Jayce raised his chin and grasped Molly by the wrist before proceeding into her cabin. Colton trailed closely, evidently Jayce desired to assume control. She observed the extent of his disdain for lacking control in this situation. Lack of respect. That may explain his desire to keep her nearby; she would perpetually serve as his maid. An individual he can manipulate and instruct. Who are the individuals present here that are not guards? They would prefer to insult him directly rather than heed any of his directives. Molly doubted they would endure if they treated him in such a manner.
The room had evidently been cleaned and ventilated since her departure. She felt relieved; her old sheets were soiled with sweat and remnants of food consumed in bed. The atmosphere appeared more pristine and invigorating. Previously, it was excessively confined and stifling to her.
Upon the door’s closure, Jayce released her. She massaged her wrist and withdrew. What was her purpose for being here? Except if… Colton believed she was complicit in their downfall, and perhaps he wished to admonish them both for it.
“I was informed that you dealt with her abductors.” Jayce clenched his fists at his sides before extending his fingers once more. He repeated the action multiple times before he became somewhat more at ease.
Colton stated calmly, “I intended to remove their hands, but I have not yet done so.” It was astonishing that anyone permitted them to be alone together. Molly sensed the animosity, as if she could nearly grasp it.
Jayce emitted a derisive snort. Molly was too anxious to speak, not that she had anything to contribute to the discussion. She positioned herself on one of the upholstered seats.
“I presume you believed it would be more prudent to take Molly when she was mere inches from death yesterday and compel her to witness your torment of me.” Colton approached the fireplace and leaned against the mantle. Jayce tightened his jaw.
“She is not your concern; she is mine.”
“That is inaccurate; I was genuinely worried about her wellbeing,” Colton remarked, brushing some snow off his suit.
“I believe it is time to discuss the reward I am due,” Jayce stated with more patience than he appeared to possess.
Colton chuckled. “I regret to inform you, prince, that the offer was exclusively for rogues. Royalty are typically prohibited from approaching this camp within a thousand feet, as you discovered upon entering from the north. What interest could you possibly have in exerting any influence over our modest encampment?”
“I have a plan,” Jayce remarked, casting a swift glance at Molly. He appeared to be selecting his words with caution. “I intend to reconcile the rogues with the kingdom.”
Molly and Colton exchanged glances. It is evident that neither of them anticipated Jayce’s statement. He has never demonstrated interest in their politics or whether they have been wronged by the kingdom. She had only ever heard Jayce express disdain for the rogues—why did he wish to reintegrate them into the kingdom?
“How do you propose we accomplish that?”
“It will require time.” Jayce placed his hands in his pockets, yet Molly remained fixated on the bloodstains adorning his chest and neck. “I believe our collaboration could be mutually beneficial.”
Colton appeared utterly perplexed. He regarded Molly as though he desired her absence to speak candidly. She despised being regarded in that manner. She was an individual, not a sculpture. She experienced emotions and perceived that those around her overlooked this fact.
“I have always understood you to be the least engaged in politics. I would have anticipated the crown prince to approach me instead of you. What accounts for this newfound interest?”
“I am discreet regarding my opinions,” was all Jayce stated.
Colton drummed his fingers on his arm. He observed Jayce as though he were attempting to decipher a puzzle that should have been simple. “Is that the reason for your presence in the north? To eliminate several of my rogues and subsequently discuss peace? I find it unconvincing regarding the prospect of collaboration.”
“Whether rogue or not, they warranted their fate.”
“Valid observation,” Colton distanced himself from the fireplace and extended his arms broadly. “I am concerned that significantly more persuasion will be required for me to contemplate heeding your words. Surely, you recognise that there is a lack of trust in you among this group, and I would not anticipate their willingness to engage in dialogue in the near future. They will prove to be considerably more challenging to persuade than I.”
Jayce slightly narrowed his eyes. “Accompany me for a beverage, then.”
“I appreciate your invitation, but I do not engage in intimate relations on the initial date.” Colton turned away from them and proceeded to the door. “Join us for dinner at sunset.” His gaze shifted to Molly. “Solitary.”
