Prince Ashton regarded her with arched eyebrows. “Did you encounter any difficulties in the north?” I have heard it is quite perilous there, although I have not experienced it personally. I believe I have not slept adequately during your absence.
She swallowed, “Indeed, there was considerable peril.” Molly offered a half-hearted laugh. She was reluctant to acknowledge the presence of a wolf within her; that was a matter she needed to address with Jayce first. “Jayce safeguarded me, however.” I am appreciative of him. Not all rogues are as reprehensible as they have been portrayed.
Did he indeed?Prince Ashton adjusted slightly next to her. “That is unexpected.” I did not perceive him as the heroic type. Did you assert that the rogues are not as detrimental as perceived?Prince Ashton laughed as though she were jesting, yet she did not exhibit the slightest smile.
Molly was uncertain why it troubled her, yet it did. Jayce possessed numerous qualities, and evidently, his family failed to recognise any of the positive aspects. She attempted to change the topic. “Are you aware of your father’s condition?” I was informed that he was unwell upon our arrival.
Indeed. He is not performing adequately. “I am pleased that Jayce returned before any further incidents occurred,” Prince Ashton reclined in his chair. Molly’s gaze shifted to the gold ring adorning his finger. Why was he reluctant to discuss marriage? Molly would be thrilled to announce the news to everyone.
Is anyone aware of his condition?Molly enquired with trepidation. It was inappropriate for a maid to interrogate a prince, yet she had been doing so since her departure from the palace.
Prince Ashton appeared unfazed. He shook his head. “No, we have yet to ascertain what it is.” One day, he was unable to rise from bed, and all the physicians were perplexed.
“I sincerely apologise, Prince Ashton.” <text”This must be incredibly distressing for you.” Molly grasped his hand tightly. His gaze lingered on her lips for a brief moment.
“Have you read the book I gave you?””He enquired abruptly. Heat surged up her neck, flushing her cheeks.”
“I did not have the opportunity to progress significantly.” At one juncture early in the journey, we were ambushed, and it likely fell from my bag.
Prince Ashton appeared on the verge of deflation due to his profound disappointment. “Oh. It is unfortunate; I had composed numerous letters for you towards the conclusion.
Molly elevated her eyebrows in astonishment. “You did?” What was their subject matter?
His cheeks flushed as he stated, “I assure you, it is of no significance.” “I had merely hoped you would have had the chance to read them.” He abruptly rose and approached the window to gaze outside. “Would you care to accompany me for a walk?”
“A promenade?”Molly rose and adjusted her trousers. “I, um, have endured a rather extensive journey, your majesty—”
“It was indeed unwise of me to enquire.” Prince Ashton chuckled softly and ran his fingers through his hair. “Perhaps on another occasion?”
“Indeed, certainly.” Molly inclined her head. Prince Ashton’s gaze remained on her for a brief moment longer before he proceeded towards the door.
“It is a pleasure to have you here once more, Molly.” I longed for your presence.
As soon as the door shut behind Prince Ashton, Molly exhaled completely. That was peculiar. Prince Ashton had consistently exhibited kindness towards her, yet she never anticipated that he would contemplate her absence.
She was merely a maid, while he was wed to an attractive bride who was likely in the palace, pondering the whereabouts of her new husband.
Molly adjusted the cushions on the chairs out of habit. No evidence suggested that anyone had robbed this location during her absence. A multitude of books awaited organisation, while the shelves urgently required dusting and cleaning. She would have accomplished it had she not been so fatigued.
She had never experienced such a rapid depletion of her energy. The journey seemed to overwhelm her, instilling a profound desire to sit and sleep away the past few months of her life. Her body acknowledged its location and now solely desired rest.
Molly resolved to postpone the dusting and reading for another day. She exited the library and retraced her steps to the room. As she turned a corner, she collided with a solid chest that extended to stabilise her.
“Indeed, it is Molly!”
Abel embraced Molly in a bear hug and twirled her around several times. Molly unexpectedly laughed and clutched him, fearing she might slip from his hold. Upon being set down, she clung to him momentarily to prevent herself from toppling as dizziness overcame her.
“Abel! I did not anticipate encountering you here.” Molly smiled and folded her arms across her chest. He donned an elegant dark suit with red accents and a dishevelled hairstyle. “How are you?”
“I did not anticipate encountering you here! We received no notification of your return.” He smiled and rubbed the back of his head. His smile remained innocent and pure, enveloping her in warmth. She longed for him, a realisation that only dawned upon her at this moment. “I believe I am faring adequately, but you…”
Abel scrutinised Molly from head to toe, prompting her to wish for invisibility. She stamped her foot to compel him to glance back at her. “What do you want from me?”
“You appear somewhat altered.”
Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. “I have not yet had the opportunity to bathe. It has been an extensive journey-”
“No, that is not my intention! You are beautiful as you are. I meant that you appear to possess an inner difference, if that is comprehensible.”
Molly disregarded his compliment and concentrated on its intended meaning. How did he perceive that so swiftly? Her internal disposition was undoubtedly distinct… significantly more.
“Regardless, I am pleased to see you, dear Molly. These corridors have been unbearable to traverse since your departure.” He offered her a mischievous smile. She harboured scepticism regarding the veracity of any of that information. Abel was a recognised charmer, that amiable boy.
Molly lightly struck his arm, yet she smiled nonetheless. “Do not attempt to flatter me; I am aware that your sentiments are insincere.”
“I would not presume!” He recoiled from her, and she merely laughed more heartily. “The other maids are tedious and intimidated by me. None possess your exceptional qualities. Allow me to accompany you to your room.”
He extended his arm towards her, and she would not dare refuse him. She grasped his arm as he escorted her down the corridor.
“What has the remarkable Molly been doing on her grand adventure?” Abel enquired, slightly raising his voice. It was humiliating to be accompanied to her room by an elegantly attired prince while she was clad in tattered, soiled garments. However, at that moment, she was unable to muster any concern.
“Numerous elements derived solely from fairytales: ambushes, abductions, equestrian pursuits! An abundance indeed.” She omitted the fervent nights spent with his brother. The mere thought of them caused her to blush, and they were swiftly becoming an elusive memory beyond her reach.
He gazed at her with astonishment. “Indeed, I anticipated an intriguing adventure, but not to this extent!” He whistled. “What an era. I heard the north was exceedingly harsh and perilous. I am pleased to see you have endured it all. Everyone was convinced you would not return from the north, but I had greater confidence.” He prodded her nose.
Molly dismissed his hand. “It appears that everyone shares that sentiment. This may explain the lack of enthusiasm regarding our presence. I feel as though we have intruded upon a stranger’s residence, and the occupants are too apprehensive to request our departure.”
