“I-” Molly experienced a total mental blankness. A tempest of jealousy surged within her. Vera had aspired to seduce Jayce—would it have succeeded in the absence of Molly? Would he have deemed her attire irresistible and engaged in intimacy with her in his bed as he had prior to their departure to the north?
The thoughts sullied her mood like a flicker of flame. She clenched her hands into fists at her sides. “What are you doing in the Prince’s chamber? He permits entry solely to those he has invited.”
Vera smirked at Molly, as though she perceived herself to be in a position of superiority. She swayed her hips while traversing the room towards Molly, inciting a desire to propel the girl through the nearest window.
“The prince extended an invitation to me.” Vera retrieved a white invitation from her lace bra and presented it to Molly. Molly was reluctant to accept it, yet she felt compelled to observe.
Within, Jayce’s refined script extended an invitation for tea to facilitate their conversation. She meticulously folded the letter and returned it.
“I apologise for the error. I shall allow you to proceed.”
“Absolutely not! You insolent wretch-” Vera approached Molly just as the door swung open.
“Should you approach her any further, I will fracture your neck.”
Vera recoiled upon hearing Jayce’s voice. She swiftly regained her composure. “Indeed, Molly. You heard him.” She raised her chin and smirked. Molly nearly felt embarrassed for the girl.
“I was not addressing her; I was addressing you.” Jayce positioned himself in front of Molly. Vera retreated further, visibly displaying signs of anxiety in response to the unfolding scene. She anticipated an evening of romance, not this.
“Jayce, I fail to comprehend-” Vera grasped her robe and swiftly donned it. Jayce did not even cast his gaze upon her body, and Molly begrudgingly acknowledged the pleasure it elicited in her. Kylie may have been correct; perhaps he would not seek another now that they have discovered one another. “This maid has just affronted me-”
“She may insult you as she pleases. I summoned you here to convey that I no longer desire you to be my lady,” Jayce stated calmly. Molly turned to observe Vera’s expression falter in response to his remarks.
“What? However, we are companions! I fail to comprehend-”
Jayce’s back stiffened in response to her words. “I detest a deceitful individual, particularly when they deceive me in the presence of the entire kingdom.” Jayce seized Vera’s arm and compelled her against him. Her robe slipped from one shoulder, and the mark had vanished. Vera’s eyes expanded in surprise, and she promptly attempted to conceal it. It was evident that she had neglected to reapply the artificial mark to her skin prior to her arrival.
“No, I would never fabricate this information-”
“I am aware that you are deceitful, as I have discovered my true partner. I do not require your false mark as evidence.” He snarled at her before pushing her away. She faltered and narrowly prevented herself from falling to the floor. Vera’s gaze immediately shifted to Molly, who remained silent behind Jayce.
“She is deceiving you! She is not your companion!” Vera exclaimed as she retreated from Jayce. “I am your companion! You discovered me that day, and I have remained steadfast in my loyalty to you! I awaited your return while you sought the identity of my poisoner!”
“I did not pursue you; I am indifferent to who harms you.” Jayce retorted contemptuously. “I sought alternative answers for myself.”
Vera stifled her sobs. “She cannot be your mate, Jayce! She is not destined to be your mate!”
Jayce briefly regarded Molly, and she discerned his thoughts in his gaze. Molly knelt beside Vera and lowered her blouse to reveal the mate’s mark. “This has not diminished in the slightest since he applied it to me.”
Vera gazed at the mark in silence. Tears cascaded from her eyes, which swiftly brimmed with animosity. “You are merely an ineffectual servant.” She contemptuously spat on Molly’s shoes. “You are an unattractive, ineffectual maid who does not merit your presence here! I should have eliminated you when I had the opportunity, you foolish woman!”
Jayce seized Vera by her arm and pulled her towards the door. Molly grimaced as she observed Vera attempting to resist his iron grasp. “She is worth a hundred of you! Leave immediately.” Jayce snarled and expelled her from the premises. “I demand her expulsion from the palace. Ensure her room is vacated by morning and prohibit her reentry onto the premises.”
“Jayce!” Vera shouted, but he closed the door in her face without hesitation. Her screams persisted down the corridor and gradually diminished after a moment. It ought to have engendered greater satisfaction within her, yet it did not. She lamented her compassionate nature for consistently empathising with those unworthy of it.
Molly anxiously observed his ire trailing him as he traversed the room. It resembled a dark shadow that clung to him and delineated each step he took.
“Jayce,” Molly stated with composure. He collapsed onto one of his chairs, and she was merely astonished that it did not splinter under the force of his descent. She positioned herself beside him. “I ought not to have been present here-”
“Why not? She must confront her deceptions. You are evidence of that.” He muttered, gazing at the flames. “I am certain she will exit the palace with great resistance. It is unfortunate that I could not maintain discretion for you.”
“What do you mean by being quiet for me?”
“I understand your desire for privacy. I am confident she will publicly proclaim your dishonesty while asserting her truth.” Jayce’s fingers clenched the chair. “I would have requested her execution, but I fear there is already sufficient tragedy in this vicinity.”
Molly frowned, “Jayce.” She was uncertain about his seriousness. His manner of expression led her to comprehend that he may have intended his words sincerely. “Are you well? What transpired with your father?”
Molly inched closer, and his hand settled on her lap. Her heart experienced a brief flutter, and she wished to denounce the sensation.
“He is in poor health. He hardly recognised me. I am uncertain how much time he has remaining,” Jayce stated softly. “I have always desired for him to endure hardship due to his treatment of me. I anticipated feeling satisfaction upon learning of his impending demise, yet I do not.”
“It is common to harbour resentment towards one’s parents if they have wronged you. I acknowledge that I do.” Molly confessed. Jayce cast her a curious glance, prompting her to recognise that she had never fully disclosed her past to him. He enquired of her once, and she diverted the conversation.
