“We must locate our companion,” Zayden stated, his patience waning. Jayce discerned the anxiety in his tone.
They had not yet engaged in intimacy with Vera, but the intensity of his desire indicated that he needed to see her soon.
The wine Jayce consumed during their excursion was starting to affect him. Peter, Jayce’s driver, halted the carriage in front of the palace. They had just returned from their preferred Italian restaurant in the kingdom.
As customary, Jayce had consumed an excessive amount of alcohol and struggled to articulate coherent sentences.
“What a delightful evening,” Lady Jane remarked as she gracefully exited the carriage. Lady Elsie followed suit, followed by the gentlemen.
“I must express, Lady Jane, that it is a pleasure to have you return to the palace,” Elsie remarked, her tone somewhat strained.
Jayce suppressed a groan, aware that Elsie harboured an aversion to Jane. To avoid spoiling the evening, Elsie feigned amiability. However, Jayce discerned her true sentiments beneath the facade.
Nonetheless, it was inconsequential. Elsie had her opportunity, which she relinquished to wed his brother. She possessed neither the justification nor the entitlement to feel envious. Jayce unequivocally demonstrated this by disregarding her throughout the entire evening.
I am also appreciative of my return. “I have greatly missed my cherished friends and family,” Jane remarked as they commenced their entrance. “I only wish I could have become better acquainted with Lady Vera.”
Jayce disregarded the women as he entered the palace unsteadily. His respiration was accelerated as he endeavoured to remain composed.
“We must locate our partner; I can no longer endure this.” Zayden persisted in his lamentation, “We must acquire her.”
Jayce discovered the grand staircase, but before he could ascend, he felt a strong hand on his shoulder. Ashton was positioned directly behind him.
What could his brother desire at this moment?
He devoted an entire evening to his company, which exceeded his desired duration. He felt unwarranted irritation at the persistent presence of the ineffectual maid, Molly. During her tenure in the library, he was invariably present there. Merely hours prior to their engagement this evening, he observed Molly exiting his study.
He suppressed his emotions, recognising the futility of becoming agitated over a maid for whom he held no affection.
“I would like to enquire about your intentions regarding Lady Vera.”Ashton initiated, establishing eye contact with Jayce.
Jayce derided.
“What concern is that of yours?”Jayce enquired, his speech slightly slurred as the intoxication affected him significantly.
Ashton scowled and gazed at the ground; he was withholding something, which irritated Jayce.
“She is your companion.” “You should desire to share a bed with her,” Ashton finally remarked after a brief pause. “I care for you, brother.” I wish to ensure your well-being.
Jayce exhaled in exasperation; Ashton was evidently attempting to incite his desire for Vera to facilitate his own pursuit of Molly. It was apparent that Ashton coveted Molly for himself.
However, there was no rivalry as Jayce had no interest in Molly.
“Whom I share my bed with is not your concern,” Jayce hissed. “Regarding my mate…” She is not your concern either.
Ashton attempted to express his understanding of Jayce’s frustrations, but Jayce averted his gaze before Ashton could elaborate further.
“You have a spouse to attend to,” Jayce murmured, ascending the stairs.
As he approached his chambers, he halted upon sensing a presence. The corridors were dimly lit, obscuring his vision, yet the scent indicated that someone was in proximity—someone at his door.
The delicate fragrance of roses enveloped him, evoking a sense of familiarity and solace. He extended his arm and grasped another’s. The smoothness of her skin transported him to the night he had claimed her. He inhaled the aroma of her hair, experiencing the tenderness of her skin against his and the familiar shivers that arose on her arms.
Her body quivered, and the fragrance of roses permeated his nostrils as her hair grazed his face, teasing his features.
“Our companion…” Zayden exclaimed, yearning for her physique.
Molly
“What are the consequences if I am apprehended?””I enquired, gazing intently at Lady Vera.”
She exhibited exasperation by rolling her eyes and crossing her arms over her chest.
“You will not be apprehended.” “If you do, you will be punished,” she seethed, irritated by my inquiry.
I was incredulous regarding her demands. Despite informing her of my conversation with Prince Ashton, who expressed his willingness to assist, it remained insufficient for her. She remained unconvinced that there was no involvement between Prince Jayce and Lady Jane.
She requested that I wait outside his chamber doors to ascertain whether he returned with Lady Jane after their evening together. I could not, in good conscience, comply. I repeatedly advised Vera to place her trust in Jayce, asserting that he would summon her when he was prepared.
However, she is unresponsive to rational discourse.
I was aware she would not heed my words.
“Indeed, my lady,” I responded after a brief pause.
