She observed Jayce conversing with Colton in the courtyard through the window. Their heads were inclined in an intense discussion. She discerned their seriousness from Colton’s expression, which was devoid of any humour. She believed that was unattainable for him.
Colton signalled to his cabin, and Jayce complied. Molly swiftly opened her door and encountered them midway before reconsidering her decision.
Molly greeted, “Good evening,” with a cheerful smile. Colton halted and smiled down at her.
“Ah, Molly. It is delightful to encounter you on this exquisite evening.” He extended his hand to caress her damp hair, which had already crystallised into ice. Jayce repositioned next to him, refraining from glancing at him this time. “It is advisable to allow your hair to dry thoroughly next time. Otherwise, you may remain cold throughout the night and awaken in an unclean bed.”
“It is nearly impossible for my hair to dry here; it requires at least several days.” Molly chuckled slightly. Her gaze shifted to Jayce, revealing a frown on his countenance. “What are you all engaged in?” she enquired, clasping her hands behind her back. Her curiosity had been consuming her for days. Jayce and Colton had been frequently spending time together, yet neither had mentioned it to her, as if their clandestine meetings almost every night during Jayce’s presence had not occurred. She recognised that it was probably related to politics and not her concern, yet she remained intrigued about Jayce’s activities.
“There is no need for concern. It is merely tedious conversation,” Colton remarked with a smile as he manoeuvred past her.
“Indeed, Colton is correct. It is not intended for individuals who wish to avoid the palace,” Jayce remarked as he walked past her without a single glance. He accompanied Colton into his cabin and shut the door, excluding her from the warmth inside.
The inquisitive gazes of the villagers were difficult to overlook as she navigated the diminishing throng. Their gaze shifted from her to the door, revealing a significant expression. Currently, she was unable to concern herself with their gossip or their opinions of her.
She surveyed her surroundings for a familiar visage but recognised no one. Naomi was absent, leading her to contemplate whether Naomi had retired for the night, and if Molly should do the same.
“I am uncertain how long Colton will permit this,” a man remarked softly to another. Molly reduced her pace while traversing the space between the cabins. “He is demonstrating his vulnerability to our adversaries.”
“It is widely believed that he has an affection for the maid. He is likely attempting to negotiate with the prince to obtain her.”
“Do you believe that is the focus of all their meetings?” The man emitted a repugnant laugh that caused her skin to prickle. “She is attractive, yet I believe she is not worth the attention of these royals encircling our camp.”
Molly clutched the cabin wall and glanced around the edge to observe two older men seated on a log while consuming beer. They disregarded their environment while maintaining their backs to her. Molly was uncertain whether to remain and listen further or-
“I believe the prince will lead to our demise,” one of the men remarked abruptly. The other halted his beverage and directed his gaze towards his companion.
“What leads you to that conclusion?”
“Isn’t it evident? He is present to assess the situation and inform his superiors of our true circumstances. Colton has conveyed that we pose little threat, contrary to previous rumours. He is essentially permitting them to reside here.”
“Huh.” His companion placed his bottle down. “I had not considered it from that perspective. They perceive our kindness as a sign of weakness, do they not?”
“I assert that one week post-departure, this establishment will be incinerated. The agenda of their meeting solely serves the prince’s interests, while Colton remains oblivious. The kingdom has sought dominion over us for years, and now they will finally achieve it. Colton’s trust in them is inexplicable.”
“We must take action before it becomes too late.” The man lowered his voice and surveyed his surroundings. Molly retreated further behind the cabin to remain unseen by him.
“What course of action do you propose?” his friend muttered. “He disregards our counsel, believing them to be virtuous individuals, despite having instilled in us a distrust of them for years.”
“I propose we confront the prince regarding his intentions and compel him to disclose his plans.”
“Have you encountered the man? He is reticent, and when he speaks, it is primarily to issue threats. We are unlikely to extract much information from him.”
“Perhaps we ought to adopt an alternative strategy,” his friend remarked. “Perhaps we ought to expel him before he endangers us all.”
“Are you insane? His guards will eliminate us before we make an attempt.”
His friend rose and forcefully set down his beer. “Shall we merely remain passive while he devises a scheme to usurp our authority? We must assert ourselves before it becomes too late.”
