Affirmative, my son. What are your preferences for today? We have recently received a shipment of fresh cinnamon sticks.
What is the size of your inventory of poppy seeds and passionflower?Jayce interjected before the man could complete the entire menu.
“We have not received a substantial amount of either recently.” The man acknowledged Molly with a nod as he spoke. Molly returned a smile. “Currently, we possess less than a pound of each, but we anticipate receiving more next week-”
“We will acquire all of your possessions.” Jayce removed his gloves, revealing a matching gold ring on his finger. He extracted a sack from his pocket and offered a sum exceeding the value of the spices. The man appeared unconcerned, promptly accepting the money and nodding in agreement.
Affirmative, sir! I will procure that for you immediately.
Jayce placed his hands in his pockets while Molly inched closer to him as a gust of wind arose, sending fresh chills through her. He gazed down at her.
“Is there any nearby accommodation for my wife and me to spend the night?””He enquired of the man while he packaged the spices, casting a brief glance at both before proceeding.”
There is an inn located at the periphery of the market. It is designed for travellers such as yourself to seek refuge when the wind becomes excessive.
“Do you experience numerous storms in this area?”Molly enquired while surveying the road, which appeared to extend indefinitely, lined with booths and cabins akin to Colton’s residence. This particular establishment appeared to be more frequented, possibly due to the market’s presence.
“Indeed, we possess a system whereby, upon the wind shifting in a specific direction, we dismantle everything and retreat indoors.” He chuckled slightly and passed the bags to Jayce, who tucked them into his coat. “The inn is quite pleasant, however.” The rooms are comfortable and equipped with a heater.
“Oh, delightful,” Molly remarked. “Thank you, sir.”
The man smiled and nodded. “Have you two travelled a great distance?”
Jayce shook his head and began to guide Molly away. “Good day.”
Molly trailed behind him along the thoroughfare, observing the array of goods presented by the various vendors. They offered garments, headwear, scarves, and gloves. Some purveyed meat, while others dealt in hunting weaponry. It was an exuberant locale, unlike anything Molly had previously encountered. Although she had heard of such places, witnessing it firsthand was exhilarating.
Molly observed a booth featuring a collection of books arranged in a pile on the front table. Her fingers curled with anticipation to explore their contents. It was challenging to be in such a secluded location without reading material. The ambiance of this place was ideal for reading.
Jayce halted upon noticing her yearning gaze and drew her slightly nearer. “Would you like one?”He enquired.
An elderly woman rose from her seat and smiled at them with a toothless grin. Molly shook her head. “I couldn’t.” She lacked any money, as all of it was at the palace.
Jayce knitted his brows and placed several coins on the table. “Obtain two.”
The woman seized the coins before Molly could decline once more. Molly cleared her throat and sifted through the collection until she discovered two romances that appeared thoroughly engaging. She smiled at her selections and caressed the new bindings.
“You will appreciate those.” The woman winked at Molly before casting a bashful smile at Jayce.
Molly expressed her gratitude swiftly and directed Jayce away. He looked back at the woman before shifting his gaze to the books she held. “I appreciate that; it was unnecessary,” he remarked.
Jayce shrugged nonchalantly; however, it was significant. He purchased the books for her because she desired them. No one had ever gifted her anything of that nature before.
They proceeded quietly along the street, and Jayce procured food from another vendor prior to their entrance into the Inn. She had not anticipated a prolonged stay necessitating provisions, yet she should have surmised that the wait might extend beyond a mere evening. Had she only brought additional clothing.
Jayce acquired a room for them and disregarded the looks from alluring and intrigued strangers. He proceeded past them with his hand on Molly’s back, as if asserting her as his possession, dismissing any alternative considerations.
Upon being confined in the room, he commenced his task. He extracted a small vial from his coat pocket and retrieved the spices.
“Do you require assistance?”Molly extended an offer. He declined and appeared to be absorbed in his own focus as he arranged his materials on the table. He seized the heater and turned away from her.
Molly placed her coat on the bed, which was significantly smaller than any she had previously shared with him, but she endeavoured to disregard that. She began to prepare a plate of food for both of them.
“Are you famished?”
“It is complete,” he stated before she could conclude. He raised a small glass of liquid towards the ceiling for examination. “He will not endure on this, yet he will resort to violence for it regardless.”
Jayce stood, nearly causing the chair to topple as he turned towards the door.
“Should I attend-” Molly reached for her coat.
“Do not leave; remain here.” “I wish to converse with the spice merchant to negotiate an arrangement.” He shut the door before she could enquire about his meaning. What type of arrangement could he be referring to?
Once more, Vera and her poisoning had faded from her thoughts. She needed to enquire about it before their departure, yet whenever she was in his presence, Vera was the least of her concerns. As dreadful as that may seem.
She consumed her meal in solitude and reclined on the bed to read as her thoughts threatened to overwhelm her. She contemplated whether the wolves resided nearby or if they had long since departed, rendering her efforts futile. Jayce would likely be incensed at her squandering his time and feigning a marriage to someone of her calibre. She could vividly envision the fury on his face upon discovering her errors and lack of intelligence.
Molly was dozing when Jayce finally re-entered their room. She sat up abruptly and placed her book on the end table. His eyes appeared somewhat frenzied, and his cheeks were flushed from the cold.
“He stated that an individual visited the market last week seeking a remedy for poison.”
Molly rose abruptly. “Has he visited recently?”
