I will visit him. I will forcefully eject her from a window if she attempts to impede me.
Molly promptly rose and adjusted his attire. Her fingers nearly tempted her to disrupt his immaculate appearance to fulfil her desires, yet it was not the moment to wish for him to be anything other than his true self.
Are you certain you do not wish for my company? “I would not object to remaining with you all night,” Molly stated softly.
Jayce shook his head and gently removed her hands from him. “No.” I must converse with him personally. I desire complete solitude, devoid of any presence.
Molly nodded and smiled wistfully at him. She rose onto her toes to kiss his cheek. “I will be in my former rooms when you require me.”
You are not obligated to remain there. You may remain here.
“I am uncertain if that would be a prudent decision.” Vera is likely nearby; I am confident she will arrive promptly upon realising your presence.” Jayce grimaced at Molly’s statement, as though he had momentarily overlooked her. “Furthermore, I am eager to ascertain the well-being of my friend.”
“Understood.” Jayce exhaled and walked past her. With a final look, he abandoned her in his chaotic room. Just outside the door, she overheard Jayce instruct his guards, “I require two maids from the servants’ quarters to clean my room.” Do not enquire of the individual inside.
In the hallways, the atmosphere felt altered. It was as though she existed in body but not in spirit. She was familiar with nearly every step in the palace, yet now it seemed she was an intruder.
The atmosphere was disconcerting; individuals glanced at her as they walked by yet remained silent. No one acknowledged her, including the other maids she had known for years, who feigned ignorance of her presence. This should have elicited feelings of distress or unease, but she found herself indifferent to it all.
Once, she would have rushed to her room and wept over being disregarded by her former friends; that aspect of her was no longer present.
Molly turned the corner and proceeded to the opposite side of the palace, where she shared a room with Kylie. She briefly contemplated whether her friend was still present. It seemed like an eternity since they had parted ways, especially when Jayce ensured that Kylie’s destiny was intertwined with hers by compelling her to remain.
Molly clenched her fists at the reminder. Internally, she waged a relentless conflict. She yearned to vociferate at him for his numerous transgressions, yet simultaneously, she desired to obliterate those memories and embrace him as if he were an ideal partner. There was no tranquilly.
“Ah, Molly!”A voice echoed down the corridor. Molly swiftly turned to observe an unfamiliar guard approaching her.
“Yes?”
Prince Ashton has been informed of your return from your expedition. He is awaiting your presence in the library.
“Am I the subject?” “Oh,” Molly observed her soiled attire from the excursion. “I am currently unfit; do I have time to change?”
Regrettably, no. He requested your immediate presence.
The library appeared unchanged and remained as desolate as ever. The imposing wooden doors shut with a resounding thud behind her, a sound that had startled her during her initial weeks of employment. Now, it merely prompted a desire to retreat into her daily tasks and commence her duties. No, she was not present to serve as a maid; she was here at the behest of a prince, for reasons unknown.
Prince Ashton occupied his preferred chair adjacent to the expansive windows. Her feet instinctively guided her there, and an unusual sense of familiarity permeated her being. Did she genuinely yearn for this? Undoubtedly. The aroma of antiquated tomes and the tranquilly derived from this environment were extraordinary. This position was the sole employment she ever desired within the palace, even when it offered a lesser remuneration compared to other opportunities presented to her over the years. Preserving her mental well-being outweighed the pursuit of greater financial gain.
Prince Ashton sat with his blond head bowed over a book, his posture taut as if aware of her gaze. She recalled the initial day he entered during her shift and immediately occupied this chair without uttering a word. Much had transformed over the years.
Molly cleared her throat and bowed. “Prince Matin, did you summon me?”
Prince Ashton gazed upward, his smile illuminating his entire face. He appeared genuinely elated to see her, rendering her momentarily breathless. She was uncertain why she believed her absence would go unnoticed, yet here was an individual who evidently did care.
“Molly,” Prince Ashton rose and set his book aside before kissing her hand. Her cheeks flushed immediately at the touch. He had never before made physical contact with her, and she had not anticipated such an action. “I am delighted to finally see you; it feels as though it has been an eternity.”
“Indeed, it has seemed like an eternity.” Molly smiled and returned her hand to her side. “How have you been, Prince Ashton?”
Prince Ashton dismissed her inquiry with a gesture, akin to swatting away an insect. “The same.”
“Identical?” That cannot be accurate! I heard you married while I was away!Molly sprang on her toes, beaming. He observed her with a smile. “How exhilarating!” I regret having missed it; I am certain it was truly exquisite.
Prince Ashton’s expression dimmed slightly upon her mention of the wedding. He cleared his throat and attempted to restore his smile. “Thank you, Molly.” However, I did not summon you to discuss weddings; I wished to see you.
“Oh?”Molly chuckled apprehensively. “Regarding what?”
“I had not seen you in an extended period.” “I believed we could engage in conversation.” Prince Ashton promptly indicated the seat adjacent to him. On the modest table rested plates of delectable cookies and tea. “Please, take a seat.” <text”I trust my introduction of sweets into this space is acceptable, as I am aware of your preference for maintaining cleanliness here.”
“Certainly not.” Molly anxiously took a seat beside him. Her stomach was too unsettled to attempt any of the offered food. “Thank you for the invitation.” I apologise for not having sufficient time to alter-
“Nonsense, you appear exquisite,” Prince Ashton remarked. His emerald eyes glimmered as he gazed at her. Swiftly, he cleared his throat and continued before she could fully comprehend his words. “How was your journey?” Had I been aware that Jayce intended to bring a maid, I would have insisted he select an alternative companion. I apologise for the distress he caused you. I was not afforded the opportunity to bid farewell. Upon learning of your absence the following day, I felt compelled to dispatch additional guards to retrieve you.
His confession astonished her. Why would he be so concerned about her attendance? “Oh, it’s perfectly fine.” It was… It was intense; however, I believe it also yielded numerous positive outcomes. “I never truly had the opportunity to travel beyond the palace in that manner,” Molly confessed, tucking her dishevelled hair behind her ear.
