He spoke little to her during their meal or when he departed to locate his attire, consisting of a grey button-down shirt and trousers. Molly followed the diminutive map included in her letter, experiencing goosebumps along her arms. This location unsettled her; it was entirely grey and exuded a hollow ambiance. She encountered individuals who disregarded her presence, as if she were merely an element of the wall decor. While she was accustomed to such indifference in the palace, it felt peculiar in this setting. In daylight, she discerned the imperfections she had overlooked upon their initial arrival.
Fissures along the floors and walls prompted her to ponder the last occasion Colton had visited this location. Was he aware of its current state? Or was there little he could do regarding it? She found it difficult to accept that he would not desire to invest at least some effort into the domain he governed.
Are you Isabelle?A soft voice interrupted her progress down the corridor. Molly turned to observe a young girl peering out from a large door. Molly nodded. “Excellent, accompany me.” My name is Millie.
The girl appeared slightly younger than Molly, yet her demeanour belied this impression. Only her voice revealed her true age, as she endeavoured to project maturity. “This is your station,” she stated, guiding her to a table adorned with a row of empty bottles and one large, filled bottle. “It’s straightforward; simply consult the paper accompanying each bottle and dispense the specified number of pills into each one.” Upon completing a batch, verify the accuracy of all labels prior to transporting the basket to the finished area.
Molly seated herself at the table and surveyed the other girls, who were preoccupied with their bottles. They appeared fatigued and haggard, yet not entirely discontented. “Please ensure to examine the labels; that is the most crucial aspect.” It is imperative that we never mislabel medication. An error of that nature could prove lethal.
Molly acquiesced. “Alright, appears sufficiently straightforward to recall.”
If you believe you can extend your work beyond the training hour, feel free to do so. We possess thousands of bottles that require constant filling. “I will inspect your work prior to your completion of the first basket.” The girl nodded and turned to exit the room.
An elderly woman with vibrant red hair inclined towards Molly after the girl was beyond hearing range. “Do not be concerned; she appears younger than her actual age.”
Molly turned, somewhat taken aback yet enthusiastic about making friends. They appeared amicable, and it was even more appealing if they enjoyed conversing. “Oh? What is her age?
“She is 22, whether you believe it or not.” The woman chuckled, her gaze fixed on the bottles.
No! “I believed she was 16.” Molly observed the girl engaged in a different conversation across the room.
“That is a common belief.” She can become quite harsh to assert her authority. The woman sighed in exasperation. “I am Beck, by the way.”
Molly beamed. “I am Isabelle, a pleasure to meet you.”
We were thrilled to welcome another female here! It has been some time, but we received news yesterday that you will be arriving with your husband.
Another girl exhaled audibly and inclined towards them. “Is he attractive?” All the men present resemble toads.
Molly experienced a slight flush. “I-I mean, yes.”
Mia! Refrain from enquiring whether her husband is attractive. Certainly, he is significant to her; she does not require your infatuation with him.” Beck rolled her eyes. Molly utilised the moment to review her note before she commenced counting the pills and bottling them.
“He also brought his cousin,” Molly stated softly. The girls chuckled at the notion.
From what distance did you travel?Mia enquired. Molly bit her lip, aware that earning their trust required providing answers rather than excluding them. The more they conversed, the greater the likelihood they would divulge information they deemed innocuous for someone like her.
“We previously resided in a quaint village adjacent to the palace.” It was consistently dreadful in that location relative to others.
Beck inhaled sharply. “Oh!” Have you heard that the prince from that palace is located in the north?
“Indeed?”Molly exclaimed in astonishment, “I was unaware!” We have been travelling continuously— which prince is it?
“I believe it was the one featuring Jayce.” I am uncertain about the specifics, but I have heard that he has been relentless towards the rogues, and many are attempting to thwart him. Have you ever encountered any of the princes in your vicinity?Mia enquired.
Molly swallowed while she persisted in bottling the pills. “How peculiar…” However, I did not encounter any of them. “They seldom entered the villages, if at all,” Molly stated.
Is it not peculiar? It is unfortunate that you never had the opportunity to see him. There has been considerable speculation in recent days regarding that individual, yet no one has apprehended him thus far. We are all attempting to ascertain his appearance.
