“That is exceptional, Molly,” he remarked, causing her heart to flutter unexpectedly. He glanced down just as she smiled, and she could have sworn the corner of his mouth lifted slightly. “How shall we apprehend him?”He enquired as though he sought to establish a connection between them. For the first time, it appeared he was genuinely interested in her perspective.
“We…” We can observe the market for several days. Assume a disguise and feign a visit to the villagers.
“He will recognise me immediately.”
“We can dress you in Colton’s attire to obscure your scent and-” Molly paused, then gently pushed his hair aside. He looked at her in astonishment but remained silent. “We can also place a hat on you.”
“You will be my wife,” he declared abruptly. His words rendered her breathless.
What?”I do not believe that would be a prudent idea; no one would accept that.”
“We are going to engage in pretence, are we not?””He advanced a step, necessitating her to tilt her head back to meet his gaze. He raised her hand, examining the scars that marred her skin—numerous ones that were previously absent. ‘I will even procure a ring for you.’
Molly compelled herself to articulate, yet no words emerged. His gaze enveloped her, evoking a sensation akin to impending submersion, and he was perilously near. She sensed the warmth emanating from his body and inhaled the tempestuous aroma of his skin.
He released her hand and proceeded towards the camp before she could voice any further objections. It took her a moment to regain her composure before she pursued him, hastening through the snow to match his long strides. Such beauty ought to be deemed a transgression.
He glanced at her with a playful glint in his eyes. “Return here in one hour.”
Among all the roles she had to assume, being his wife was the least expected. Molly rummaged through her wardrobe and selected an ensemble she believed would best assimilate with the local attire: a thick cream jumper layered with a black coat and boots designed to withstand severe snow. She gathered her long brown hair into a bun and donned a black hat that Naomi had gifted her. Uncertain if anyone would identify her by her hair, she opted to exercise caution.
Upon her return, Jayce was conversing with Beckham near her cabin. His gaze briefly lingered on her, but she was too preoccupied by his clothing to take notice. He was attired similarly to Colton, donning a tailored suit designed for snowy conditions and one of the numerous hats she had observed him wearing at the camp. As she approached, she noted a distinct scent emanating from him. She had never encountered Jayce in anything other than his elaborate princely garments and palace-themed ensembles, including those intended for winter weather.
Beckham glanced at her and provided a slight smile. “I will remain nearby in the trees; please refrain from searching for me.” He winked and patted Jayce on the back before proceeding towards the stables. He, too, was attired more like a villager. She presumed that their other garments had been damaged during the journey; she was reluctant to contemplate the events that transpired after her abduction.
Jayce took her hand and placed a gold ring on her finger. It was unadorned, merely a plain gold band, contrasting sharply with the extravagant gifts typically bestowed by princes upon their brides. This realisation provided Molly with some solace, as it confirmed the artificiality of the situation.
Molly exhaled when he relinquished her hand. “That was all I could locate.”
“It is impeccable,” Molly affirmed with a smile. He appeared slightly taken aback before dismissing it and guiding her to the horses.
“My horses are too obvious, Colton is letting us use one of theirs.” He stopped in front of a plain brown horse that looked like the rest of them. He gripped her waist and lifted her on the back of the horse. She tried not to think about how strong he was as he lifted himself up in front of her and guided the horse out onto the trail. Molly wrapped her arms around his waist and held on tightly.
The journey was shorter than she anticipated; it was indeed just beyond the hills, as he had indicated. They followed the primary route and arrived in under an hour. Passersby largely ignored them as they traversed the market. He directed the horse towards the location where the others were secured and dismounted to tether the reins to the fence before extending his arms to her. He carefully placed her in the snow and guided her hand to encircle his arm as they proceeded.
No one would accept this as plausible; it is inconceivable. Him? With her? They will undoubtedly ridicule and expose their deception at once.
Jayce placed his hand over hers and squeezed. “I can detect your heart racing beyond its normal rhythm.” Inhale deeply.
Molly inhaled deeply as she manoeuvred to avoid another couple. Jayce adjusted his hat to obscure part of his face.
Are you aware of the method to create the cure?Molly whispered as she surveyed the expanding crowd, yet no one appeared to acknowledge her or them. It was merely a fleeting glance before individuals continued on their paths.
“Yes,” he replied through clenched teeth. Molly looked up at him. Why did he always have to be so curt with her?
They halted before a booth abundant with spices. Molly absorbed the spectacle. Wait—was this the booth that contained the poison found in Vera’s soup? Could he possess it? It appeared he had an extensive selection. She lacked the time to enquire with Jayce, as he was already summoning the proprietor.
