Molly reflected on the day she was poisoned, when Jayce exhibited minimal concern and others remarked on his apparent indifference. How long had he been aware of her deception? Did he realise it immediately after their intimacy, or later?
Her wolf felt at ease whenever he made contact with her—did his own inner voice admonish him for choosing the wrong woman, or did he simply remain indifferent?
A bitter taste scorched her mouth. She approached to assist him with packing and, for the first time, she genuinely began to contemplate the impending consequences. Her heart resisted breaking before their departure, yet she could not suppress her curiosity regarding the forthcoming events.
She envisioned everything clearly. Upon returning to the palace, he would revert to treating her as a servant, summon her to his chamber in solitude, and disregard her during the daytime. This prospect filled her with despair. She also feared the possibility of him proposing that she become his mistress.
After filling their bags, they exited to locate the remaining guards. Individuals hurried throughout the camp in a frenzy—Colton must have ignited a sense of urgency to assist the prince. Molly proceeded directly to the stables and entrusted her bag to the nearest guard, who secured it to their horse. Moments later, Colton entered the stables.
“I had sufficient provisions packed to sustain us for several days.” “I anticipate our arrival will be expedited; however, should a storm occur, we may become stranded.” Colton mounted his horse, and several of his guards assembled alongside him.
Jayce did not glance at her before hoisting her onto his horse and ascending in front of her. Did he share her sentiments? Was he apprehensive about disrupting their fleeting moment of happiness?
In this setting, their identities diverged. He was not a prince, nor was she a maid. Absent was a palace to confine them to their prescribed roles and illuminate their incompatibility. She fantasised about the notion that he was merely an ordinary man whom she could love.
However, she understood that it could never be the case.
Colton guided them onto the main road and urged his horse into a steady gallop. Jayce followed closely, accompanied by the guards. Molly shut her eyes and rested her head against his back, attempting to envision a moment longer that they would not be separated.
Regardless of whether it required weeks or months for her eventual liberation, it was unavoidable. He could attempt to impede it, yet how could she ever harbour affection for someone who inflicted such harm upon her?
Eventually, their horses transitioned to a leisurely walk to recuperate. The sun was rapidly descending, and she anticipated the frigid night air, which was even more intolerable than the daytime chill. Her hair felt icy against her scalp despite being dry, her toes were nearly numb, and she yearned for the comfort of a warm bed and a hot meal.
Their group halted for the night when several members could endure no longer. Jayce dined beside Molly and embraced her while they slept, yet he refrained from further conversation. Perhaps he, too, was apprehensive. They were unprepared to revert to their previous state.
Upon the sun’s emergence from the darkness, they were nourished and resumed their journey. They rode vigorously, granting their horses respite as required. Her legs began to throb and ache from the relentless jarring of the ride. She struggled to walk each time Jayce assisted her dismount for a break.
Another day of travel and dense smoke elapsed. Jayce muttered his replies, despite remaining by her side throughout. Colton had also been rather reticent, which she attributed to the prevailing mood among them. They all endured their oppressive silences.
Colton approached them as they consumed their meals. “We should arrive within a few hours.”
