet, and I could not afford to make any mistakes.
This was the inaugural morning banquet since Lady Elsie wed into the Royal House of Valerius. It was customary for the royals to host a banquet to commemorate the new marriage and the unification of the packs.
I grasped the teapot tightly until my knuckles turned white, attempting to prevent my hands from shaking.
Vera, a colleague maid, regarded me with a disapproving frown.
She was not an individual with whom either Kylie or I had a rapport. She was merely a few years my senior and employed flirtation to attain the role of head maid. Mr. Leon remained her superior as he oversaw all the servants within the palace.
“Why are your eyes so swollen?” she enquired in a sharp whisper. “Did you weep throughout the night due to your inability to wed the Crown Prince?”
Her tone was exceedingly arrogant, prompting me to snarl at her. However, I was reluctant to engage in a dispute with her as I was on duty and required to maintain a professional demeanour. I must not jeopardise this banquet, as it would result in significant consequences.
“Very well, do not respond,” Vera remarked, pivoting away from me to gaze at the royals before us.
They were not giving us significant attention. Alpha King Elliott was incensed due to Prince Jayce’s tardiness. His tardiness did not astonish me, nor anyone else. He was perpetually tardy. His indifference provoked considerable frustration among the royals. However, this was a significant event, and their tolerance for Jayce was diminishing.
“Simply respond to this,” Vera enquired, leaning in towards me. “What caused your eyes to swell?”
“I…” I hesitated to consolidate my thoughts. “I was unable to sleep last night.”
It was not a falsehood. I was unable to sleep last night. However, I had no intention of disclosing the reason to her.
She rolled her eyes and jabbed her elbow into my side; I flinched but maintained my composure.
“Nonsense,” she remarked with a laugh; her volume was slightly excessive, prompting Mr. Leon to cast a disapproving glance in our direction.
“Ladies,” he spat, exasperatedly rolling his eyes. “This is a significant event. You must perform at your best.”
We both inclined our heads respectfully in an apologetic fashion.
I flinched at the sound of Alpha King Elliott’s fists striking the table, prompting him to rise abruptly. His visage was flushed with rage.
Elliott seethed through clenched teeth, “I cannot fathom his tardiness once more.” “He understands the significance of this matter.”
“Dear, Jayce leads his own life. I am certain there is a rationale for his tardiness,” Luna Queen Kamila stated, maintaining a composed tone.
Elliott enquired, still enraged as he resumed his seat, “What conceivable reason could he possess?!” Elliott muttered, “Why can’t he emulate his brother more?”
“Well…” Kamila remarked, surveying her family before directing her gaze back to her husband. “I heard that he designated a maid last night.”
I experienced a sinking sensation in my heart and a pallor overtook my complexion. My respiration became constricted in my throat. I endeavoured and failed to suppress my uncontrollable shivering; panic surged within me, fragmenting my composure.
How did she become aware of that?
