“Pardon?” I enquired while I continued to comb her hair and secure it with her silver barrette.
“Jayce evidently has a preference,” she elucidated. “You are likely more informed than others regarding his liaison with Lady Elsie, given your proximity to the Crown Prince, Ashton.”
I raised my eyebrows at her.
“I would not characterise our relationship as close,” I stated, endeavouring to maintain a steady tone. I recalled his visit to the library on the day Vera compelled me to serve as her handmaiden. A month had elapsed since that time, yet my interaction with Ashton remained vivid in my memory.
He behaved peculiarly.
“A minor rumour circulates that he frequented the library. Did he not?” Vera enquired with a playful smile.
“I corrected, ‘He came for the books.'”
She chuckled once more. I endeavoured to conceal my irritation.
“Certainly, he did,” she remarked with apparent scepticism. She had no justification for disbelief. “In any case, Prince Jayce evidently has a preference, and you do not conform to that archetype.”
A minor furrow emerged between my eyebrows. I was uncertain about her intentions. What was the source of her concern regarding Prince Jayce’s opinion of me? I was not his partner, and his assessment of me should be inconsequential to her.
She may have been distressed due to his lack of communication with her. She was becoming increasingly frustrated due to his failure to invite her to share his bed. She expends considerable time and energy pursuing him, yet he fails to acknowledge her efforts.
I believe that would drive any woman of his to madness.
I opted to remain silent on the issue; the more I restrained myself, the more favourable the outcome would be. I had only a few months remaining before the king signed the amnesty and granted our freedom. I could not fail in this endeavour. Kylie and I were on the verge of departing from this place.
Upon recalling Kylie, my heart ached intensely. I had not encountered her since I assumed the role of Vera’s handmaiden. A month has elapsed, and I have missed her profoundly.
“Please retrieve some water from the kitchen,” Vera gestured dismissively while adjusting her gown.
I inclined my head towards her.
“Indeed, my lady,” I replied as I exited her chamber and entered the corridor. While traversing the corridor towards the grand staircase, I encountered Ms. Shirley, who moved with remarkable elegance. She offered a brief smile but remained silent as we walked by.
I descended the stairs and traversed the foyer; a part of me desired to visit Kylie in the maid’s unit, yet I was aware that Vera would enquire about my delay if I did not return swiftly. I traversed the kitchen and filled a cup with water.
Upon my return through the foyer, I observed several handmaidens positioned at the base of the stairs. They were gazing towards the main door, where the butler, identified as Roger, was positioned at the threshold and poised to open it.
I felt an intense urge to halt my progress and observe the door with the other handmaidens, intrigued to identify the visitor.
Upon Roger’s opening of the door, I perceived the presence of an individual possessing immense power. I immediately detected her luminous lavender fragrance, and her indistinct red aura emanated as she entered the palace.
Lady Jane.
I identified her almost immediately, despite never having engaged with her personally. She was a tall, slender woman with narrow, luminous features. Her hair was dark and cascaded down her back like molten dark chocolate. Her eyes were large and azure, resembling droplets of water that evoked memories of Prince Jayce’s gaze.
I am aware that Prince Jayce and Lady Jane have developed a close relationship over the years. Although I do not believe they have ever been romantically involved. I believe he holds her family in high regard. She was born into a prominent Beta family and was the offspring of one of the kingdom’s largest merchants. Jane was dispatched by her father to House Valerius to fortify their alliance with Jayce.
Lady Jane frequently visited the palace to assist with various chores related to Prince Jayce and to oversee the ladies of the palace. She occasionally resided here; however, I had never had the privilege of formally meeting her prior to this.
“Ladies,” Lady Jane remarked, gazing at the maids before her attention shifted to me. “I observe we have a new handmaiden.”
I was astonished that she recognised me.
I executed a curtsy and endeavoured to maintain my composure.
“Indeed, my lady. Molly,” I replied, relieved that my voice did not betray my anxiety. “I am the handmaiden of Lady Vera,” I elaborated.
