“I was unaware of his frequent reading habits,” he remarked, still avoiding my gaze. I was uncertain whether he was addressing me or conversing with himself; regardless, I was unsure how to respond. “Do you read frequently?” he enquired.
He cast a fleeting glance at me; my eyes expanded as I gazed up at him. I have never been enquired about my interests before. I questioned the sudden interest he was exhibiting.
“Um…” I faltered. “I affirm.”
“Fascinating,” he murmured; however, his tone conveyed a lack of genuine interest.
He began to advance towards me, and I could sense my heart racing within my chest.
I began to tremble uncontrollably as he gradually approached me.
“Do you frequently converse with Prince Ashton?” he enquired, maintaining his gaze on mine.
I was confined to my location; incapable of movement. My body remains motionless and anticipatory.
“He visits the library exclusively,” I replied, my tone appearing remote.
“How did a maid such as yourself acquire the ability to read?” Jayce enquired, continuing to approach me.
Heat ascended to my face, and my breath became constricted in my throat.
“I received my education at home,” I replied. “Prior to my arrival here.”
An unfamiliar expression flickered in his eyes; he inclined his head while scrutinising my visage. I endeavoured to conceal my nervousness, yet I feared he would perceive it. I feared he would notice the conspicuous mark on my neck.
At this moment, I dreaded that this would signify the conclusion of all things. I would never attain the freedom I so fervently desired.
He abruptly halted and focused on a book on the shelf before him. I exhaled unsteadily as he grasped the book and perused the back cover.
“How did you arrive at the palace?” he enquired without making eye contact. His tone betrayed a sense of curiosity.
I swallowed with difficulty; why was he posing all these enquiries to me?
That was the singular inquiry I wished to avoid addressing. Addressing it would necessitate discussing my mother and her demise, which I was unwilling to do. Particularly concerning Jayce. I was unable to do so.
“I… I cannot recall,” I stammered.
He scowled, glanced up from the book, and narrowed his gaze at me. His face displayed annoyance as he returned the book to the shelf, maintaining his gaze on mine.
I inhaled deeply and retained the breath for a few moments as he advanced another step towards me.
“You don’t remember…” he was about to articulate, but he halted when he heard the library doors swing open and Vera rushed in.
We both turned to her as she entered breathlessly; she halted suddenly and gazed up at Jayce, her expression one of astonishment, clearly unaware of his presence. She adjusted her posture and performed a curtsy, her face flushing under his gaze.
“Your Majesty,” she uttered breathlessly. “I apologise; I have just come to speak with Molly.”
“Why?” he enquired, his tone devoid of emotion.
She cast a glance at me before returning her gaze to Jayce.
“As a member of the royal court, I require a handmaiden. I have approached Molly to enquire if she would fulfil this role,” Vera stated.
My jaw nearly fell to the ground. I suspect she was not “asking” me to be her handmaiden; rather, she was compelling me to assume that role. I had to suppress a groan as she persisted in ingratiating herself with Jayce.
“Why her?” Jayce enquired, neglecting to turn back to acknowledge my presence. He appeared increasingly repulsed and disillusioned by her decisions.
Her visage flushed once more.
“I prefer a handmaiden whom I already know and trust,” Vera replied, lacking confidence in her response, leading me to suspect that this was not her true motivation for wanting me as her handmaiden.
She sought to persist in tormenting me while I remained at the palace. She desired to retain her influence over me. I was compelled to allow her to proceed with that action.
“So, Molly, what is your response?” she enquired, radiating enthusiasm.
She wore a façade of a smile that only I could penetrate; the benevolence she exhibited towards Prince Jayce was intended solely for him. I was aware of the unattractive woman residing within her, and I disapproved of her. I had no desire to work for her; it was already unpleasant when she served as the head maid. I was to be the sole individual working directly under her supervision.
However, could I refuse her immediately in this manner? Before Prince Jayce.
He ultimately directed his gaze towards me while they awaited my response to the inquiry.
“I hesitated, glancing between the two of them while attempting to formulate an excuse.” “It would be a privilege,” I heard myself respond.
Vera joyfully clapped her hands as she walked past Jayce and approached me. She clasped my hands as though we were intimate friends. She clenched my fingers and expanded her smile while gazing at Prince Jayce, whose expression was one of evident dismay.
It was evident that he no longer wished to remain present.
“Will you approve it?” Vera enquired, gazing up at him through her light brown eyes and lengthy dark lashes.
He halted momentarily, continuing to gaze at us as though we were mere insects. I desired to curl into a foetal position and weep. I had no desire to serve as her handmaiden, nor did I wish to remain in the company of either of them longer than necessary.
