“No, I sustained several injuries, and he provided treatment. He is not the cause of my current situation. I was unaware of his identity when we first encountered each other.”
Joseph’s eyes expanded in astonishment. “It is indeed true that the founder of the rogues possesses the ability to heal with his blood. Previously, I had only encountered rumours and was unaware of their veracity.”
Molly experienced a slight dizziness and discerned that Joseph was not prepared to depart at that moment. She positioned herself on the edge of her bed. She was concerned that she might inadvertently reveal to him that Jayce had healed her as well, and she understood the additional complications that would entail for him.
Joseph averted his gaze to the door once more and positioned himself opposite her. “I know you must not think the best of the rogues, but we’re not as bad as you think.”
“I would like to be proven otherwise. So far, I don’t think it would be possible.” Molly said with a half hearted laugh. There was no way he could try to reason with her when she was a current prisoner.
“You know why we came to the north, don’t you?”
“I do now. Colton had told me the story when I first came.”
“Then you know how horribly we were treated by the kingdom. Your prince’s father has tried to destroy our peace for years and forced us to obtain a horrible reputation.”
Molly sighed and brushed her hair behind her ears. “Tell me why you think the kingdom is so bad if you’ve never been there. I’m not claiming it’s not; I just want to hear what you believe.”
“I don’t need to have been there to know it’s an awful place. I’ve heard all the stories of what my family and friends’ families have been through. Everyone that has come to the north is viewed as the lowest rank no matter what family we’re born from in the eyes of the kingdom. They have never had any respect for us or what we’ve been through; they even try to tax us so heavily that we can barely feed our families. They’re slowly trying to kill us out so there will be nothing left to stand against them.”
“They tried to tax you harshly here?” Molly straightened a little. She hadn’t heard that, she thought the north was separated from the kingdom.
“They do. One of our last leaders went to reason with them and get them to lower the rates but he was killed as a message to us all. We came here to be free, but they still have a hold on us. Knowing how poor we are here, they only make it worse. Did you notice how half of this building is falling apart?”
Molly nodded slowly. Half looked as if it was one earthquake away from crumbling to the ground. Now she understood why-and why they were desperate to fulfill any bounty on Jayce’s head or get a recipe for the cure. It would provide sufficient resources to cover any taxes imposed by the kingdom.
“What is the purpose of your disclosure? Just five minutes prior, you enquired whether I was the consort of Prince Jayce.”
“Since you asserted that you are a maid, I am aware that any servant within the palace would comprehend our plight and the liberty we advocate. We exist beneath another’s dominance, and it is challenging to escape it.” Joseph offered her a faint smile before rising to his feet. “I apologise for the imposition.”
“No, it’s perfectly acceptable. I value your candour and your allegiance to the rogues.” Molly also rose as he faced the door. “I can perceive your fervour regarding your origins.”
Joseph smiled before lowering his head. “I have expressed sufficient sentiments for today. I wish you well, my lady.”
Molly opened her mouth to rectify his mistake, but he had already departed before she could do so. She descended onto her bed and gazed at the ceiling. She was not anticipating that Jayce would genuinely return for her. Did he return before venturing too far, or did he never genuinely depart from the vicinity?
Why did he even attempt when he explicitly indicated that no one valued her, least of all himself? He ought to rejoice that one of his paramours was removed from his life, thereby absolving him of the burden of confronting her fate, rather than pursuing her for another attempt at rescue.
A sudden loud noise jolted Molly from her contemplation and propelled her out of bed. She surveyed her surroundings but was unable to ascertain the source. Shortly thereafter, she heard it once more, accompanied by the sound of fabric tearing as a window was forcefully opened. Colton emerged from the confined space and smiled at her.
“I believed he would never depart; how are you, my dear?”
“Colton?” Molly murmured, casting a furtive glance at the door behind her to ensure Joseph had not returned from the cacophony. She hastened across the room and ascended the dresser to observe him more clearly. “What are you engaged in out there?”
“I approached you to converse, naturally.” He smiled. Molly desired to embrace him while simultaneously throttling him. This was not the appropriate moment for his allure, despite her slight longing for him over the past few hours. She attempted to look past him, but was met only with a gust of frigid air that numbed her cheeks. “He is absent, dear.”
“Why are you not inside conversing with me? You are the proprietor of Life Pharmacy, correct?”
“Indeed, I do. Presently, as you are aware, we find ourselves in a disagreement, and I fear my presence will exacerbate the situation. I merely wish to converse with you briefly without further complicating matters.”
Molly enquired, “Where is Jayce?” and immediately regretted her question.
“He is well, exhibiting erratic behaviour by pacing my camp like a feral creature and growling at anyone who approaches or utters your name. Clearly, he is entirely normal.” Colton glanced over his shoulder before redirecting his attention to her. “I will endeavour to expedite your release using any influence I possess. They have not harmed you, have they?”
“No, they have demonstrated respect.”
“I am pleased to learn that remains unchanged.” He exhaled deeply and positioned himself on the frigid snow. She recoiled; it must have been excruciatingly cold. “Molly, I wish to convey something to you before I approach Jayce. I perceive you as an individual who genuinely appreciates me, rather than desiring my demise.”
Molly looked back before she positioned herself on the dresser. “What is it?” she enquired softly.
“Jayce intends to rectify the situation for the rogues should he ascend to the throne; however, I find it imprudent to place my trust in him. I have already forfeited considerable trust by permitting him to remain at my camp, and now I have inadvertently caused your imprisonment once more.”
Molly scowled. “I do not hold you responsible, Colton. You did not instigate this occurrence.”
“Indeed, you do not. You are the beacon amidst my present desolation. Do you fault me for desiring to dismantle House Valerius throughout my existence?”
“No, not after what I have discovered. I would desire the same if I were in your position, Colton. Their actions were inexcusable.”
