Morning arrived, yet Kylie had not returned from her night shift. Molly rose to cleanse herself after her journey before donning her old uniform. It felt exceedingly peculiar to re-enter it. She perceived it as curiously appropriate in every conceivable manner, as though it no longer belonged to her and she had appropriated it from another. How could she revert to her former self prior to their departure for the trip? The girl was buried the moment Molly discovered the wolf within her and understood how to assert herself.
Contemplating a return to her former self induced nausea. The individual who permitted herself to be nearly beaten to death and allowed those around her to trample her as if she were insignificant. Her internal wolf snarled at the mere notion.
Upon exiting the bathing chamber, Molly discovered Kylie unconscious in her bed, still wearing her shoes. Molly discreetly removed them and enveloped her in as many blankets as possible before exiting the door. They possessed a plethora of topics to discuss, yet she had to allow her friend to recuperate. She required it.
The hallways were utterly chaotic, even at this early hour. Servants were hastily traversing the corridors in all directions. Numerous individuals appeared as though they had not rested for days, and she feared they might faint if they did not take a moment to recuperate. Has the palace always been this chaotic? Only during events, not on a daily basis.
They disregarded Molly, treating her as if she were merely an inanimate object. It felt distinct compared to her previous visit, which had occurred not long ago, if she were truthful. What accounted for the distinct sensation? Kylie may have been correct; a darker shadow now looms over the castle that was previously absent. She sensed it almost instantaneously; everything was amiss.
Molly successfully avoided encountering anyone as she proceeded to the guest quarters. Despite Kylie’s preoccupation, she needed to ensure that the rogues were adequately cared for by the palace that was reluctant to accept them.
Molly knocked once on Colton’s door before it was abruptly opened, suggesting he had been anticipating her arrival.
“Ah, a welcome sight. Have you rested adequately, my dear?” Colton enquired with a half-smile that failed to illuminate his eyes. His attire was askew, and dark stains suggested his sleep deprivation; nevertheless, he appeared to be in better condition than she had anticipated. “Kindly enter.”
“I rested adequately, thank you.” Molly entered as he widened the door and surveyed the spacious room. It was equally exquisite as the remainder of the palace. “Have they provided you with any sustenance yet?”
“I presume they have overlooked it; there is no cause for concern,” Colton remarked casually as he positioned himself by the fire.
Molly pivoted to confront him. “Has no one provided you with anything since your arrival? I shall procure some food immediately.”
“Do not hasten, my dear. Please take a seat. We can afford to wait a bit longer,” Colton urged. Molly paused before taking her seat. Were those dark marks a result of his hunger as well?
“There is an anomaly present; I can sense it,” Molly remarked softly. The crackling of the fire was significantly louder than her voice. “My friend informed me that the Luna Queen has begun to assume authority since the king’s illness. I remain uncertain about my perspective on this matter.”
Colton inclined forward and placed his elbows on his knees. “Do you believe she is accountable for his illness?” he whispered.
Molly looked back at the door. “It is plausible. I believe it is highly probable that she sought to eliminate Jayce due to his potential threat to her authority. With his absence, the king’s health deteriorates? This scenario aligns seamlessly with her ambitions for usurpation. I surmise she did not anticipate Jayce’s survival from that afflicted village; she likely presumed he would succumb to illness, akin to his father.”
Colton tousled his hair with his fingers. “We must secure the crown for Jayce before it is too late. She evidently intends to exploit her own son to assume control.”
Molly remarked softly, “I am uncertain whether Prince Ashton is aware of her actions or if he remains oblivious. I cannot fathom that he would permit his mother to mistreat the servants as she has.” Prince Ashton consistently exhibited kindness towards her and all the servants—was he truly oblivious to his mother’s behaviour? “How are we to procure the crown for Jayce amidst the current turmoil? It seems there is a new concern at every juncture.”
Colton offered her a faint smile and extended his hand to grasp hers. “Have faith in Jayce; he possesses his own ambitions, and I am confident he will attain his desires. He is among the most resolute individuals I have encountered, even when he is exasperating.”
Molly exhibited a slight smile. “I will procure food for you immediately. You must be famished; I apologise for the lack of provisions.”
This time, Colton refrained from preventing her as she rushed to the door. How could she be so negligent as to ensure they were all nourished before retiring for the night?
The servants in the halls appeared to be engaged in a predetermined routine that no one would dare disrupt. They moved with expressions devoid of emotion, reflecting a semblance of fear. She failed to identify them as the maids and servants with whom she had previously collaborated, and they likewise did not recognise her.
The kitchens remained exceedingly hot. Amidst the rapid activity of those around her, she discreetly obtained a cart to load plates of food.
“Hey you! What do you believe you are doing in my kitchen?”
Molly turned to observe a tall man looming above her. He clutched a wet spoon in his hand, which dripped onto his clothes as he glowered at her. Molly cleared her throat and rectified her posture.
“I have come to retrieve meals for the rogues. They have not been fed since their arrival.”
The kitchen became quiet upon her utterance. They all fixed their gaze upon her, and it required all her resolve to remain composed and upright when her true desire was to vanish into the background.
“The rogues? We received no directives to provide them sustenance.”
“I am uncertain how that oversight occurred. They are guests of Prince Jayce and ought to be treated accordingly. We do not wish for them to suffer from hunger or create any disturbances, do we?” Molly stated, slightly raising her voice. Her hands trembled slightly at her sides.
“We typically await directives from Luna Queen,” the man stated. He grasped the spoon anxiously in his hands.
Molly stated calmly, “I could arrange for Prince Jayce to come down and speak with you all, if you desire.”
A fleeting expression of terror appeared in his eyes. She envisioned it would be even more terrifying for the prince to descend and berate them, regardless of the Luna Queen’s terrifying nature.
“No, that is unnecessary. We will ensure they receive their food.” The cook snapped his fingers, prompting a group of servants to bring additional trays of food to replenish the cart. In an instant, it was taken to Colton’s quarters, and the moment she exited the kitchen, she deflated.
“You!”
Molly nearly recoiled and promptly straightened her posture. Mr. Leon turned the corner and approached her with a resolute expression that she wished to avoid.
“What are you doing idly standing there? Go render yourself useful!” he exclaimed.
