“I was assigned to oversee the rogues.”
“I just observed their food approaching, and I do not perceive you as the one to deliver it!” Mr. Leon narrowed his gaze as he scrutinised her from head to toe. “The library has not been cleaned since your departure. I require you to thoroughly clean it from top to bottom before the day’s conclusion. I will be inspecting your work to ensure it is executed correctly, in case you have overlooked any details.”
“Mr. Leon—”
“I do not wish to hear it! Depart!” he exclaimed. The words returned as a jarring reprimand that roused Molly from her slumber. She pivoted and hastened down the corridor, experiencing a resurgence of her former vulnerability. Her inner wolf struggled against the part of her that sought to comply with the expectations of others. She sensed Cordelia’s growl within her. Subdued and resolute, she desired to assert dominance, yet this was not the appropriate moment to permit her to do so.
She envisioned, with bitterness, his horrified expression upon realising he had shouted commands at the prince’s consort. It would be profoundly gratifying for those who belittled her to acknowledge her significance. What actions would they take upon reflecting on the harm they inflicted upon her while unaware that she was his mate? Will they experience remorse for their actions? Or would they wish she would forget it entirely?
However, she would prefer to never encounter any of them again. They were not worth her difficulties.
The route to the library was arguably the most recognisable section of the entire palace. She could navigate there with her eyes closed, not faltering a single step. Undoubtedly, it was her preferred location in the entire kingdom; however, she also recalled its deterioration during her absence.
Gradually, she opened the expansive doors, allowing the familiar creak to resonate within her bones. Would this perpetually be her existence if the king failed to recuperate? She could not fathom Jayce permitting her departure after all they had endured. His anger manifested each time she expressed a desire for freedom—the king was her sole hope, and now that hope appeared to be lost and disregarded. It was improbable that Jayce would permit his companion to depart without a confrontation.
Molly promptly retrieved all the necessary supplies from the storage cabinets to address the mess. Her mind became insensate as she reverted to old habits, scrubbing the floor on her hands and knees. Why had no one been assigned to clean during her absence? She had been expelled from the library long before she departed north with Jayce.
The sun began to set, and she could scarcely move by the time someone interrupted her. The imposing doors announced their arrival audibly, prompting her to crouch behind a desk to clean a neglected area. The reprimand had already unsettled her mind and instilled a fear of witnessing Mr. Leon’s disappointment.
“Molly?” a resonant voice enquired. Molly became immobile. His footsteps reverberated in the room and halted adjacent to the desk behind which she was crouched, as if he instinctively discerned her location the moment he entered, compelling his body to approach her.
“What are you doing down there?” Jayce enquired. He knelt before her, regarding her soiled rag with evident distaste.
Molly stated, “I was instructed to clean the library,” as she discarded the rag into the soiled bucket of water. Jayce seized her arm and compelled her to rise.
“You need not continue in this manner, Molly,” Jayce stated. “I believed I had articulated that clearly.”
“You may express that to me, but I cannot convey it to others, Jayce,” Molly whispered. She observed the large doors that remained ajar, contemplating whether anyone was lingering outside. “They retain the authority to command me, and I have no justification to refuse.”
“You are already aware of the position that awaits you, should you desire it.” Jayce circumnavigated the desk and glided his finger across the surface, as though inspecting for dust. Molly exhaled slowly. He would discover no evidence of dust in this location.
“I believe it would be imprudent for me to accept that offer, as you are still technically involved with another woman.”
“I can arrange for her relocation within an hour-”
“Nonetheless, I do not believe I am prepared to embrace that title,” Molly stated. He halted his pacing and regarded her, yet she continued unabated. “I care for you, Jayce. You are aware of that. However, I never aspired to be the lady of this palace; I simply require time to comprehend it.”
Jayce tightened his jaw. She braced herself for a potential outburst or vindictive remark aimed at her vulnerabilities, yet none materialised.
“You will serve as my personal maid. No one may request your assistance without my prior approval.” Jayce surveyed the library, which now gleamed with cleanliness. “Unless you would rather remain in the library,” he remarked with a hint of bitterness. She was unable to ascertain the reason.
“Is she truly your personal maid?”
“I do not require you to serve as my maid; I merely request that you accept the title, allowing you the freedom to act as you please within the palace without interference,” Jayce interjected. He elevated his chin slightly, and she could not refrain from admiring the prominence of his jawline. She attempted to dispel the thoughts before they diverted her attention. “Each prince is permitted to maintain personal attendants.”
“Jayce-”
“If you refuse to accept the title of my lady, you may at least acknowledge this: I do not perceive you as a maid, and I detest witnessing you in that uniform, scrubbing floors as if you are insignificant,” Jayce growled.
“Shall I occupy the room adjacent to yours?”
“You may take my bed for all I care.” Jayce turned and proceeded to the door.
“Where are you headed?” Molly enquired after him. She swiftly navigated around the desk and proceeded to follow him.
“I will inform them of your new title, and should they assign you to clean floors once more, I will remove their tongues and compel them to clean the walls with them.”
Molly had to avert her gaze to stifle her laughter. She was genuinely unsettled if she perceived that aspect of him as humorous, whereas she previously regarded it as frightening.
“Proceed to my chambers; I shall meet you there,” Jayce muttered.
Molly detached herself from him and complied with his instructions. She observed his retreating figure as he proceeded to the servants’ quarters, relieved that she was not required to accompany him.
His room was in complete disarray during her last visit, but now it appeared as orderly as usual. The fire was subdued, maintaining warmth in the room, while a tray of steaming tea awaited on the end table. Had he previously been here before seeking her?
“Jayce?” A soft, alluring voice emanated from Jayce’s closet. Molly halted before gradually retreating towards the door.
It was excessively tardy. Vera emerged from his closet clad solely in a lace ensemble of undergarments. “I have missed you immensely. I trust you do not object—What on earth are you doing here?” Vera snarled upon seeing Molly.
