In this setting, she served as a maid, assimilating into the surroundings while fulfilling the demands of others. A sense of dread coursed through her, attempting to weigh her down.
“Charming.” Luna Queen sniffed. Her gaze finally settled on Molly, and she wished to vanish completely. “You, I require your-”
“Pardon me,” Colton interjected promptly. He advanced to obstruct Molly’s line of sight. “Prince Jayce designated Molly to our group during our visit.” <text”I would prefer that you refrain from shouting at her as though she were a dog.”
Luna Queen opened her mouth, yet no sound emerged. Molly nearly gasped at his manner of speaking to her, which simultaneously exhilarated her.
“I should remind you where you are, Lord Colton. My hospitality has its limits.
Colton inclined his head slightly as she exited the room. Molly exhaled completely once she was finally out of view.
“There was no necessity for that, Colton.” Molly grasped his hand. She was profoundly appreciative, yet she wished to prevent him from facing repercussions due to her actions.
Colton grasped her hand and smiled. “I relish being a nuisance, Molly.” You are aware of that. Please escort us to our accommodations. I require some restorative sleep.
Molly retained a modicum of energy to smile and guided him to the guest accommodations. She ensured they were assigned the finest rooms before departing to allow them to settle in, proceeding directly to Jayce’s room.
Molly knocked tentatively. Two guards scrutinised her as she neared his room, yet remained silent. She was uncertain whether they recognised her, as she was not yet in her uniform. The thought of resuming her previous role was daunting. Would they assign her to the library? Perhaps she should consult Jayce about it once he recuperated.
Jayce remained unresponsive despite her louder knock. Were it not for his guards at the door, she would have assumed he was absent.
Will Prince Jayce? “It’s Molly,” she announced through the door. Her cheeks flushed as his guards cast her another peculiar glance when she nearly referred to him as Jayce.
A brief commotion was heard before the door was opened. He appeared dishevelled, and his room was in disarray, as though he had carelessly tossed everything about.
“You should leave; I am not in the mood,” he grumbled. Molly resisted the urge to sweep his dishevelled hair from his eyes. “I desire solitude.”
Are you well? I can prepare something for you, or if you prefer, I can make some tea.
“Refrain from doing that.” “Cease behaving as though you must attend to my every need at all times.” He seized her arm and pulled her inside before forcefully shutting the door.
She entered unsteadily and composed herself with a deep breath. “I was merely attempting to assist-”
It is unhelpful. I do not wish for you to assume the role of my maid at this moment!He yelled and kicked a discarded pot aside, causing it to shatter into countless fragments. “And do not even think about offering to tidy this room.”
“Prince Jayce, I am not attempting to-”
Jayce halted in his tracks and gradually turned to confront her. “Repeat that.”
“I am not attempting to-”
“No, not that, the portion preceding it.” He advanced towards her, causing her to momentarily hold her breath.
Prince Jayce?
“Why are you referring to me in that manner once more?” “You never hesitated to address Abel by his name rather than his title,” Jayce remarked bitterly. Jealousy permeated his tone, despite her having not communicated with Abel since prior to their departure.
Was he genuinely irate with her?
“We have returned to the palace; I assumed you would prefer me to address you as a prince, particularly in the presence of others.” I sought to avoid creating a scandal.
Jayce seized her chin forcefully, compelling her to meet his gaze. “I will disclose my desires to you.” I request that you refrain from addressing me in that manner henceforth.
Understood. “I will not,” Molly whispered. His gaze remained fixed on her lips before he released her. “Would you like me to accompany you when you visit your father?”She enquired after a brief pause to collect herself. Why did his abrasive demeanour consistently evoke a shiver in her? Jayce shook his head.
No. “That is a task I must undertake independently when I am capable.” He confessed. She became somewhat more sympathetic. Although she was aware of his anguish, she did not anticipate his candour. “He must loathe me for departing when he became ill.”
“That cannot be accurate.” “He understood the reason for your departure and even dispatched his finest men to ensure your safe return,” Molly stated softly. He perched on the bed’s edge, resting his head in his hands. She gently placed her hand on his shoulder and sat beside him. “I observed the manner in which he conversed with you prior to his departure.” He possesses considerable affection for you, despite his reluctance to acknowledge it.
Jayce scoffed at the notion, perceiving the idea of his father caring for him as utterly preposterous.
What if the Luna Queen is culpable for this as well? What if she becomes aware of my intentions and desires her son to ascend the throne immediately?Jayce clenched his fists in his lap. “She likely desires my father’s demise so Ashton can assume his position.”
“Should she assassinate the king, a substantial investigation would ensue.” Particularly following the incident involving your mother.” Molly swept his hair aside. It had grown somewhat longer during their journey, and she felt a pang of discomfort upon recognising her awareness of such details about him.
He remains my father. “Despite all he has done to harm me, he remains my father, even if he is indifferent,” Jayce uttered softly, requiring her to lean in closer to hear him.
Jayce abruptly rose and entered his closet. Molly surveyed the disarray of the room; part of her felt compelled to tidy it before his return, while another part wished for him to summon another maid. He was correct; it would be peculiar for her to resume the role of his maid after their shared nights, intimate moments, and fervent embraces.
It is not surprising that he dismissed the maids who displeased him. Would he treat her similarly? Or grant her autonomy only to abandon her when it suited him? She vowed to resist his entrapment, yet now she felt ensnared—uncertain if she desired to escape.
Upon his reemergence, he was devoid of any semblance of rogue apparel. He was attired from head to toe in princely finery, featuring a dark grey suit adorned with gold embroidery along the hem. His hair was meticulously styled, and he no longer bore any trace of roguish stubble on his visage.
