“Therefore, you would not hold it against me for continuing to desire the downfall despite my acquaintance with Jayce?”
“Do you lack confidence in Jayce’s integrity?”
Colton gazed upward and exhaled deeply. “Had you attended one of those meetings, you might possess greater clarity than I do. I apologise for my lack of trust in your participation.”
Molly nearly chuckled. “I am merely a maid, Colton. I have no place in your meetings, and I was never offended by it.”
“That is the most absurd statement I have ever heard from you, my dear. You are far more than a mere maid, and everyone is aware of it. While you may still harbour such thoughts, I believe it is time to dispel them and recognise the vast potential you possess.”
Molly was at a loss for words and promptly shifted the topic. “What is your purpose here, Colton? If not to extricate me from this confined space, which I am already aware is utterly unfeasible.”
“I believed I could extricate you from this situation, but upon observing the increased security measures, I recognised it as a warning directed at me. Nevertheless, I needed to ascertain your well-being, as I only place trust in my own observations rather than in others’ assurances.”
“Will you attempt to dismantle House Valerius upon our departure?”
“It would be unwise not to attempt. I hold Jayce in high regard and acknowledge his intentions, but if he cannot realise them promptly, I must prioritise the welfare of my people. I am apprehensive that I have already lost too many due to that prince. I doubt I have rested since his arrival at the camp.”
“I suppose you must extricate me from this place so we can abandon you to your despair,” Molly remarked with a faint smile. How could she persuade this man to trust Jayce when she herself lacked genuine trust in him? He concealed aspects of himself and revealed them when she least anticipated. In her innermost thoughts, she recognised that he was a virtuous individual. Despite her aversion to acknowledging it, he was. However, it was not her responsibility to persuade him; that obligation fell to Jayce.
“Will you at least disclose what Prince Jayce has pledged to you and the rogues?” Molly enquired.
“He has made numerous promises,” Colton sighed. “He seeks to abolish the onerous tax and endeavour to unify our territories, provided we support him; however, I am aware that the dissenters oppose this. We desire autonomy, not unity. We are indifferent to the consequences of our separation from others.”
Molly acquiesced. She harboured identical sentiments regarding herself. She was indifferent to the cost or the means required; her sole desire was to attain freedom, and that was final. Even if it required her to be solitary.
“Regardless of his actions, we will perpetually be regarded as the lowest of the low. Even if he ascends to kingship, no transformation will occur. Such change would require generations, involving new lives and new ideologies, not ours. My rogues lack the capacity for this—observe how they have treated you merely for being in proximity to him. Had they not behaved in this manner, I might have entertained the possibility.”
Molly extended her hand, and he bent down to place his in hers. “You consistently act in the best interest of your constituents, I am confident in that.” She grasped his hand, and he smiled. “He seeks your support, and I recognise his need for it; however, I cannot compel you to provide it if it contradicts your principles.” This is particularly pertinent given her inability to extend her own support to Prince Jayce. It was challenging to commit to someone when the desire for freedom prevailed. “In spite of this chaos, you are their leader.”
Colton grasped her hand and looked back over his shoulder once more before speaking in a subdued tone. “I conferred with Beckham prior to my arrival here. I am pleased they reached a conciliatory resolution to grant you your freedom. I will await you at the church alongside Jayce, and we will proceed from that point.”
Molly whispered, “Do you believe the rogues will honour their promise?” A fleeting expression of concern appeared on his face, but he smiled before it persisted.
“If they fail to do so, I will retrieve you personally, unless Jayce breaches the doors first. You must witness how profoundly he is brooding in your absence. He has lamented his departure at least a hundred times, asserting that he ought to have taken you with him and compelled you to accompany him another hundred.” Colton smiled at her displeasure. “I informed him that if he compelled you to act against your will, he would have regretted it, as I am certain you would have confronted him fiercely.”
Molly chuckled softly and concealed her mouth. She was uncertain about the soundproofing of the rooms, but she wished to prevent Colton from facing repercussions for this visit. He needed to restore the trust of his rogues in some manner.
“Exercise caution in this environment and refrain from actions I would not undertake. They will not harm you unless provoked.” Colton released her hand and stood up. “Additionally, be cautious of that guard; he appears to have a fondness for you, as I can discern.”
“What?” Molly’s cheeks flushed. “No, he is not; he is merely exhibiting kindness.”
Colton emitted laughter. “I eagerly anticipate informing Jayce that you have already captivated a guard’s affections. He will arrive and dismantle this barrier, facilitating your swift escape.”
Molly desired to extend her arm through the window and strike him. “Cease your absurdity. He is merely kind.”
“He gazed at you with adoration. I cannot fault him, my dear.” He inclined his head to observe her again. “I shall return for you. This is my responsibility, and I will rectify the situation without compromising their trust.”
Molly presented a slight smile. “I am confident you will-”
The door behind her began to rattle; Colton swiftly closed the window just as the door swung open.
“You must enjoy it up there,” Joseph remarked with a hint of amusement in his tone. Molly meticulously descended from the dresser and adjusted her attire with as much composure as she could summon under his scrutiny.
“The view is remarkable.” Molly cleared her throat. “Have you overlooked something?”
Joseph extended a pile of garments. “I apologise for the delay in providing these to you. I assumed you would prefer to change out of the damaged ones you arrived with.”
Molly received the stack and caressed the soft fabric with her fingers. “I appreciate your kindness.”
“Did I hear you conversing with someone, or have I lost my sanity?” Joseph enquired as he scanned the room. His light eyes lingered on the window briefly before shifting to survey the remainder of the confined space, revealing only antiquated furniture.
