Jayce sighed in exasperation and reclined once more against the bed. “That concludes our discussion, does it not? We can return to the camp and inform Colton that it was Luna Queen.”
“We lack evidence confirming her involvement. This is merely hearsay; do you not desire proof upon your return to the palace? Such evidence would substantiate her culpability in poisoning the soup and orchestrating the assassination attempt against you.”
Molly refrained from naming Vera, as it seemed inappropriate. She remained his partner, yet he had not referenced her throughout the entire journey, and following their shared experience, Molly found herself unable to cope with such profound guilt at that moment.
“It is improbable that we will uncover any evidence, as such matters are difficult to substantiate.”
Molly exhaled audibly and positioned herself on the bed’s edge. He was correct. Proving their assertions was nearly unfeasible; who would credibly accept their claims?
Suddenly, Molly experienced a moment of clarity. “You mentioned that many of the men are currently hunting, correct?”
“Indeed. Only a few remained.” Jayce stated with his eyes shut. She intended to shove him off the bed and compel him to bathe.
“Perhaps we should further investigate this location. We have yet to encounter the individuals who manage this establishment for Colton, but the map provided by Robbie includes all their offices. What if one of them possesses a letter or some correspondence from Luna Queen or your palace?”
Jayce gradually opened his eyes and sat upright. “They would not permit them to remain unlocked.”
“No, but we can still attempt to gain entry.” Molly rose and proceeded to change from her uniform into attire that was significantly more comfortable for movement. Upon her emergence, Jayce appeared somewhat more composed, having changed and made an effort to remove the dirt from his face.
He regarded her peculiarly, as though he did not truly recognise her.
“What?” enquired Molly.
“Have you consistently behaved this way at the palace? Trespassing into areas where you ought not to be?” His tone was somewhat more accusatory than she found agreeable.
“No, I have never committed a burglary. I was merely attempting to devise a solution to your dilemma.” Molly pivoted and opened the door before he could reply. “Will you be attending or not?”
Jayce gritted his teeth and exited the room after her. She perceived the surge of anger that traversed his face in response to her words. It was evident in the furrow of his brows and the rigidity of his shoulders. He was unaccustomed to her retorts; he would simply need to acclimatise. Her sole purpose for being here was to assist him.
He advanced slightly ahead of her as they traversed several hallways; she accelerated her pace and grasped his arm upon observing a group of girls approaching the corner. Jayce appeared oblivious to their gaze, seemingly unaware of the woman accompanying him. His lengthy strides made it nearly difficult for her to keep pace, and she was aware that he recognised her struggle.
“You appear dubious as you walk so swiftly!” Molly whispered. Jayce slightly reduced his pace, yet her legs remained fatigued.
“I am uncertain of your meaning; I am merely taking a walk with my wife,” he replied through clenched teeth. Molly exhaled in exasperation and gently pulled his arm to navigate the corner.
The hallways exhibited increased brightness and enhanced… assembled adjacent to the offices. The walls were not dark and grey; they were pristine white with gleaming floors. It felt as though they had entered an entirely new structure, and at that moment, she realised they were in the correct location.
Aside from the unexpected allure of the structure, there was not a single person present. Their footsteps reverberated against the stone floors, heightening Molly’s anxiety even more than when she was amidst a crowd. The silence was profound and desolate, amplifying her thoughts excessively. What prompted her to sense that someone was observing them?
Jayce looked back before attempting to open the main door at the end of the corridor. It oscillated but yielded nothing. Molly examined the map and observed that it directed her to a narrower corridor that diverged into multiple offices. Jayce struck his shoulder against it, yet it remained unyielding. Molly removed a pin from her hair and presented it to him. “Attempt this.”
Jayce regarded her intently before inserting the pin into the keyhole and forcefully striking it with his hand. The door opened immediately, and for a brief moment, Molly lost sight of their purpose for being there.
He drew her inside and swiftly shut the door. The hallway was shorter than the previous one, yet it featured multiple closed doors that Molly surmised belonged to the owners, as they appeared larger than their bedroom.
Molly attempted one and was astonished to discover it lacked a lock. She entered to observe a substantial desk and piles of documents scattered across every conceivable surface. “Dan Walts,” Molly read from one of the documents. “He manages the finances. All of these documents pertain to expenses.”
“I ponder whether he possesses the funds with which Luna Queen bribed him.” Jayce leaned over her shoulder and extended his arm around her to sift through some of the documents.
