A loud knock prompted Joseph to swiftly retreat from her before he regained his composure and proceeded to answer the door. His face was irreparably flushed despite his lack of wrongdoing.
Mr. Hugh-
“What are you doing here alone with our guest?” Mr. Hugh enquired, scrutinising Molly, who remained seated on the bed. She desired to express her disdain for the term “guest,” as they were all aware she was present involuntarily. Joseph refrained from gazing at her as he stepped aside for Mr. Hugh.
“Molly desired the window to be opened to obtain a breath of fresh air.”
“Exit and await by the door as you are supposed to,” Mr. Hugh interjected. Joseph bowed before swiftly departing and shutting the door.
Mr. Hugh redirected his gaze towards Molly once more, a subtle smirk gracing his aged lips. “What would your prince’s reaction be if he discovered a handsome young guard in your chamber?”
“You might consider informing him to ascertain the outcome,” Molly remarked, raising her chin. Mr. Hugh chuckled as though they were long-standing acquaintances.
“I intended to visit to enquire about your well-being, but it is evident that you have been appreciating the vistas we provide, including those indoors.” Mr. Hugh pulled the chair away from the bed and seated himself with grace. “I find you exceedingly intriguing. You occupied my thoughts throughout the day. The maid for whom a prince would instigate war—who could have anticipated such a scenario?”
“I cannot ascertain the reason for your keen interest. I have been a maid for years and nothing beyond that—there is no further implication.” Molly removed a few specks of dust from her trousers.
“Were you aware that the king had encountered Jayce’s mother in the north?” he enquired abruptly. Molly suppressed any emotions from manifesting on her face. “They were fated partners; is that not remarkable?”
“Indeed, I was aware of that.”
“I wager Jayce has not sought to locate any other relatives during his time here, correct?”
“I am perplexed by the argument you are presenting. Prince Jayce has not disclosed any of those personal reflections to me, nor has he ever.”
“Certainly not. He does not appear to be the type of individual who would acknowledge his emotions. I would have presumed he would at least desire to learn more about his mother’s background.” Mr. Hugh chuckled. “Every significant rogue here is aware of his origins. It is regrettable that he remains indifferent.”
“I suggest you enquire directly with him if you are genuinely concerned.”
“I may do so when he arrives to rescue his unfortunate lady.” Mr. Hugh smiled. “I would like you to accompany me for dinner tomorrow prior to our departure for the church. I desire additional time with you before your departure.”
“Do you intend to release me?”
Mr. Hugh chuckled once more and rose to his feet. “You are truly a pleasure. I will instruct the guards to retrieve you tomorrow.”
Molly observed his departure, uncertainty constricting her throat. It was illogical for him to desire her company prior to their departure. Should he not simply dismiss her and conclude the matter?
Molly was abandoned for several hours. A servant delivered a tray of food, but she observed no indication of Joseph’s presence following Mr. Hugh’s departure. Did he face repercussions for opening her window? Or being in solitude with her?
It was only after Molly had fallen asleep that Joseph returned. He shut the door and stealthily approached the side of her bed.
Molly-
“Joseph?” Molly exclaimed, sitting upright. He extended his hands with an air of innocence.
“I apologise for surprising you. Would you be interested in a midnight walk?”
Molly must have been dreaming. Joseph stood with his eyebrows elevated and hand extended, as though anticipating her acceptance. Molly gradually removed her blankets and clasped his warm hand. He extricated her from the bed, and she donned her boots within seconds. Part of her remained convinced that it was merely a dream.
“Are you taking a midnight stroll?” Molly murmured in astonishment. Was he mentally unstable? Certainly, someone would observe them!
“Silence, the other guards have fallen asleep and will remain so for an extended period if we are discreet.”
Molly enquired, “What is your source of knowledge?” Joseph extended his arm, and she clutched it. Her gaze shifted to his belt, where his knife and keys remained securely fastened.
“Trust me, I have spent numerous late nights with those men, and they remain out until morning while I vigilantly keep watch alone,” Joseph stated softly. He signalled for her to remain silent as they stealthily traversed the corridor. She trailed him through a rear exit, endeavouring to commit her steps to memory until they emerged from the back door and into the snow.
Ultimately, her room was in close proximity to an exit—he was unaware of the extent to which he was assisting her. Joseph softly shut the door immediately after they exited. The landscape appeared devoid of any features for miles, consisting solely of snow and trees. The view left her breathless, to be candid. The moonlight illuminating the frosty snow was unparalleled.
“Why did you bring me here? Could you jeopardise your employment?” Molly enquired softly as they traversed a path adjacent to the building’s walls, wary of potential onlookers from the windows.
“Indeed, I could.” He shrugged and presented a lopsided smile. “I empathised with your confinement in that room. Aware of your desire for fresh air, I sought to assist you. It was the least I could offer.”
Molly endeavoured to suppress her emotional response. Her thoughts were so distant that she nearly neglected to appreciate the fresh air. She gradually inhaled the surrounding air and shut her eyes. The aroma of snow and pine, one of her newfound favourite fragrances, permeated the air. As she exhaled, she looked up to find him observing her. “Thank you. Your kindness is genuinely appreciated; I did not anticipate it.”
“I informed you that the rogues are not as malevolent as you perceive.” He gently nudged his shoulder against hers. “Moonlight merits appreciation for the beauty it brings to life.”
Molly attributed her blush to the coldness in the air. She averted her gaze to his belt once more as he turned his face away from her. It would be effortless to flee into the forest; however, she lacked a wolf and recognised that it would not lead her far. His legs were significantly longer than hers.
“I used to stroll here nightly during my watch. A unique tranquilly accompanies this hour,” Joseph remarked. He reduced his pace and scrutinised the corner to ascertain the presence of additional guards. In the absence of others, he led her onwards as though she were a delicate princess.
“It is remarkably beautiful; it appears almost artificial,” Molly chuckled softly. The snow resembled an immaculate layer of ice. Their steps nearly disrupted the softness, yet it was inevitable. Had it not been so cold, she would have reclined in it.
