Molly’s eyes brimmed with tears, which she swiftly wiped away. “You have consistently been a supportive friend to me, Kylie. I am uncertain about how I will manage in your absence.”
“You will survive,” Kylie stated with a smile, her voice faltering. “And return home to wed one of the princes who are infatuated with you.” She chuckled softly, though the laughter soon faded.
Molly scoffed and chuckled. “Perhaps I shall return, and you will be the one wed to a prince!”
Kylie retrieved a handkerchief from her apron and wiped away Molly’s tears before embracing her for a final hug. “Stay safe, my friend. I will see you upon your complete return.”
“I sincerely hope so,” Molly attempted to laugh, while Kylie silently withdrew and smiled. Molly observed her friend as she turned and vanished into the palace for the final time.
A portion of her heart would eternally remain with this location, possibly due to her awareness that she could never genuinely evade it, regardless of the distance she achieved. She presumed that occurred when one was compelled to become a maid at such a tender age, as she was. Even now, as she prepared to depart the premises for the first time in years, it continued to exert its influence over her. It felt as though a lengthy tether had ensnared her ankle, and she recognised that she would ultimately need to trace it back to liberate her friend from its hold. Freedom was delightful, yet it would be tainted if she realised Kylie was compelled to remain here due to her.
Molly raised her skirts as she turned and proceeded down the pathway to the stables, prepared to confront the creature she was compelled to refer to as a prince and commence their journey.
The carriage was prepared and awaiting Molly’s arrival at the stables. It was significantly smaller than the carriages typically used by the prince, leading her to conclude that Prince Jayce preferred to maintain a degree of discretion by opting for the more compact vehicle. It was conventionally utilised by lower-ranking members of the royal entourage, never by a prince.
Prince Jayce pivoted the instant she emerged from around the corner, as though he had perceived her presence. A surge of rage coursed through her veins upon their gaze meeting, prompting her to avert her eyes to prevent him from detecting her anger. She was eager to express her discontent regarding his actions towards Kylie, yet she recognised that it would exacerbate the situation. She possessed no authority to address a prince in such a manner, despite her internal outcry directed at him. He warranted it, yet she would never permit herself to act upon it.
He reclined against the side of the carriage, as though he had been waiting there for hours. Clad entirely in black fabrics, his eyes appeared striking against his pale complexion. Molly subdued her anger and eventually gazed at him after constructing a facade robust enough to conceal her feelings.
“I apologise for the delay, your majesty. I was bidding farewell to a friend,” Molly stated calmly as she curtsied, ensuring her voice remained steady.
Prince Jayce knitted his dark brows, a hint of suspicion manifested in his expression, though she could not discern the reason. “Whom were you bidding farewell to? One of my siblings?”
“No, another maid named Kylie. She is a close friend of mine.” The same maid to whom you have bound my destiny. Molly contributed quietly. She observed for a flicker of recognition in his expression, seeking any indication of acknowledgement for his actions.
His blue eyes appeared remote and tempestuous, devoid of any expression or emotion. “You have detained us sufficiently; let us depart.” He propelled himself away from the carriage and neglected to await another servant to open the door for him. He ascended and left the door ajar.
Molly surveyed her surroundings, yet no one took action to shut it. She advanced and began to close it for him when his hand extended and kept it ajar.
“What do you believe you are doing?” he enquired.
“I apologise, your majesty. I was merely closing it for you.” Molly retracted her hand and stepped back.
“Do you intend to remain outside all night? You have already consumed a significant portion of the hour.” He extended his arm and seized her wrist to draw her into the carriage.
Molly stumbled slightly and promptly positioned herself in the carriage, taking a seat opposite him. It was significantly smaller than she had envisioned; a single bump would place her atop him. “I was unaware that I would be accompanying you, your majesty.”
Molly adjusted her voluminous skirts and reclined against the leather seat, contemplating whether he could perceive the rapid beating of her heart.
Prince Jayce forcefully closed the carriage door and directed his gaze towards her. “Where did you anticipate riding? Accompanied by one of my guards on the rear of their steed?”
“I am uncertain, your majesty. I presume so.” Molly averted her gaze to the small windows and clutched the seats as the carriage departed from the palace. She certainly did not require inadvertently collapsing onto him.
Prince Jayce scoffed and shook his head, directing his gaze out the window on the opposite side of the carriage. He appeared to find it absurd that she believed she would have travelled any other way than in this carriage with him. Typically, servants possessed their own horses or carriages; it was unprecedented to ride alongside a royal family member. Much less a prince.
As this was the sole carriage they were transporting, she inferred that this was the reason she was currently sharing it with him. All of his guards mounted black horses that encircled every side of the carriage. Molly observed the palace diminish in the distance before she drew the curtain and averted her gaze. She was uncertain about the duration of their absence; it felt peculiar to abandon it for the first time in an eternity.
