“Oh my…” I murmured quietly.
Zoe exclaimed, “I injured myself in the kitchen,” her voice fractured and her body quaking. She was apprehensive about facing repercussions; I could not fault her. Particularly since she was meant to be attending to the event for Luna Queen Kamila. “I am scheduled to serve shortly, and I am uncertain of my next steps…”
She gazed between Mr. Leon and me.
Mr. Leon pinched the bridge of his nose with his thumb and finger, evidently perturbed by the misfortune.
“Proceed to the medic,” he commanded her with a tightened jaw.
She nodded, a faint sob escaping her lips.
“I apologise,” she exclaimed as she walked by us; after brushing past me, she halted. “Oh, Molly.” I am pleased to hear that you are improving. Your actions caused us considerable concern.
“Thank you, Zoe,” I replied. “Take care of yourself.” I gestured for her hand, and she offered me a solemn smile as she proceeded to the medic.
Mr. Leon gazed at me intently, his eyes penetrating and leaving indelible marks upon my skin.
“I lack confidence in your proximity to beverages, thus I require you to exercise caution in this area,” he murmured. “However, proceed inside and position yourself against the far wall.” Refill beverages as necessary, with caution, and await their instructions.
I acquiesced with a nod.
“Affirmative, sir,” I replied as I approached the party’s exit.
I could sense my heart pounding in my chest; when I expressed my desire to assist, I did not intend to be physically present with the royals. I wished to provide support from a distance. I silently berated myself for remaining. I could have departed and returned to bed by now, but I chose to be obstinate.
Upon my arrival, the royals were engaged in conversation, and I was relieved that none of them initially acknowledged my presence. However, as I circumnavigated the table, I sensed someone observing me, yet I refrained from scanning the table to identify the observer.
If I were to speculate, I would presume it was Vera.
I reached the rear of the room and leaned against the wall; I surveyed the table to ascertain whether any glasses required replenishment. I was gratified to observe that all the wine glasses were full.
My gaze turned to Alpha King Elliott. Similar to many of his sons, he was an attractive and tall individual. Nevertheless, he exuded a fierce demeanour, making him someone to avoid provoking. His dark hair was meticulously styled, with not a strand amiss. He donned a dark blue velvet suit that accentuated the breadth of his shoulders and his muscular physique.
Adjacent to him stood Luna Queen Kamila, as stunning as ever. She was not to be trifled with; her frosty gaze instilled a sense of dread within me whenever she directed it my way. She donned a silver gown that elegantly conformed to her slender physique. Her typically long, caramel-hued hair was intricately pinned back, adorned with silver jewels encircling her crown.
Prince Ashton sat beside his enchanting Lady Elsie, who gazed up at him with affectionate intent in her blue eyes. Similar to Kamila, she donned a silver gown that accentuated her figure and plunged between her cleavage. Her gown was adorned with a lustrous, silvery lace that made her virtually shimmer under the chandelier’s illumination.
She conversed quietly with Prince Ashton, disregarding the discussions of others.
I observed that Luna Queen Kamila’s wine glass was nearly empty, so I retrieved the wine bottle from the serving table beside me to refill her cup.
As I approached the table, the intensity of the gaze directed at me intensified, making it increasingly difficult to breathe.
I eventually diverted my gaze from the table and surveyed a few faces until I recognised who was observing me.
Prince Jayce.
…
“Our companion has arrived and appears to be in good health. “The swelling appears to have significantly diminished,” Zayden remarked while observing Molly from across the room.
She was positioned against the wall, her face flushing at unexpected intervals. He was astonished by her presence and her involvement with the party. Vera had indicated that she had granted Molly a respite to recuperate from her injuries. However, it appeared that this was untruthful.
He managed to divert his gaze from Molly sufficiently to scowl at Vera.
Certainly, she would have fabricated that. She deceived regarding numerous matters.
“I will tear her throat out,” Zayden snarled.
Jayce suppressed his anger and glanced at Molly, who had seized the bottle of wine. He was uncertain why her presence affected him so profoundly, but it was inconsequential. He desired no association with her; she was merely a servant in his eyes and would be regarded accordingly.
“Nevertheless…” Zayden murmured. “You cannot avert your gaze from her.”
“Silence,” Jayce admonished his wolf. “I cannot avert my gaze from her due to our mark.” Regarding fated mates, that notion is utterly absurd, and I shall not engage with it.
Molly hesitated briefly as she approached the table, holding the bottle of wine, her gaze traversing several faces before settling on him.
They made eye contact, and hers expanded in surprise.
(Molly’s Perspective)
I made eye contact with Jayce and nearly lost my balance; I stumbled momentarily but fortunately did not fall or spill anything. Nonetheless, it was sufficient to attract the attention of Luna Queen Kamila.
I diverted my gaze from Jayce and observed her fixated on me; her frigid stare penetrated and sent a shiver coursing through my body. My muscles tensed as I endeavoured to compose myself and approach her.
Her scowl intensified as I filled her glass with wine.
What is your name?She enquired, prompting the others to cease their conversation and direct their attention towards us. I made eye contact with Vera, who tensed upon realising my presence; she likely had not noticed my arrival until that instant.
“Molly, your majesty,” I addressed her, executing a curtsy. I felt relieved that my voice remained steady despite my anxiety and that I did not spill any wine.
“Molly…” she reiterated, examining my features. “What a fascinating name.”
