“Indeed,” she laughed softly. “Prince Abel.”
He chuckled and shook his head in incredulity as he approached the bed and drew nearer to me.
“I am relieved that you are awake,” he said softly, lightly placing his fingers on my hand, apprehensive about causing me pain.
“I shall afford you some privacy,” Kylie remarked as she hastened towards the door.
“Prince Abel,” I exhaled, gazing up at him with a smile. “I appreciate your support. I recognise it was challenging.”
“In fact, it was the simplest task I have undertaken in some time,” Abel remarked, gazing at his hands. “I cannot allow them to believe you were involved in this, Molly. I am aware that you did not attempt to harm anyone.”
“I am grateful for your support,” I remarked gently.
“Who inflicted these injuries upon you?” Abel enquired, surveying my wounds and bruises. “Was it Jayce?”
“No, it was Prince Jack,” I informed him. “He pressured me to admit to an act I did not commit. He appears to believe that Prince Jayce instigated my involvement.”
“Jayce?” Abel enquired, tilting his head to the side. “Jayce would never command a maid to commit murder and subsequently allow her to evade punishment.”
“I am aware,” I responded softly. “I attempted to convey that to him, but he refused to heed reason.”
I perceived a faint growl emanating from the depths of Abel’s throat, accompanied by a fleeting glimmer of lethal intent in his eyes. It clearly caused me to tremble, and I now comprehended why he was the most formidable warrior in the kingdom. He could be intimidating when he chose to be; upon observing my expression, he recognised that he had instilled a slight fear in me.
The anger dissipated from his face as he exhaled and met my gaze.
“I apologize,” he stated gently. “I abhor that he subjected you to this…”
“I am fine,” I informed him with a slight smile. “I will be fine.”
Although I was uncertain of the veracity of that statement, I remained unsure of my impending fate. I remained a captive, and they could still deem me culpable.
“I do not wish for you to be overly concerned about this,” Abel remarked, interpreting the expression on my face. “I am confident that Jayce will uncover the identity of the individual who poisoned the soup. He will establish your innocence.”
Many individuals appear to be placing their trust in Jayce recently; the elderly man and the masked figure I encountered in prison expressed the same sentiment. This prompted me to enquire of Abel regarding the identity of the elderly man and their acquaintance, yet Abel rose from my bedside.
“I must take my leave,” he remarked, forlornly. “I am pleased that you are awake, and I will return to see you. I assure you.”
I smiled at him.
“Thank you, Prince Abel,” I remarked, my cheeks reddening slightly as he approached the door.
He paused momentarily and faced me.
“Molly?” he enquired, and I glanced up at him from across the room. “Please refer to me as Abel.”
…
Kylie returned upon observing Abel exiting the maid’s quarters. Her face was flushed upon entering the room, and she was attempting to suppress her laughter.
I expressed my disdain by rolling my eyes at her as she returned to my bedside.
“He is rather attractive,” she laughed.
“Oh Kylie,” I chuckled, shaking my head at her.
Prior to her uttering any further words, another knock resounded on the door. Kylie and I exchanged perplexed glances until Kylie rose and opened the door. I heard her gasp in astonishment as she swiftly performed a curtsy.
“Your Majesty,” she stated, maintaining a formal tone.
I raised my eyebrows and attempted to look around the door to identify the visitor. Kylie moved aside, allowing Prince Ashton to enter the room. His gaze fell upon me, and he exhaled in relief upon realising I was awake.
“Your Majesty?” I enquired, gazing at him, perplexed as to the reason for his presence in my chamber.
A prince seldom visited the maid’s quarters. Kylie was nearly astonished, as it was rare for her to be in such proximity to a prince. Particularly a formidable individual such as Prince Ashton.
“I merely wished to enquire about your well-being,” Ashton remarked as he neared me.
“Thank you, Your Majesty,” I remarked, a smile playing on my lips.
“How are you feeling?” he enquired, concern evident in his gaze as he surveyed my injuries.
“I feel as though I have been defeated,” I stated feebly.
Ashton’s shoulders drooped, and a look of sorrow enveloped his visage.
“I trust you understand that we did not endorse this. Jack acted independently and…” his voice faltered.
“I am aware,” I conveyed to him softly. “I understand that you would neither desire nor request this. I hold no blame towards you or anyone else.”
He paused momentarily; I glanced at the door and recognised that Kylie remained there. Her eyes were wide and fixed on Ashton, her mouth agape.
She ultimately diverted her gaze from him and directed it towards me, a cunning smile emerging on her lips.
“He cherishes you,” she articulated with a muted laugh.
I desired to hurl an object at her, yet all I could manage was to roll my eyes and divert my attention from her.
“I appreciate your support earlier,” I stated, making eye contact with him. “It is reassuring to have an ally.”
He smiled and inclined his head.
“Molly, your value exceeds your awareness. I will not permit them to harm you,” Ashton vowed. “No longer…” he remarked, observing my contusions.
While his words were reassuring, I doubt he would have been able to offer much assistance if I were found guilty. I have not yet been found guilty, yet I have already been beaten to the verge of death on two occasions.
