Molly trailed Colton back to camp, attempting to conceal her search for Jayce. The villagers observed her with curiosity as she walked by, yet remained silent. She was rather certain that the majority still harboured disfavour towards her and were merely enduring her presence. She did not hold them accountable, she presumed. Permitting outsiders entry was challenging, particularly when one has been conditioned to distrust them throughout one’s life.
The villagers exhibited palpable discomfort in the presence of the royal entourage, particularly towards Jayce himself. They sought Colton’s guidance, and his composure alleviated their fears to some extent, yet apprehension remained evident in every expression they displayed.
“Would you care to accompany me for dinner?” Colton enquired, interrupting Molly’s tumultuous thoughts.
Molly scanned the scarcely recognisable faces but was unable to locate the one with the piercing blue eyes. “I ought not to.”
“Why should you not?” Colton enquired as they halted before her cabin. His eyebrows were elevated in a nearly comical manner as he scrutinised her. “Concerned that the prince may perceive our relationship as a prelude to marriage?”
Molly flushed and averted her gaze. “That is preposterous. I ought not to, as I should be endeavouring to comprehend my wolf, who is currently quite challenging to understand.”
“This is precisely why you should join me for dinner. I can offer you insights that your prince may have overlooked.” Colton interlaced his fingers behind his back and smiled at her. Molly exhaled audibly. She recognised that she ought not to acquiesce; if Jayce observed her in solitude with him, he would presume the worst. However, ascertaining her wolf took precedence over his opinion of her. Which, at present, was minimal.
“Understood. When will it occur?”
“I will dispatch someone to retrieve you,” Colton stated before turning away. Molly observed him departing, bestowing smiles upon those who encountered him. She had never encountered an individual who was simultaneously adored and dreaded. She inferred that he was more revered than dreaded by his villagers, as evidenced by the adoration in their gazes.
Molly secured the door to her cabin and collapsed onto her bed, burying her face in her pillow. Images of Jayce invaded her thoughts; she attempted to expel them and concentrate on something—anything—else.
Her lips tingled as though she could still sense the fleeting contact he had imparted. What were his expectations of her? His calloused hands softened slightly as he turned her face towards his to kiss her, only to subsequently reject her. She would always remember the expression on his face when he comprehended her true depravity. His profound aversion towards her.
Molly pivoted and gazed upward at the ceiling. Her fingers delicately brushed her lips, and she could swear he remained there long after his departure. His revulsion towards her cast him in a new perspective that she neither dared to approach nor desired to.
Her shame and sorrows had been suppressed for an extended period by the time the sun set and a knock resonated at her door. Molly opened it to find a villager who offered her a strained smile before departing towards Colton’s cabin in silence. Molly hastened through the snow in pursuit of him.
She recognised that she would never acclimatise to the biting cold air. She could already feel her teeth begin to chatter in her mouth, causing her discomfort. The man opened the door for her and departed without informing Colton or anyone else.
Molly pursued the sound of laughter down the corridor and around the corner to the expansive dining room. Although it did not compare to the size of those in the palace, it was the largest she had encountered in the north, at the very least. Molly decelerated her pace upon observing the rear of Jayce’s head engaged in conversation with Colton. He tensed and pivoted as though he perceived her presence behind him. She averted her gaze before their eyes could meet.
“Molly! You have arrived.” Colton rose and indicated one of the vacant chairs. Beckham and Leah were present, yet all she could perceive was the intensity of Jayce’s gaze penetrating her. Molly paused before occupying the seat nearest to the door and farthest from Jayce.
Colton signalled for a plate to be placed before her, expressing his pleasure at her presence. It was promptly heaped with meats and accompaniments that exceeded her capacity to consume. She risked a glance at Jayce, but he no longer regarded her. He gazed at his half-empty glass of wine as though he desired it to be full.
“I considered that you might benefit from counsel from multiple individuals. I trust you do not object to my invitation of others.” Colton lifted his glass towards her, while Molly moistened her parched lips.
“No, certainly not,” she replied softly.
“My wolf has consistently exhibited obstinacy,” Leah remarked abruptly. She appeared resplendent in a plunging silver gown that made Molly shiver at the thought of donning it. “She believes she is in control, despite my ongoing transformation since childhood. While little can be altered regarding this, they acquire knowledge as we progress.”
“That is due to her thinking in a manner similar to yours.” Colton reclined in the hair chair. “Leah is among the most obstinate women one could encounter. Our wolves mirror our own characteristics.”
“She is aware of that,” Jayce remarked, raising his glass. “Attempt to provide her with valuable advice.”
Colton chuckled and struck the table forcefully, causing the glasses to tremble. “He is correct, Leah. Explain to her how you managed it. The prince has more pressing matters to attend to than hear this exaggerated tale.”
Leah cast a prolonged, disdainful glance at Jayce before turning to Molly with a more amiable smile. “I advise approaching her in solitude to engage in conversation without an audience. This will diminish her inclination to perform for dominance and increase her receptiveness. My attempts in the woods were numerous. It is challenging to recall that they possess their own emotions and requirements, and they may react with anger if we fail to acknowledge them, just as we do when they disregard our concerns.”
