“Typically, I would anticipate additional dialogue to lighten the atmosphere, yet I must concede that I resemble you more.” Mr. Hugh impaled a piece of meat with his fork and took a substantial bite. Molly ultimately replicated the action and nearly expressed pleasure from the flavour. Had he not been positioned before her, observing her with such intensity, she would have consumed the entire plate within seconds.
“I am aware that you comprehend the true motive behind the prince’s journey to the north. Although I was informed he seeks a particular plant, I am convinced that this is not the complete truth.”
“His companion was poisoned by a plant exclusive to the northern region. We have come here to ascertain who procured it and the motive behind her poisoning,” Molly stated with composure, as though she had practiced the statement numerous times. Mr. Hugh elevated his eyebrows; her grasp on the fork intensified.
“His lady? I was informed you were his lady,” he remarked, amused.
“I am not his lady; I am merely his maid. His lady resides at the palace,” Molly stated cautiously. She commanded herself to refrain from blushing, yet her cheeks remained unresponsive. “He has travelled this distance to identify the individual who intended her harm.”
“Fascinating. Is his partner aware of your proximity to the prince, or is it customary for him to maintain close relationships with his attractive attendants?”
Molly ingested her food and placed her fork down. “As previously stated, our purpose is solely to locate the toxic plant.”
“Have you discovered it yet, given your time spent here?”
“We have. He has already identified the perpetrator.” Molly squared her shoulders. She understood that Jayce had not attempted to ascertain the precise location of the plant’s purchase, as he was already aware that Luna Queen had perpetrated the poisoning. Mr. Hugh need not be aware that they had not been probing that enigma. If he believed Molly was easily intimidated, he was gravely mistaken.
“Ah, who was responsible?” he enquired.
“Only he possesses that knowledge. He is exceedingly private regarding his affairs and is disinclined to disclose information to his maid,” Molly stated emphatically, as if to emphasise her point. “He is a man of few words.”
“You anticipate that I will accept the notion that the prince arrived here to ascertain the identity of his lady’s poisoner, despite the fact that he could have effortlessly dispatched a substitute?”
“I am uncertain of your beliefs, but it is a fact. We were scheduled to return on the day you assaulted Colton. The prince prefers to manage his own affairs.”
Mr. Hugh reclined with an unwavering smile. It instilled a sense of unease in her. “I believe the prince harboured ulterior motives for journeying to the north accompanied by merely a few guards and a maid.”
“A prince ought to have at least one attendant to fulfil his needs.” Molly blushed immediately after speaking, prompting Mr. Hugh to laugh.
“I surmise he does. However, I did not anticipate him exerting such effort for any maid. I have heard he engages with numerous individuals at the palace. Yet, here he stands, prepared to exchange valuable information for you.”
“He feels accountable for his constituents. He would not wish for me to endure hardship due to him—he is a virtuous individual.”
Mr. Hugh inclined towards the table and scrutinised her intently. Molly maintained her composure despite his gaze compelling her to retreat inward and vanish.
“I believe we have shown you sufficient kindness, given that you associate with our adversary. I had anticipated that you would be more inclined to be honest with me,” Mr. Hugh stated. She discerned the impatience in his voice.
“You confined me in a dim cell throughout the night.” Molly observed her soiled garments and arms. “I would not characterise that as the most benevolent treatment I have received. Should I express gratitude for not being abandoned outdoors, restrained to a tree?”
“Indeed, my associates were in a state of agitation searching for you throughout the night. Perhaps we should have contemplated securing you to a tree.” Mr. Hugh struck the table with his fist, causing her to flinch. “I am aware of your deception. I recognise that the prince harbours a more nefarious scheme, and I am not as oblivious as Colton to overlook it and allow my people to perish.”
He rose from the table, and their dishes were promptly removed. Molly had not yet completed her meal, and her stomach still felt empty. “I heard he took no action while that prince ravaged villages in search of you, slaughtering innocent individuals who posed no threat to him!” Mr. Hugh exclaimed. Molly perceived the room as having become indistinct. Her head was nearly too burdensome to raise.
“What type of leader prioritises his adversary over his own constituents? He condemned his own villagers to death for offending you, of all individuals!” Mr. Hugh circled the table and leaned closer to her face. She attempted to distance herself from him, but he restrained her resolutely. “What is the true purpose of your prince’s presence? Is he collaborating with Colton?”
Molly replied succinctly, “No.” It was the truth, and she was unwilling to provide him with any further information. Mr. Hugh growled and struck the sides of her chair with such force that she was convinced it would fracture. “He harbours no ill will towards the rogues; that is all I am aware of. We arrived here to locate a toxic plant.”
Mr. Hugh chuckled cynically and snapped his fingers. Two guards approached and compelled her to rise from her chair. “Escort her to the carriage. It is time to proceed to the church.”
Their holds caused her to flinch as they nearly transported her out the door. She endeavoured to match their lengthy strides, yet they ultimately pulled her along as if she were a dog. Molly looked up to find Joseph beside her, causing her to feel nauseous. Hours earlier, he was dancing with her in the snow; now, he was behaving as if she were indeed a captive. One whom he detested, indeed. How could he fail to comprehend that she required an escape?
They pulled her into the snow and compelled her into a waiting carriage devoid of any warmth to mitigate the cold. Joseph briefly made eye contact with her.
Joseph
He shook his head and forcefully closed the door. She instinctively sensed that something was amiss.
The church’s floor was nearly more deplorable than the snow outside. Upon regaining consciousness, she felt the cold stone sear into her back. Her attire was insufficient to combat the harsh climate.
Molly was certain of one thing: she was justified in her distrust of the food provided to her; nevertheless, her stomach craved more. She regretted not having cleared her plate when she had the opportunity, despite it being tainted. She would prefer to perish from starvation rather than endure whatever else awaited her.
Molly awoke to behold an intricately sculpted ceiling depicting a narrative of wolves fleeing from a realm. She immediately recognised that it conveyed the narrative of the rogues with a mere glance. It would have been exquisite, had she not felt as though every part of her was in torment. Whatever they administered to her induced a headache and rendered her limbs gelatinous.
