After Jayce ascended and she grasped him, they commenced their journey. Colton assumed the forefront and guided them to his camp, where their destiny awaited. A portion of her wished that no one would be present, allowing them to return home unimpeded.
However, it was impractical to maintain such a perspective. Colton required their presence to regain the allegiance of his constituents. If they departed, that outcome could remain unattainable. Colton might never restore trust, and then what would ensue? Where would he turn, and what would he do with his life?
The journey continued as they gradually descended the steep slope. Molly compelled herself to shut her eyes to avoid witnessing their near-fatal tumbles before reaching solid ground.
The area grew increasingly familiar as they progressed. Colton preferred that no one advance to ascertain the presence of the rogues. He aimed to confront them directly and address any issues as they arose. Although this was not the most prudent strategy, it was the only option available at that time.
Colton guided them to the side entrance via the main road to avoid the impression of concealment. Molly clenched Jayce’s arm upon observing a group of horses ahead, which had not been present when she and Jayce departed the camp to assist Colton.
As they decelerated, their horses plunged into the impending chaos. Rogues were ubiquitous, an overwhelming multitude. She need not enumerate them to ascertain that they would be overpowered in mere seconds.
Mr. Hugh positioned himself on the diminutive platform that Colton utilised as his stage. He elevated his chin slightly upon observing Colton saunter through town, flanked by their adversaries. It was an unfavourable appearance; even Molly conceded that extricating themselves from this predicament would be challenging.
Jayce stiffened beneath her grasp, and she contemplated whether he shared her thoughts. He must have recognised their constrained options. Perhaps they should have departed when the opportunity arose. She doubted their chances of survival in this predicament.
Particularly when she observed several of them elevate their weapons slightly upon their arrival.
“Colton, it is gracious of you to finally join us,” Mr. Hugh stated above the crowd. Colton halted his horse at a respectful distance.
“I trust you all did not endure the cold throughout the night awaiting my arrival,” Colton remarked, attempting to be charming. Molly sensed her teeth beginning to chatter from anxiety rather than the chill.
I suspected you would not arrive here directly. You are predictable, Colton. It is an unflattering appearance.
Molly surveyed the crowd for Sir Antony, hoping he was in proximity. He was her sole source of hope for their survival.
Further along the road, she observed the elderly man sitting solitary on a bench. Although his expression was obscured from her vantage point, she wished for his apprehension regarding the impending event.
I take pride in this village. “Naturally, I intended to return to it,” Colton remarked, his voice betraying a feigned smile. “We can cease the games whenever you desire.”
“Games?” I am not the individual who escaped from a cell and absconded with the adversary during the night. What were your expectations for this outcome?Mr. Hugh enquired.
Indeed, well. You are the individual who confined your own leader in a dark cell instead of heeding my words. The rogues never betray their own.
No? It appears that the rule does not pertain to you, correct?
Colton chuckled softly. Molly observed Sir Antony rise, and her heart quickened with expectation.
If you believe anything could compel me to betray my people, you are gravely mistaken. We advocate for kindness towards outsiders. “That is the reason we were brought here,” Colton stated.
There exists a delicate distinction between extending kindness to outsiders and collaborating with adversaries. The royals are the reason for our presence here. They never exhibited concern for our existence or demise. They are the impetus for our flight from our previous lives in pursuit of freedom.
“If I may,” an elderly, sagacious voice interjected from behind Mr. Hugh. Molly adjusted her posture to gain a clearer view. She sensed Jayce’s hand atop her own, but she was unable to focus on that at the moment.
“Sir Antony,” Mr. Hugh remarked with a bow, shifting slightly to provide space. Colton also inclined his head in deference.
I contend that this has persisted for an excessive duration. Never have I witnessed rogues betray one another to such an extent since my involvement in this endeavour.” Sir Antony approached Mr. Hugh, casting him a disapproving glance. Molly would dread being the target of such scrutiny.
“My lord, I believe you are unaware of Colton’s actions towards his people.” He no longer possesses any sense of loyalty towards us, and this has been the case for an extended period.
“You assert that Colton is in the wrong, yet you have also brokered an agreement with royalty, Mr. Hugh,” Jayce declared, his voice resonating to silence all present.
A few gasps permeated the crowd; Molly was relieved she did not participate. All heads pivoted towards Jayce, with most regarding him as if he were the filth beneath their shoes. They appeared poised to unleash their pent-up ire, and Molly was at least grateful that she did not recognise any of them.
My apologies. What was that, Your Highness?Mr. Hugh spat. Molly could nearly sense Jayce’s anger intensifying beneath her hands. He exhaled deeply to regain his composure.
You. “You accepted a bribe from the Luna Queen to assassinate me,” Jayce declared. “I am aware it was you.” I encountered one of the assassins dispatched to eliminate me. Is collaboration with us contingent solely upon adequate financial compensation?
Silence ensued. Mr. Hugh fixed a piercing gaze on Jayce. “I am utterly perplexed by your statements, young man.” <text”I would advise you to be cautious with your words, as you are not in amicable company.”
“No, naturally you are unaware of what I am referring to.” I do not anticipate a deceiver to acknowledge his errors merely due to being exposed. “It must be in your blood,” Jayce remarked nonchalantly. Molly suppressed the anxious lump in her throat.
“Is this accurate, Mr. Hugh?” Did you receive a payment from the kingdom in return for Prince Jayce’s life?Sir Antony enquired. She observed Mr. Hugh shift his weight almost anxiously.
We required funds to renovate Life Pharmacy and settle our tax obligations. Mr. Hugh acknowledged, “I perceived it as a prudent decision; it would have addressed the issue of harbouring that adversary in our territory, even if it necessitated collaboration with another.” He appeared entirely unrepentant. “At least I did not permit them to reside with me—”
