“Certainly, if you are her spouse, they would not dare!” He chuckled. “I placed you two in a somewhat larger space in the event that you choose to have children,” Robbie stated. Molly likely grimaced, prompting him to laugh once more. “You would be astonished by the limited activities available here; children are born in abundance.”
“We do not intend to have children for the foreseeable future, but thank you.”
“What brought you here?” Robbie enquired as they navigated a seemingly interminable curve.
“We aspired for an improved existence here,” Beckham stated succinctly. His collar was elevated, and his hands were embedded deep within his jacket. “We were fortunate to secure employment; I was becoming anxious about the prospect of starvation.”
Robbie chuckled softly to himself. The laughter was brief and quickly subsided. “Indeed, individuals arrive and depart, yet many remain.” There is always capacity for additional elements. It is hoped that the three of you endure longer than the previous family that visited.
“Oh, I was unaware that individuals departed and arrived with such ease,” Molly remarked casually. Her gaze shifted to Jayce, who remained silent. He appeared to be attempting to mask his expression, adopting a demeanour of indifference akin to Beckham’s rather than his usual scowl.
“Indeed, the workload can be overwhelming for certain individuals.” There are significant fumes, which can affect your head, so I recommend obtaining as much fresh air as possible. Robbie indicated a door resembling a coat closet. “This is for your…”
“Cousin, Oscar,” Jayce remarked in a tone more amiable than Molly anticipated. He must have been acclimating to his role.
“Apologies.” I struggle significantly with names. Oscar, this is your designated room. Robbie indicated a larger door across the way, stating, “Isabelle and James, yours is directly opposite.” Beckham furrowed her brow, and she perceived a slight twitch at the corner of Jayce’s mouth.
“Thank you,” Beckham uttered. “Shall we commence tomorrow?”
Indeed. We anticipate your attendance for one hour to review your new positions prior to a full day. He distributed letters to each of them, bearing their pseudonyms. “I have assigned you to distinct sections.” If any issues arise, please consult me, and I will endeavour to resolve them. In my absence, refrain from approaching Charlie. He lacks patience and may terminate your employment merely for irritating him.
Where ought we to search for you?Molly enquired. Robbie winked at her, while Jayce’s brows furrowed, clearly indicating annoyance this time.
I am consistently present. Your envelope will provide further details; attempt to rest.
Robbie relinquished her bag and a set of keys before departing down the corridor. Molly unlocked the door, and Beckham entered behind them. He groaned upon observing the room assigned to them.
“I am already aware that this is three times larger than mine.” They provided me with a wardrobe!
Molly and Jayce disregarded him while they unwrapped their papers. She swiftly examined her own. “It indicates that I will be assigned to the sorting section to organise all of the medicine into bottles.” I am scheduled to arrive in the afternoon to receive instructions.” Molly glanced at Jayce. “What is your plan?”
“I am assigned to the labour division.” “Evidently, it is for the loading and unloading of heavy boxes,” Jayce muttered. She found it hard to fathom that a prince was to be assigned the role of a common labourer. She would have laughed had he not appeared so distressed. Nonetheless, it was amusing.
“Mine merely indicates mixing.” Beckham scowled. “That seems quite tedious.”
“At least we will be dispersed,” Molly murmured. She surveyed the room, noting a bed, a small table, and a dresser adjacent to a bathing chamber, but nothing more. She embraced herself. Why couldn’t they at least have a fireplace?
I will attempt to rest in that unpleasant room. “I will see you both later,” Beckham muttered before retreating to his room. Molly ensured the door was locked before turning to confront Jayce.
He unfastened his tattered coat and removed it. She had never envisioned him as a peasant, yet that was his appearance. With dark stubble adorning his chin and soiled garments, he resembled a scoundrel, causing her heart to race perilously. He was undeniably handsome, despite his dishevelled state. He regarded her with a subtle arch of his brow.
Is there an issue?He enquired. His resonant voice elicited a shiver along her spine. Clearly, something was amiss—everything was amiss—and she was at a loss for a solution.
No. “It is merely cold,” she murmured. She rummaged through her bag for an oversized jumper before retreating to the bathroom. She desired no conversation with him—none at all, only sleep. No physical contact, nothing.
Upon her emergence, he lay in bed with his shirt removed, his back turned towards her. She observed faint lines around his shoulder and recalled her grip on him as he moved within her. She had not comprehended the extent of her injury to him. Molly dispelled these thoughts and gently climbed into bed, positioning her back to him while gazing at the wall. The sun was on the verge of rising; they had been travelling throughout the night, yet she could easily slumber for a day or two if it would provide an escape from her thoughts.
Jayce turned and embraced her petite form, enveloping her in warmth. She trembled and exhaled softly.
“Seek me out if anyone lays a hand on you,” he murmured into her ear. “I have no faith in anyone here.”
A collection of uniforms and provisions was placed by their doors when Jayce inspected in the morning. Molly, groggy, prepared herself in her uniform and secured her hair in a high ponytail. The attire was an unattractive, ankle-length dress accompanied by an apron. However, it provided sufficient warmth, which was her primary concern.
