Fortunately, she brought the book that Prince Ashton had gifted her, as the journey could be lengthy before their next stop, and she doubted that Prince Jayce would engage in an extensive conversation with a maid. She retrieved the small maroon book and delicately traced her fingers over the lustrous cover, which was far more exquisite than she recalled. She perused the book and smiled at Prince Ashton’s meticulous handwriting.
Upon Molly’s glance upward, she found Prince Jayce’s dark gaze fixed upon her. She quietly shut the book. “How long has it been since you last travelled beyond the palace?” he enquired.
“Approximately five years, your majesty.” Molly averted her gaze to the book in her lap. “I have not exited the palace grounds since my arrival as a maid at the age of 16.”
“You enjoy working there,” he stated rather than enquired, causing her to shift slightly under his scrutiny.
“I formerly enjoyed working in the library, your majesty.”
His gaze slightly narrowed. “Why are you there, of all places?””I preferred to read during my leisure time. The library, seldom frequented by others, was an ideal sanctuary for me.”
“Few individuals frequented the library,” he rested his chin on his palm while reclining against the carriage wall. “I am aware that this cannot be accurate.”
“Few individuals visited. Prince Ashton c
“Jayce. Nothing more.” His eyes skimmed the book again, and when his azure gaze returned to hers, she felt as though she could submerge in that hue. He was so near that she could detect the aroma of pine on him. She contemplated whether he had taken a stroll among the trees following their departure from his mother’s cottage. Her fingers yearned to extract the small leaf embedded in his soft dark hair. He would undoubtedly expel her from his carriage if she attempted such an action. He might compel her to run alongside the carriage if he became sufficiently enraged with her.
He gazed at her with his head inclined, as though anticipating her response. His dark brows arched with impatience as she swallowed, recognising what he likely desired to hear. “Jayce,” she stated with hesitation. It felt peculiar to address him by his given name. Abel was more approachable as he was a friend prior to becoming a prince, whereas Prince Jayce had solely been a prince to her and was significantly more intimidating than Abel.
Molly cleared her throat and articulated more distinctly. “Certainly, I will address you as Jayce, if that is your preference.”
Molly perceived a slight upward movement at the corner of his mouth, but upon blinking, it returned to a downward position.
“Indeed.” He reclined against the seat and directed his gaze out the window, observing the trees as they swiftly blurred by. His dark lashes descended slightly, suggesting contemplation, while she exhaled slowly and resumed reading her book. She perceived that their conversation had reached its conclusion, and she felt predominantly grateful for it.
After some time spent reading, Molly swiftly comprehended the prince’s profound affection for this poetry book. It was imbued with optimism, curiosity about the future, and affection. She sensed herself drifting into slumber after the initial page and looked up to find Prince Jayce still gazing out the window. Molly shut her eyes and permitted herself to repose.
Molly awakened as the carriage began to shake uncontrollably. What was the duration of her slumber? She abruptly sat up and clutched the black cloak that had presumably been draped over her during her slumber. What transpired? Where were they located?
Her eyes promptly searched for Prince Jayce for clarification; he was gazing out the window, attempting to discern the situation, when he abruptly turned and lunged at her.
“Remain down!” he exclaimed. Jayce grasped Molly firmly as the carriage tilted and obscurity enveloped them.
Molly gradually opened her eyes as the carriage came to a complete halt. Prince Jayce held her firmly beneath him; it took her a moment to comprehend that the carriage was on its side and they were positioned against the wall of the carriage. He grasped her as though she would shatter if released, while she dispelled her astonishment.
The door was positioned above them; one of the guards forcefully opened it, and Molly squinted at the light that streamed in. Her skin began to sear from the pain inflicted by Prince Jayce’s grasp.
“Your Jayce, are you well?” The guard cleared his throat as he rectified his statement. Prince Jayce reclined to observe Molly, his gaze appearing to scrutinise her thoroughly before he disengaged and assisted her in standing.
“We are well. What transpired?” Prince Jayce enquired. He grasped the edge of the door and extricated himself. Molly scowled and attempted to replicate the expression. Moments later, his hands descended to seize her waist and extract her from the carriage as though she were weightless.
“Thank you,” Molly grasped his hands for support as she cautiously disembarked from the carriage and onto the snow. Prince Jayce relinquished her hand only after she had securely reached the ground. A sudden pang of pain surged through her side, where the bruising was most severe; she bit her lip to suppress a groan.
ame weekly for a brief duration, and some other servants occasionally entered to retrieve reading materials; however, the majority of the time, I was alone.”
“You appear to have left an impression on him, nonetheless,” he remarked with a sharpness in his tone. His gaze shifted to her book, causing her fingers to grip it more firmly.
“I am uncertain of your meaning, your majesty.”
Prince Jayce inclined towards her, propping his elbows on his knees. “It may be prudent for you to refrain from addressing me as a prince during this journey. Should anyone overhear you, it could alert them as we approach the north.”
“What should I refer to you as, then?” Molly enquired cautiously, leaning further back into the leather seat, distancing herself from him.
