“All information obtained will be disseminated at the conclusion of each day, without delay.” Beckham reclined and extended his legs onto the vacant seat beside him. Molly exhaled and observed the darkness recede outside the window.
Typically, she would be exceedingly anxious about proceeding to a location devoid of protection; however, her thoughts remained fixated on the bedroom. It was as if his touches were indelibly etched onto her skin, making her feel his presence persistently. If she raised her jumper, she might still observe his fingertips. She experienced some discomfort in that area, particularly while seated. That aspect was never referenced in her writings. She shifted uneasily and averted her gaze from him, instead focussing on the window, despite her desire to observe his emotions.
Did he perceive her in an altered manner? Or did he continue to perceive her merely as his servant, destined solely to fulfil his desires?
Her shame sought to engulf her. She sensed it gnawing at her chest and manipulating her heart as if it were a game. She was aware of the peril when she engaged in intimacy with him, and now she must confront her own conscience. She was weary of feeling guilty for indulging in personal pleasures; however, this could not be justified. She engaged in the singular action she vowed never to undertake.
Conversely, her fingers yearned to caress him once more, as if her body craved more despite her mind’s protests. It was unjust. Her intellect recognised the impropriety, yet her body yearned to ascend upon him once more and engage in illicit activities with the one man she had vowed never to contact.
“Are you well?” Beckham enquired of Molly. She jolted from her reverie and noticed him observing her tightly clenched fist. “You appear as though you are on the verge of striking a hole through the side of the carriage.”
Molly gradually released her grip and exhaled. “Indeed. I am merely apprehensive.” Her gaze shifted to Jayce, who observed her intently but remained silent.
Beckham smiled at her. “We have not yet arrived; that is when the true anxiety manifests.”
Molly…
The carriage abruptly halted, prompting Molly to awaken as Jayce prevented her from sliding out of her seat once more. “We have arrived.”
Molly gradually released his arms and nodded. “What was the duration of my sleep?”
“Hours. I was aware that our young prince possesses attractive shoulders, but I did not anticipate he would be so comfortable,” Beckham remarked with a wink. Jayce struck him with a kick. “Apologies, I intended to refer to James.”
Molly refrained from gazing at either of them. She placed her hands on her cheeks and inhaled deeply. She gazed out the window and observed that they had ceased moving; the darkness obscured further visibility. “What are we anticipating?”
Beckham stated, “The guards are verifying the paperwork with our driver, after which he will inspect the carriage before we are permitted entry.” He appeared significantly more composed than she experienced. “Appear natural; you do not wish to attract excessive attention.”
Molly opened her mouth to protest, yet she refrained from voicing her objections to avoid being overheard. No one sought her; they sought the prince beside her. Molly reclined as Jayce draped his arm over her shoulder. He averted his gaze from her during the action, leading her to presume it was intentional. It became increasingly difficult for her to compose herself and feign that all was well.
One minute later, the door opened, and a man in a dark uniform gazed inside. He scrutinised Jayce and Beckham before assessing Molly thoroughly, prompting Jayce to tense beside her. Molly nonchalantly placed her hand on his knee to soothe him. Or at the very least, hope he refrained from lunging at the man; the last thing they required was another deceased guard.
“Have you travelled far?” he enquired.
“Indeed, we are fatigued,” Beckham replied with a yawn. The man closed the door and struck its side, causing the carriage to lurch forward once more. She tightened her grip on his knee before swiftly withdrawing it. She was unable to feel at ease with him. It was unjust, and it would perpetually remain so.
Upon halting once more, the door was opened for their exit. Jayce exited first, then assisted her in descending and placed her hand on his arm. Beckham leaned languidly beside him.
A man of similar age greeted, “Hello, there.” He appeared fully alert despite it being the middle of the night. “You have chosen an opportune moment to arrive; everyone remains asleep.” He extended his hand to shake each of theirs. “I am Robbie, and I am here to assist you in acclimating before your inaugural day. Please follow me.”
Robbie retrieved Molly’s bag and guided her towards a structure that was nearly large enough to be classified as a castle. It resembled a vast institution where one path directed to employment and the other to accommodation. He directed them to the rooms initially.
“What is the duration of your marriage?” Robbie enquired casually.
Molly cleared her throat. “Approximately one year,” she replied swiftly before Jayce could interject. She rotated the gold ring on her finger to occupy herself.
“A year?” he exclaimed. “Married at a young age, are you? You are fortunate,” he remarked to Jayce, who continued to walk, gazing ahead. “Few women of that calibre exist in this vicinity; I would advise monitoring her.”
“I am capable of managing myself-”
“No one will harm her,” Jayce stated simultaneously. Robbie seemingly overlooked his possessive tone while continuing with a buoyant stride.
