The king did not disclose to his subjects the location of her discovery. They would not react favourably upon discovering that he had developed feelings for a renegade while attempting to undermine us.” Colton rose. “As the leader, I represent the majority when I assert that you are secure here. We merely sought a residence where we would not be harmed for our poverty. We will take any measures necessary to safeguard our own and our residence, yet we would never inflict harm upon the innocent.
“What is the number of rogues similar to the two that abducted me?””Molly enquired with trepidation.”
I am endeavouring to ensure that none of them resemble them, yet there are a few that remain untamed. You are now in my camp, Molly. You will not be endangered in this location.
Colton approached the door and looked back while gripping the knob. “When you are prepared, seek me out.” I will facilitate your introduction to others.
Molly succumbed to sleep almost immediately upon resting her head. She was uncertain of the duration of her slumber; it could have spanned days or merely hours. Nevertheless, she recognised her body’s gratitude for the respite. No individual disturbed her or roused her abruptly, as was customary in the palace.
Upon awakening, she felt prepared to confront the day and the myriad secrets awaiting revelation. Her thoughts were tumultuous, influenced by Colton’s discourse regarding the rogues and their convictions. On one hand, she had endured abduction and torment at the hands of his own pack members. Conversely, she recognised the existence of dissenters within any group—individuals seeking to assert dominance on their own terms. She had witnessed such behaviour firsthand within the palace.
Food and water were placed by Molly’s door. She nourished herself with fresh bread and oats before embarking into the snow to locate Colton. The fresh air invigorated her. She felt resolute. She felt…courageous.
“Ah, there she is.” Molly quickly located Colton upon exiting her room. He was encircled by Naomi and several others who regarded her with curiosity. She deemed it preferable to being subjected to hostile glares.
“Were you anticipating my emergence?”Molly decelerated her pace as she neared them.
“Oh, no, my dear.” I arrived to collect Naomi, who resides nearby you. Do you feel improved?
“Indeed, my shoulder has significantly less pain now.” Molly traced the bandage with her fingers, sensing that its necessity was diminishing. Nevertheless, she hesitated to examine the condition beneath it.
A shared glance occurred between Colton and Naomi. He directed a smile at her and extended his arm for Molly to grasp. “May I escort you on a tour?”
“Indeed, thank you.” Molly grasped his arm, her gaze shifting to the two individuals she had not yet encountered.
“Do not concern yourself with them; they have had limited interactions with outsiders.” This is Maya and Amir. They are among the younger members of the group.
“We are 17, not particularly youthful,” Amir promptly remarked. He extended his hand, which Molly grasped. He then raised the back of her hand to his lips and bestowed a modest kiss. “It is a pleasure to meet you, my lady.”
“Who claimed that rogues could not be gentlemen?”Colton smiled and swatted Amir’s hand away from Molly, who laughed and followed him down a path. She bid farewell to the group and started to survey her surroundings.
The camp was quite extensive, featuring numerous cabins dispersed throughout, warranting the designation of a village. While Colton may have appreciated the connotation of ‘camp,’ it was far from diminutive. Adjacent to the perimeter, there existed a tavern, a butcher, and a store, accommodating a population ample enough to constitute a village.
Every individual they encountered directed their gaze towards her. Colton enumerated their names, yet there were too many to retain. A cluster of men near the tavern scrutinised her with a more penetrating stare, prompting a desire to seek refuge against Colton’s side. Nevertheless, she refrained from doing so. She elevated her chin and proceeded past their piercing glares as if they were not searing through her.
Colton spoke softly as they walked, “Certain rogues in the village are displeased with Alex and Micah’s punishment. They may harbour some resentment towards you; please inform me if they approach you.”
What was the nature of their punishment?”Molly enquired, casting a glance upward at him. His expression soured slightly.”
There is no cause for your concern. They will not approach you again. Or any other blameless women.
Molly swallowed and nodded. He caressed her hand and guided her forward.
Two small children dashed through the snow, laughing. They halted and observed them as they hurried past. “Greetings, Lord Colton!”“They exclaimed as they went by.”
“Greetings, young ones.” “Be courteous to our guest,” he stated in a tone that resembled a feigned command. They halted and bowed.
