“The tension here stems from concerns regarding my father. Additionally, Jayce’s unapproachable demeanour may contribute to the atmosphere.” He shrugged. “I recently returned from military camp, having been away for the same duration as you until I received news about my father.”
“Did it occur merely a few days ago?” she enquired with a frown. “I am curious as to why they did not attempt to inform Jayce. He received a letter indicating that the entire palace was ill, yet it did not reference his father.”
Abel knitted his brows. “It is peculiar that no one else has fallen ill here.” Molly disregarded the stares of her fellow maids as they openly gazed at her while she walked by. She no longer concerned herself with others’ opinions of her. She was no longer apprehensive about the influence of others’ words on her. It was nearly liberating.
“Ashton has been sulking, though the reason remains unclear. He exhibited this behaviour even prior to our father’s illness. I assume it has intensified since then,” Abel remarked softly.
“How peculiar…have you attempted to discuss it with him?” Molly enquired. “He appeared unaffected in the library.”
Abel appeared somewhat astonished. “Did you encounter him in the library? Hadn’t you just returned?”
“Indeed. One of his guards intercepted me in the corridor and informed me that he was seeking my presence,” Molly remarked with a shrug.
“Intriguing,” Abel mused. “Ashton is reluctant to discuss his emotions with me. If I were to speculate, I would assert that this change has occurred since his wedding. He has not exhibited the same demeanour since their marriage, even during the ceremony.”
“What? That is absurd! I believed they were in love?”
“Hmm, perhaps he harbours another in his heart,” Abel remarked, speaking softly enough for her to hear. The hallway was devoid of other individuals, yet that statement was rather precarious. “Disregard him; he is tedious. How was dear Jayce during your trip? Is he still as irritable as always?”
Molly chuckled softly. “He was frequently irritable, yet I believe he garnered substantial respect. I did not recognise the extent of his leadership capabilities.”
“A leader? Absurd, I would have never anticipated it!”
“He is indeed magnificent. His intelligence is remarkable, and I wish you could have witnessed it!” Molly exclaimed enthusiastically. Upon observing the expression on his face, she promptly composed herself. She did not require anyone to believe she had an interest in Jayce. She internally berated herself.
“I am confident I will witness it someday. He is an exceptional individual, and I can only surmise he would excel as a leader,” Abel stated.
They visited the servants’ quarters. Abel was attracting numerous glances; she nearly felt compelled to distance herself from him when she lowered her hand.
“I appreciate the escort.” Molly inclined her head. Abel smiled as he reciprocated the bow.
“I shall see you later, my lady. Endeavour to obtain some rest.” He prodded her dark circles, and she instinctively swatted his hand away. A number of maids inhaled sharply upon her action. Molly recoiled immediately upon recognising her error. A typical monarch would have imprisoned her for such an offence.
Abel merely chuckled and hastened down the corridor as though he had a significant engagement.
Molly traversed the gazes and hushed murmurs, ultimately arriving at her room. Kylie might still be on duty and not yet returned to their room, but she was indifferent. She would endure an entire day of waiting if necessary.
She abruptly opened the door and discovered Kylie reading under a dim light. She nearly recoiled at the suddenness, but instantly gasped and lunged towards Molly.
Molly chuckled as she apprehended her friend. She was nearly yanked to the ground, and it felt as though a multitude of tiny stars had ignited within her. Despite the negative behaviour of others towards her, she appreciated having a few individuals who genuinely cared.
“Molly! I was beginning to think you would not return!” She stepped back to examine her closely. “Observe your appearance! You appear remarkably… mature!”
“Mature? Is that intended as a compliment?” Molly enquired with a grin.
“Indeed it is, you imbecile! I cannot fathom your presence here! No one informed me; when did you arrive?” She pulled her towards the bed, and Molly was already aware that this would be an extended conversation. They had an abundance of matters to discuss. Molly remained uncertain regarding the extent of information she wished to disclose to her friend.
“We arrived recently. I needed to assist the guests, after which Prince Ashton requested my presence. Additionally, I encountered Abel.”
Kylie elevated her eyebrows and leaned in closer. “I observe you have swiftly regained their affections! That was expeditious,” Kylie remarked with a laugh. “Which guests are present?”
Molly expressed her disdain by rolling her eyes at her remarks. “Several rogues have arrived to visit the kingdom.”
“What? Rogues are present as guests?” Kylie exclaimed, her eyes widening. “The king would never permit that! Were he not ill, I would surmise he would expel them.”
“They are not present for conflict or combat; they are here in a peaceful manner.”
“They are—” Kylie dismissed the subject with a shake of her head and a wave of her hand. “We will return to that shortly. Please inform me, did Jayce express any romantic interest in you?”
Kylie’s inquiry ought not to have astonished Molly to such an extent, yet it rendered her speechless. One part of her desired to fabricate a narrative about Jayce, while the other part yearned to divulge every detail that her mind had retained since their initial kiss. It was reprehensible to harbour negative thoughts about her friend; she was aware that her friend would safeguard all of her secrets. However, she was unable to refrain from hesitating.
“We… had a satisfactory rapport during the trip. He was, admittedly, irritable at times, but that was anticipated.” Molly chuckled nervously and fidgeted with her nails. Kylie scrutinised her with suspicion, observing every subtle movement she made. Molly wished to sink into the couch and feign that she had not spoken.
“I did not enquire about that; I asked whether he made an advance towards you.” Kylie leaned in closer, as if attempting to penetrate Molly’s thoughts for the response. Molly was merely relieved that she could not witness all of her activities with the attractive prince. “He is infamous for enticing every attractive maid he encounters… do not tell me he refrained from making advances towards you during the trip. You were the sole female!”
Molly experienced an immediate flush in her cheeks. “I am unable to comprehend.”
“Aha! I was aware of it.” Kylie applauded, causing Molly to startle. “I anticipated his attempts to seduce you. I would not fault you for succumbing; he is exceptionally attractive. I too would have found it difficult to resist.”
“Kylie!” Molly exclaimed. A slight pang of jealousy arose within her at the notion of Jayce enticing any maid of his choosing. Indeed, he could engage in intimate relations with any maid or servant in her absence and would never feel compelled to disclose this to her. Another rationale for the imprudence of surrendering her heart to the beast. “This manner of conversation is inappropriate.”
