Jayce tensed beneath her grasp, and she immediately discerned the reason. The palace appeared before them, and he may not have been fully prepared to confront this situation.
Additional guards advanced towards them immediately. Upon seeing Jayce, they bowed at the waist before allowing their group to proceed through the tall gates. The air bore a familiar scent that caused her stomach to churn. She remained uncertain whether it was advantageous or detrimental.
“Your Majesty, we did not anticipate your return! It is a pleasure to see you!” they exclaimed as he walked by. She immediately recognised how much more suitable and appropriate they were in comparison to the guards who had endured immense hardship alongside them. They all adjusted their posture on their horses as if they had also come to the same realisation. It is possible that a portion of them transformed during the journey, similar to Molly.
A light layer of snow covered the cobblestone pathway. Jayce guided all of their horses directly to the forefront of the main steps. Servants rushed to assist as he dismounted and aided Molly for the final time.
Their gazes met momentarily as he lowered her to the ground. Two exquisite ocean blue waves haunted her nightly before she succumbed to slumber. His grasp constricted around her waist before he ultimately released her. Half of her heart descended with him, and she wished he had persevered for a moment longer. She may have been capable of perpetually living in the moment had he done so.
“Prince Jayce. We had not received notification of your return,” said a voice from the top of the steps. All eyes were directed towards Howard Ford, the final general of the royal army, who stood with his hands clasped before him as though preparing to deliver a speech. “It is genuinely gratifying to observe your vitality and well-being.”
“Indeed, I could express a similar sentiment,” Jayce murmured as he commenced ascending the steps.
“I apologise, sir, but I have been instructed to deny you entry to the palace,” Howard stated calmly. Their words struck everyone with force, but none felt the impact as intensely as Jayce. What was this man discussing?
“Pardon me?” Jayce approached the man with several long strides. He had to tilt his head back to meet Jayce’s gaze, despite his own considerable height.
“I received instructions that you are prohibited from entering the Radiant Palace. I assumed you were cognisant of this.”
“I am indifferent to the source of your orders. As a prince of this kingdom, you are obligated to treat me accordingly. I could have you executed for attempting to deny me access!”
Jayce pushed past the man, causing the remainder of the group to visibly falter. Howard adjusted his posture and promptly entered through an alternate door. He prudently refrained from attempting to impede Jayce any further. The outcome for him would be unfavourable.
Molly quickened her pace to pursue him. The rear of his form alone conveyed his fury. His fists were tightly clenched, and he was mere seconds from unleashing a torrent of fury.
“Where is that insufferable woman?” Jayce snarled as he surveyed his surroundings. A multitude of servants recoiled from him. “Where is the Luna Queen?” he exclaimed.
“There is no need to instill fear, my dear. I am present.” Luna Queen declared from the top of the staircase. She appeared magnificent in a form-fitting navy gown that cascaded to the floor. Two guards flanked her, yet she exhibited no trace of concern as her gaze settled on Jayce.
“Do you believe you can expel me from my own palace?”Jayce snarled. Several guards cautiously positioned themselves in front of the Luna Queen.
I believed it would be for the best. “Your father is ill; I wished to prevent you from becoming the next victim,” Luna Queen remarked, her tone laced with insincere concern.
If her intention was to disconcert Jayce, she succeeded. Instantly, he transitioned from fury to bewilderment.
What are you referring to? Where is my father located?
He is resting in bed, naturally. He is currently prohibited from receiving visitors, but I will inform him of your return and…” She glanced at the rogues behind them, her expression contorted in revulsion. “And accompanied by rogues.” No, I should refrain from disclosing that to him; it could potentially be fatal.
“I surmise he would share similar sentiments if he were aware of your recent activities, Luna Queen,” Jayce stated ominously. “I insist on an immediate audience with my father.”
Luna Queen raised her chin. “I informed you, he is unwell.” He is currently asleep. You may attempt again later when he awakens.
“Have you kicked out your sons from the palace too? Or was it just me?” Jayce asked bitterly.
“They stay in their own quarters. I see no reason to try and kick them out if they were here through it all.”
That seemed to make Jayce snap. He stomped up the stairs towards Luna Queen and was instantly stopped by her guards.
“You think I don’t know what you did in the north? You think I’m stupid enough not to realize that you had set me up to walk straight to my death?” Jayce growled.
Luna Queen gasped and had the sense to look taken aback. “Jayce! I’ve known you since you were a baby, how dare you accuse me of something like this!”
Jayce laughed cynically. “Yeah, you’ve known me since I was a baby. Everyone knows exactly what you did to my mother out of your jealousy, and now I’m finally up next.”
Multiple gasps echoed around them. Luna Queen narrowed her gaze at Jayce. “I recommend you exercise caution in your speech when we are in the presence of an audience.” I do not tolerate false narratives.
Jayce retreated, yet maintained his focus on her. The tension in the room was palpable, causing Molly’s palms to perspire.
“Should you attempt to obstruct my access to my palace again, I will ensure that the entirety of this kingdom is aware of your intentions,” Jayce stated calmly. He did not look back at any of them as he exited the room. His fury extinguished the vitality around him, leaving everyone momentarily paralysed as they observed his departure.
Luna Queen finally glanced down at them. Her gaze traversed each rogue with a dismissiveness that bordered on rudeness. She completely overlooked Molly, as if she were invisible.
Upon her gaze finally settling on a self-assured Colton, a feigned smile emerged on her slender lips. “Lord Colton, is it?” What motivates your presence in the kingdom? I believed that rogues abhorred the mere concept of royalty.
“I cannot assert that we harbour disdain for all of them.” “Only those who merit it,” Colton remarked with a smile that was somewhat hollow. Luna Queen’s demeanour shifted momentarily. “I have come to pay a visit.” Prince Jayce has persuaded me of the excellence of this kingdom. I hope he was not exaggerating.
Colton scrutinised her with a disdain that nearly surpassed her own. Molly felt an absurd impulse to laugh, but that would lead to complications. She needed to maintain her composure; she was no longer in the north where she could freely express her identity.
