Her? His partner? Such an occurrence is implausible. Regardless of her eternal residence in the palace, she would never become his lady. It was entirely contrary to her desires; being his consort signified her confinement to the palace for eternity. Even if he chose to abandon her as he did with all the others.
“Intriguing,” Mr. Hugh intoned. “In response to your inquiry, I require the cure recipe to be documented and validated prior to her transfer into his custody. I may also consider granting him freedom if the results align with his assertions.”
Beckham derided. “You would not have been able to acquire Prince Jayce regardless. He is non-negotiable, being one of the princes of House Valerius.”
“You overestimate your prince. Although he belongs to that lineage, few would lament his departure given his lack of rank and authority over all but a handful of servants.”
“Prince Jayce could summon an army, and they would respond to his command within hours,” Beckham retorted. Molly anxiously transferred her foot to the opposite side. It was unwise for him to take it so personally during the negotiation process.
“You assert that, yet I have relatives of his family approaching me, requesting that we manage their refuse.” Mr. Hugh smiled at Beckham, despite it appearing that he was becoming increasingly irate. “Is there an agreement?”
“Allow me to take Molly today, and we shall have an agreement. I will return with the recipe-”
“No. She will remain here until the agreement is finalised. I refuse to jeopardise such a substantial investment based solely on your assurances, which hold no value for my associates and me.” Mr. Hugh emptied a second glass and dismissed the servant before they could refill it. “A church is located a few miles north atop the highest hill. In three days, we shall convene to execute the official exchange. No additional guards or weapons, only ourselves.”
Beckham’s fists clenched and unclenched at his sides. He glanced at Molly, and she discerned his sense of helplessness. She inclined her head once to indicate her consent.
“Prince Jayce will be displeased with the three-day wait for this trade. He anticipated her return by tonight.”
“Prince Jayce lacks decision-making power in this matter. He possesses no authority over the choices made. This is my sole proposition; otherwise, he should anticipate the rogues’ readiness should he attempt to claim her prematurely.”
Beckham rectified his posture. “Understood. Should there be even a single hair amiss upon her return, anticipate severe repercussions.”
“Molly is a joy; who would wish to harm her?” Mr. Hugh remarked with a smile before rising. “We have an agreement.” He extended his hand. Beckham regarded it with slight disdain before shaking it.
“Indeed, we do,” he replied with more sharpness than Molly anticipated. She had always been advised against striking a bargain with a rogue, yet one was being negotiated on her behalf. Rogues seldom fulfilled their commitments, or so she had been informed in her youth. She could only anticipate that they would.
Beckham faced Molly and inclined his head. “Be assured, the prince will unleash chaos to retrieve you.”
Joseph noted, as they returned to her room, that she appeared displeased to be referred to as his lady. The halls were predominantly vacant, save for a few guards stationed upright against the wall. Upon her arrival here in disguise with Jayce, she failed to observe any of them. They may have doubled their efforts upon realising the prince was directly beneath their noses.
“I am not his partner. I am uncertain why he claimed I was.” Molly rounded the corner. “Prince Jayce has no intention of making me his consort. He has a lady awaiting him at the palace, and I was merely brought in as a servant.”
Joseph hummed in acknowledgement, yet she sensed he was merely indulging her. “I have heard that he has been involved with numerous women. Is it customary for a prince to engage with so many?”
Molly experienced a flush of embarrassment and fervently desired to be sequestered in her room, distanced from the inquiries—she had no obligation to respond to any of them. “I assume this is customary for him. I cannot ascertain, truly. Each prince possesses distinct preferences.”
She experienced a modicum of relief enveloping her chest upon seeing the hallway leading to her room. He appeared oblivious as he remarked, “It’s peculiar, isn’t it? That he cannot remain with a single woman. He continuously names women as his partners and discards the previous ones as if they are refuse rather than individuals.”
“This is the protocol at the palace. Some princes are content with their partners, while others engage with numerous individuals and may never settle on one.” Molly paused at her door, awaiting him to unlock it. He fumbled with his keys while she observed another nearby guard who scrutinised her intently, dismissing any notion of attempting to flee during his distraction. She would scarcely reach the midpoint of the hallway before one of them would impede her progress.
“I would dislike witnessing that occur to you,” Joseph remarked as he opened her door and allowed her entry before removing her restraints. “You do not appear to be the kind of person that one would readily discard.”
“There is no need for concern. I have no intentions of becoming his next partner.” Molly exhaled and massaged her wrists. Although it was not constrictive, it still caused a burning sensation against her skin.
Joseph affixed the cuffs to his belt while he scrutinised her. She transferred her weight to the opposite foot and awaited his departure. “May I pose a question to you?”
“Indeed, I believe so.”
Joseph looked back over his shoulder to ensure no one had followed them in before he spoke in a lower tone. “It is said that you resided at Lord Colton’s camp for a period.” Molly nodded, and he proceeded. “Have you ever encountered Sir Antony?”
“Indeed.” Molly smiled faintly at the recollection. “He exhibited considerable kindness. I was reluctant to disturb him during my visit, as he appeared to be resting. He had endured significant challenges prior to my arrival.”
“I heard,” Joseph remarked, his expression slightly furrowing. “I am pleased to learn that he is well. Although I have never met him, he is regarded as a legend in this area. I have heard about the actions of the kingdom in capturing him as their prisoner.”
Molly stated softly, “He assisted me during my incarceration.” She refrained from disparaging the kingdom, as it seemed inappropriate despite her experiences with it. Half of her heart remained loyal to the palace, despite her desire to be liberated from it, as they were liberated from the kingdom.
His eyebrows knitted together. “What was your reason for being in the prison of the kingdom?”
“I was unjustly accused,” she stated before pressing her lips together. It was imprudent to divulge excessive information regarding herself or the palace. Her statements merely exacerbated his confusion.
“Did Sir Antony assist you? Did he facilitate your escape from them? Is that the reason for your presence here?”
