The corridor was dim and silent. My visibility was severely limited as I approached Jayce’s chamber. Only the subtle flickering of lights beneath a few doors illuminated my path. I relied on the wall for support and navigation through the passage. I refrained from activating any lights, as doing so would likely result in my discovery.
It was late in the evening; they could not possibly still be outside.
I discovered Jayce’s chamber and was taken aback to find his light off; he may have been asleep.
I pressed my ear to his door in an attempt to listen, but I discerned no unusual sounds. I continued to listen, yet there remained silence.
I paused briefly; I required certainty, for if he had indeed engaged in an affair with Lady Jane and Vera discovered it, her wrath would be incalculable. The consequences were unfathomable.
Moments transformed into minutes as I leaned against his door, my back pressed firmly against it. In an effort to calm my racing heartbeat, I inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly. I placed my hand on my chest, feeling the rhythmic thumping of my heart beneath it.
I perceived faint murmurs emanating from the grand staircase, inducing a moment of panic. It could not be Jayce; it was far too late. How could they be returning at this hour? I observed a dim shadow ascending the stairs, and I realised there was no point in attempting to flee down the hall.
He would undoubtedly observe me.
My sole aspiration was to remain against the wall and avoid detection. My complexion was sufficiently dark to ensure concealment within the shadows, provided no light illuminated my presence.
I pressed myself tightly against the wall and shut my eyes, hoping he would not notice me. I inhaled deeply and held my breath, restraining myself from producing any sounds or movements.
Before I could comprehend the situation, I heard a voice emanating from the grand staircase.
“Mate…” Jayce uttered, ravenously from the staircase.
I gasped; although I could scarcely see him, his presence was palpable. I was aware of his existence; I groped along the wall in an attempt to retreat down the hallway before he noticed me, but I felt his powerful grip around my wrist, restraining me.
He encircled me with his remaining arms, pressing me against his body. He held me tightly; his breath warmed my face while the scent of wine permeated the air.
He was inebriated once more.
At this moment, my body complied with my commands, yet I resisted him as he grasped me more firmly.
My companion. “I require you,” he murmured to me.
He was erroneous; he believed I was Vera. I was not his companion. I could not be his companion.
“Please release me,” I implored, endeavouring to maintain a subdued tone to avoid drawing attention, yet sufficiently audible to convey my request.
“What is the reason for your opposition?””He enquired, his speech slightly slurred.”
He relaxed his grip on me sufficiently for me to escape his hold; however, he maintained his grasp on my arm to prevent my departure.
“Release me,” I stated, assertively.
He chuckled softly while caressing my face with the back of his hand, gently tracing my features; he inhaled delicately as if absorbing my presence. My visibility was limited, leaving no doubt that his perception of me was similarly impaired.
“You are incorrect,” I stated, pulling my arm from his grasp.
Before he could seize me again, I sprinted down the hallway towards Vera’s room.
My lady!”I exclaimed, rushing into Vera’s room, panting for air. My chest felt as though it would burst, and I could no longer restrain my quaking body.
I almost collapsed upon entering her room.
“I attempted to stay concealed, yet he perceived my presence,” I uttered breathlessly, pressing my palms against my chest to steady my racing heart.
Her eyes dilated as she advanced towards me with forceful steps.
“You permitted him to observe you?”She hissed, her frigid silvery gaze fixed upon her. I recoiled as she approached, feeling the weight of her hands. “I warned you not to allow him to find you.”
“I sincerely apologise,” I exhaled. “I intended no malice.”
What were his words to you?She enquired insistently.
“Nothing…” I stammered; I was unable to disclose what had transpired. She would undoubtedly react with fury. “He merely instructed me to refrain from lurking outside his door again.”
She derided.
“You are deceitful,” she spat, jabbing her elongated, pointed finger into my chest; I recoiled from the acute pressure of her nail against my skin. “Do you know how I discern your falsehood?” Because you are unable to meet my gaze.
Her voice was subdued and menacing; she was correct. I fixated on the ground; I could not endure meeting her gaze. I swallowed with difficulty; I was at a loss for words in that moment.
“My lady,” I attempted to articulate.
“You are ineffectual.” You are pitiable. “You have no chance whatsoever with my prince,” she declared through clenched teeth.
Before I could articulate a defence, we were interrupted by a knock on her bedroom door. Both of us startled at the noise, but Vera swiftly regained her composure and proceeded to open the door.
“My lady,” Jayce’s footman announced at the door, bowing to Vera.
I inhaled sharply; had Jayce dispatched him to retrieve me to complete the task? I felt my entire body weaken, and I grasped one of Vera’s dressers to prevent myself from collapsing.
“Prince Jayce has summoned you to join him in his chambers this evening,” he informed her.
She inhaled sharply and rested her hand on her chest.
Are you earnest?“She enquired with astonishment.”
The footman acquiesced.
