Did he mention to Vera that he observed me lurking outside his chambers? Did Lady Jane communicate anything to Vera?
I experienced a disquieting sensation in my stomach as I ascended to her bedroom. It was unequivocal that she would impose punishment upon me once more. Possibly even more severe than previously. All the women, including Lady Jane, observed my unclothed form kneeling before them. I had never experienced greater humiliation in my life.
I felt an immediate urge to weep; I desire to weep now, yet I am aware that I cannot. I was required to serve this food while maintaining a composed demeanour. Vera exploited my vulnerability, and I could not permit her to leverage it against me.
Not while I was on the verge of obtaining that amnesty.
I continually urged myself to persevere a bit longer. It would be significantly easier if I had Kylie with me to provide support and daily reminders.
I contemplated her current activities.
“Where have you been?” Lady Vera enquired as I entered her chambers.
She was positioned at her diminutive table across the room, with Prince Jayce seated opposite her. His arms were crossed over his chest, and his head was averted, suggesting he could not be bothered to regard me. I was indifferent to that, as I was uncertain if I could gaze upon him as well.
“I apologise, my lady,” I stated as I hurried towards them.
“Prince Jayce has been awaiting his meal for an extended period,” she admonished as I set their platters before them.
I endeavoured to maintain my composure and avoid glancing at Jayce; I did not anticipate this would pose a problem until I commenced pouring their tea. While I filled Jayce’s cup, I glanced at his stern visage and recognised that he was gazing directly at me.
My breath halted in my throat as I met his gaze; the blue satire deepening as his eyes penetrated me. He regarded me with profound hatred and despair; a gaze so intense I had never encountered it from anyone prior.
“Molly!!” Vera sprang to her feet, agitated and furious as tea overflowed from Jayce’s cup, saturating the tablecloth and burning my hand.
I set the teapot on the table and recoiled while holding my hand near my chest. Jayce also rose and stepped away from the table to avoid staining his clothing with the spilt tea.
“What is the matter with you?!” Vera seethed, her wolf’s fury evident in her eyes as she glared at me.
“I apologise, my lady and your majesty,” I stated, casting a fleeting glance at Jayce.
His countenance stiffened, and his gaze intensified towards me.
“Leave,” he commanded, maintaining a subdued yet menacing tone.
Following a brief silence, Vera seized my arm and yanked me towards the door, her nails penetrating my wrist.
“You heard him!” Vera whispered sharply. “Depart!”
She forcefully propelled me out the door, causing me to nearly stumble while exiting her room. My body trembled as she forcefully closed the door; warm tears drenched my face, and I had to bite my lip firmly to suppress my sobs. I experienced a subtle layer of blood from my lip seeping onto my tongue.
I gazed at my scorched hand and pressed my fingers against the inflamed blistering of my skin, flinching as the pain radiated through my arm. I was unable to discern which was more excruciating, the agony in my hand or the anguish in my heart.
My body was responding in an unfamiliar and undesirable manner. As I descended the grand staircase, I gazed at the main doorway, which was being monitored by the butler, Roger. I contemplated the difficulty of simply exiting through the front door and continuing to run. Never to revisit this palace.
Flee from this place and secure my freedom independently, without the King’s pardon. I could not abandon Kylie; we are united in this endeavour and will exit together. I pivoted in the foyer and proceeded towards the rear room that led to the gardens.
The gardens constituted another of my preferred locations within the palace. It was previously the case until the evening I was assaulted by Jayce. It is now marred by memories that I cannot expunge from my mind. However, I required fresh air and a brief escape from the palace.
I could not permit anyone to witness my tears.
I exited and permitted the cool air to relax my countenance; it revitalised me, and I was finally able to breathe. I felt as if I were holding my breath throughout my entire time within the palace. It was pleasant to finally be solitary and appreciate my own company. Although it was brief.
I clutched my burned hand while locating a bench in the centre of the gardens. Seated, I gazed at my blistered hand, tears stinging my eyes as I recalled the lingering hatred in Jayce’s gaze directed at me.
My heart ached profoundly upon contemplating it.
What actions had I taken to incite such profound animosity in him?
He treated me with extreme cruelty.
My lips trembled, and I had to bite my lower lip once more to suppress my sobs. I could not jeopardise being discovered here. I would undoubtedly face repercussions. I required a small amount of air. The frigid air alleviated the discomfort of the burn, allowing me to relax marginally.
“Are you well?” enquired an unfamiliar voice from nearby.
I sprang to my feet, startled, as a young man stood beside me in the gardens. He possessed a youthful handsomeness. He appeared to be only slightly older than I, perhaps 18 or 19 years of age. Upon examining his features, I observed a benevolent expression on his face. He possessed a crooked smile, and his dark eyes were imbued with apprehension.
He scrutinised my face momentarily before his gaze descended and observed the burn on my hand. I perceived his gasp as he advanced towards me, extending his hand to grasp mine.
“You are wounded,” he exhaled.
I promptly withdrew my hand and concealed the burn from his sight.
“I implore you to allow me…” he attempted to articulate.
“Excuse me, sir. Do I know you?” I enquired, attempting to maintain a composed tone.
