“His strategy for dominion will align with my father’s intentions and the desires of the Luna Queen.” I would not permit that to occur.
“He remains your brother-”
Do you not desire an improved existence for yourself?Jayce exclaimed. Molly recoiled at his tone.
Indeed, I have been diligently striving towards that objective each day since my arrival at the palace. An improved existence is liberation.
Jayce began to speak but halted. She observed the dawning comprehension in his eyes as he absorbed her words and contemplated their implications. It was an unequivocal truth. She sought liberation from his influence and political machinations. Her desire for autonomy outweighed the claims of her inner wolf, which insisted he was her mate. No man could entice her sufficiently to alter her resolve, regardless of his attractiveness or dominion over a kingdom.
“Indeed.” Jayce growled, seizing his jacket from the dresser and inadvertently toppling a glass pitcher. He regarded her with indifference, seemingly unconcerned by the shards strewn across the floor. His boots crunched over the fragments as he advanced. “I have no need for a pitiable maid by my side.”
She observed him depart, tears stinging her eyes. They threatened to betray her, labelling her as weak in that moment, yet she endeavoured to suppress them as he forcefully closed the door. Did he anticipate her to prostrate herself as all the women before her had? Did he presume she would be yet another plaything for his amusement until he grew weary and sought a replacement? She was no one’s possession; she was an individual. He might believe he owned her, but she had dedicated the past five years to resisting that notion. She would not allow him to dismantle her resolve now. She refused to remain by his side as an object of his whims. He had not mentioned Vera throughout this entire trip, as if she held no significance to him whatsoever. She would not become the next entry on his list of conquests.
Molly experienced an unusual pain in her heart. She massaged her chest and grimaced at the peculiar sensation. It felt as though his words had inflicted harm, as if her heart were on the verge of breaking merely at the recollection of their conflict. She had never harboured feelings for another man before, and she would not commence now. Not with… him. Molly donned her jacket and ventured into the snow in search of fresh air and tranquilly.
“What is the rationale behind denying our mate in such a manner?”Cordelia’s voice resonated within her, laced with a hint of fury. Molly surveyed her surroundings and noted several individuals within earshot. She deviated onto a secluded path to secure some privacy before she felt compelled to reply.
“If you were acquainted with me, you would understand that freedom holds greater significance than a purported companion,” Molly whispered. She buried her hands deep in her pockets for warmth and observed her feet sinking into the dense snow. A gust of wind swept her hair away from her face, but she was too preoccupied to notice. Her thoughts were tumultuous, fixated on the expression of his face and the resonance of his words attempting to ensnare her.
“You ought to consider his proposal before forming judgements,” Cordelia admonished. Molly scoffed at her wolf’s superficiality, recognising the need for greater self-respect. It was only recently that Molly had begun to embrace her own sense of dignity on this journey.
He explicitly acknowledged his willingness to do anything necessary to usurp his brother from the throne. I wish to disengage from that and any forthcoming matters pertaining to the kingdom. “It will soon be inconsequential to us.” Molly swayed slightly as the wind intensified. She maintained her position and narrowed her eyes, as the fog thickened more than she anticipated.
Are you insane? One partner is all that is permitted. No amount of global travel could ever substitute for him. “You will only encounter men inferior to him.” Cordelia appeared irate in her thoughts, yet Molly remained indifferent. Life was not about existing for another; it was about existing for herself.
I would prefer to live for myself rather than for a man. He will never remain loyal to us, Cordelia. Even if I remained for him. Once he became disinterested in me, I would be discarded like all of his previous partners. Some of them even clean public restrooms for survival.” Molly surveyed her surroundings upon losing sight of her path. Where was she?
“You are aware of the narrative concerning his father.” He was fervently devoted to her and desired no one else. Cordelia asserted, “Jayce would not dare to deviate from us.”
Molly scoffed. “You must not have been attentive.” He has never desired any association with a companion. He safeguards and attends to my needs, yet ultimately, I am merely a foolish servant to him. That is not my desired trajectory for life. Upon our return to the palace, it is anticipated that the king will have signed the amnesty, allowing us to depart well in advance of Jayce initiating his scheme.
“You are completely irrational!” Would you truly abandon your partner during a perilous period in his life?
“We are not indebted to him in any way!” He remained present while his actual partner nearly harmed me, merely advising her to conduct it privately in the future. Do not deceive yourself merely due to your attachment to his wolf.Molly exclaimed. She swiftly surveyed her surroundings to ensure her solitude.
She swiftly recognised her solitude and disorientation. Visibility was limited to mere inches, and the wind muffled any sound she produced. Her eyes began to water and sting from the increasing harshness. Molly embraced herself tightly.
