“Significantly improved, thanks to you,” I remarked as I began to walk past him. “I must proceed to the laundry room to complete Lady Vera’s garments before she becomes upset.”
He chuckled and seized the basket from my arms, hoisting it onto his shoulders and proceeding towards the laundry room. I sensed the warmth ascending to my face as I trailed closely behind him.
“Pardon me,” I remarked with a feigned pout. “I am capable of managing it independently.”
He chuckled once more.
“I have no doubt about that. However, allow me to assist you,” he proposed.
“We may face consequences if we are discovered,” I cautioned him. “We must adhere to the regulations; otherwise, we will remain trapped.”
He glanced at me while maintaining his forward motion, a slight frown adorning his lips.
“Why do you wish to leave this place?” he enquired, genuinely perplexed. “Isn’t this location everything you anticipated?” We are captives here,” I informed him, arching my eyebrows. “Our presence here is not voluntary. I was brought here at the age of 14 and prohibited from departing. The king is set to sign an amnesty that will confer my freedom in a few months. However, I must adhere to the regulations; otherwise, he will rescind the amnesty.”
He opened the laundry room door and proceeded to the back door.
“It is a pleasant day. Shall we do the laundry outdoors?” he proposed.
He did not await my response before forcefully opening the backdoor. The outdoor patio loo was a private space, thus we were not concerned about being observed immediately. I remained uncertain as to why he was so eager to assist me.
He seated himself and commenced filling the washing boards with water from the hose while I prepared to apply soap.
“Your assistance is unnecessary,” I remarked with a laugh.
It was unusual to observe a male laundering garments, yet he was already immersed in the water, cleaning Vera’s clothes. I sat next to him and began laundering her garments as well.
“I am aware that it is not obligatory,” he remarked with a smile. “I concluded that there is no superior method to enhance our acquaintance.”
“Me?” I enquired, gazing up at him. “Why would you desire to become better acquainted with me?” I enquired.
He nonchalantly shrugged.
“You are a fascinating being,” he remarked.
“In what ways am I intriguing?” I enquired while I persisted in laundering the garments.
“You possess a unique demeanor,” he replied. “Similar to authentic benevolence.”
I was unable to suppress my laughter.
“Amusing; it aligns with my initial impression of you,” I confessed.
“Really?” he enquired, blinking several times as if he found it difficult to accept my statement.
“Affirmative,” I responded.
A brief silence ensued, and before I could comprehend the situation, soap suds were propelled towards me, striking my face. I gazed at him, bewildered, for a brief moment. He averted his gaze, feigning innocence, and smiled.
I presented him with a feigned scowl that he appeared to accept momentarily. He made eye contact with me, and his expression soured.
“I apologise…” he was about to articulate until I hurled soap in his direction, striking his face.
He gazed at me in astonishment, and I erupted in laughter.
We shared prolonged laughter; I could not recall the last occasion I experienced such mirth. It was exceedingly pleasant.
After the laughter subsided, we completed washing the garments and proceeded to hang them up to dry.
“May I enquire what brought you here?” Victor unexpectedly asked me.
I furrowed my brow and contemplated it briefly. I have another inquiry regarding my arrival at the palace; I placed my trust in Victor and felt an inclination to disclose my entire history and details about my mother.
However, I was unable to compel myself to proceed.
I began to respond, but a distant voice interrupted me.
“Prince Abel!”
I gazed into the distance from the terrace and observed several guards inspecting the grounds. I raised my eyebrows and glanced at Victor, who was now standing and appeared distressed.
“Why would they be searching for Prince Abel in this location?” I enquired, my curiosity impinging upon my interests.
“I am uncertain,” he remarked with a nearly anxious chuckle. “However, I ought to assist them in their search.”
That was logical given his role as a guard.
“Very well,” I informed him. “I will wait for the remaining clothes to dry. Thank you for your assistance, Victor.”
He offered me a contrite smile.
“At any time, Molly,” he stated. “I look forward to seeing you soon.”
A smile played upon my lips as he vanished through the doors.
…
Vera remained in her room while I brought her clean garments. She emitted an exaggerated sigh upon my entrance into her room.
“Where have you been?” she enquired, placing her hands on her hips.
“I apologise, my lady. It required more time than anticipated to dry,” I responded while I commenced storing her garments.
Vera stated, “Jayce desires my return to his room this evening.” “I require your presence outside that door once more.”
I scowled, recalling the last occasion I waited outside his door while they engaged in intercourse. I recoiled at the recollection of the sounds emanating from the room. Subsequently, upon its conclusion, the situation deteriorated further. Jayce opened the door, causing me to collide with him directly.
Jayce and Vera believe I acted intentionally, and I have yet to meet his gaze directly since then. I experienced profound shame, exacerbated by Vera, who publicly branded me a whore in front of the other women. Incorporating Lady Jane.
My face flushed as the recollection of my unclothed form emerged in my thoughts; the gaze that Lady Jane directed at me while I knelt before them. The mere contemplation of it evoked tears.
However, I could not refuse Vera’s request; despite my desire to do so, I had to adhere to the regulations if I wished to exit this castle. Exiting this castle was of paramount significance to Kylie and me.
This also implied that I could not see Kylie tonight, as Jayce was not going to Lady Vera’s room; rather, she was going to his room, and I was anticipated to remain outside his door all night.
