She gazed at me momentarily until I regained my composure.
“Lady Vera?” she enquired, contemplating for a brief moment. “That must be the new paramour of Prince Jayce.”
I nodded once.
“Affirmative, my lady,” I responded.
She observed the glass of water I was grasping in my hands.
“I presume that glass of water is intended for Lady Vera?” she enquired.
I acquiesced once more.
“I shall not detain you further. It is advisable not to keep your lady waiting,” she remarked, gesturing for me to leave.
“Indeed, my lady,” I replied as I hastened up the stairs.
I was astonished to have just encountered Lady Jane.
I halted before Vera’s door and was on the verge of knocking when it abruptly opened. Ms. Shirley was positioned on the opposite side, preparing to depart. I gazed at her in confusion for a moment before we both moved past each other as I entered Vera’s room.
Vera gazed at me for an extended period; I was merely attempting to discern the issue until she abruptly approached and knocked the glass of water from my hand. It descended to the floor, and water permeated the carpet surrounding us.
She articulated her thoughts, yet her words were incomprehensible to me.
I must have misheard her.
“What do you require of me?!”
“Ms. Shirley conceived an astute idea, given your rapport with Prince Ashton. He will heed your counsel,” Vera asserted.
“Lady Vera, you cannot be serious. I could not possibly…” I attempted to articulate, but she raised her hand as if to strike me, prompting me to withdraw swiftly.
“As of my last observation, Molly, you were MY handmaiden,” Vera stated, exhibiting a frantic demeanour since my return; the glass remained on the floor, and the carpet was saturated with water.
I comprehend that; however, I attempted to speak again, but she interrupted me yet again.
“Molly, I cannot permit you to undermine my authority. You will comply with my directives, do you comprehend?” she commanded. It was futile; she was impervious to persuasion. “You may refute it as much as you wish, but I am aware that you and Prince Ashton conversed in the library during your employment there. Ms. Shirley witnessed it firsthand.”
I scowled
He will heed your words. Simply converse with him regarding Jayce on my behalf,” she implored. It was an audacious scheme, centred on circumventing Prince Jayce’s authority. It was unjust to coerce him into engaging with Vera.
I attempted to reason with her as calmly as possible, stating, “Prince Jayce will arrive on his own.”
“What if he does not?””Vera enquired, tears welling in her eyes. “Ms. Shirley notified me that Lady Jane would be residing with us temporarily. She and Jayce share a profound closeness.
“That is inconsequential,” I informed her. “They are longstanding acquaintances; he holds her family in high regard.”
“She is rather enchanting,” Vera remarked, averting her gaze to conceal the anguish on her countenance. “They are entering the kingdom this evening.” To regain lost time. I understand that Prince Ashton and Lady Elsie are joining them. Similar to a double date.
I exhaled in resignation. She perceived a threat, and with Lady Jane residing at the palace, she believes her position here is precarious. I nearly felt sympathy for her.
“It is simply unjust,” she remarked, pivoting to confront me. The argent irises of her wolf glimmered; she curled her upper lip and snarled, revealing the elongated fangs of her wolf. Her anger intensified with each passing moment. “I dedicate myself entirely to him; I am at a loss as to what more is required for him to acknowledge me.” “She will destroy everything,” she hissed.
My lady… “I scarcely believe…” I attempted to articulate, but I perceived a growl emanating from deep within her, surfacing gradually.
“Your responsibility is not to contemplate,” she spat. “Your duty is to obey my commands.” I request that you communicate with Prince Ashton on my behalf. Instruct him to ensure Jayce remembers he has a competent and attractive lady at the palace, and to avoid being captivated by Lady Jane’s beauty and allure.
I exhaled, feeling defeated.
I was powerless to alter her decision. If I denied her, she would retaliate. I could not afford the risk of punishment, as it would endanger my prospects of securing the amnesty. I would do anything to escape this confinement they refer to as a palace.
“Indeed, my lady,” I responded after a brief pause.
She adjusted her posture and regarded me with her frigid stare.
What is the reason for your continued presence?”She enquired, her expression turning frigid. ‘Depart.'”
Where can I locate Prince Ashton?”I enquired; the sole occasion I truly observed him was during his visits to the library. Aside from that, I have never sought him out previously.
“Likely his study,” she remarked, dismissing me with a wave. “Perusing the books you supply him,” she added with a sardonic smile.
I gazed at her vacantly for a brief moment.
His study is heavily secured. They would never permit my passage. He seldom permits anyone to access his study.
She expressed exasperation by rolling her eyes.
“This is the reason I am dispatching you.” He will permit your entry, fool.
I swallowed audibly and lowered my head as I exited her room. I stumbled into the silent corridors, relieved that no one was present to witness my labored breathing. It felt as though I had been holding my breath for an eternity while conversing with her. I could scarcely believe she expected me to undertake such a task. I was confident that Prince Jayce would eventually recognise the exceptional woman awaiting him, albeit on his own terms. I continually urged her to exercise patience with him, yet as time progressed, her forbearance diminished.
