“At the age of 16, my parents sold me to the palace, and I have not heard from them since. A significant portion of me harbours resentment towards them, yet a smaller part will perpetually wish for their well-being. This sentiment will endure, regardless of the passage of time.”
Jayce adjusted his position slightly to gain a clearer view of her. “Would you still wish them well, even after they commodified you?”
“I do. I wish for their survival, yet I also desire to sever ties with them. They exhibited no remorse for selling me and made no attempts to reclaim me, even after several years. Should I learn of any misfortune befalling them during my time here, it would deeply sadden me.”
Jayce scrutinised her expression as though he could decipher a nonexistent enigma. “I am uncertain if I could absolve someone for such an act against me. Although my father may have favoured my brothers, he never relinquished me. I commend your bravery in that regard.”
Molly experienced a flush in her cheeks. She was unprepared for his statement. “I appreciate it.”
Jayce averted his gaze and reclined against the couch. “I have not encountered any of my brothers since my arrival here. I attempted to locate Ashton and Abel, but neither has appeared.”
“They may be mourning in their own manners,” Molly whispered. “I am confident they will eventually acquiesce.”
“I am certain that the Luna Queen is culpable for this. She is the cause of his illness. She has been endeavouring to eliminate all impediments to secure her dominion over this kingdom via her inept son.” Jayce rose.
“How shall we prevent her?” Molly observed him pacing the room once more, as if his thoughts had become chaotic.
“If my father is unable to comprehend my perspective, I shall be compelled to seize my crown by force.”
“By inflicting harm upon Prince Ashton?” Molly enquired warily. He cast her an exasperated glance.
“Not directly. I will assemble an army. I possess numerous adherents beyond my personal guards. Many individuals have pledged their allegiance to me should I seek the crown. If Ashton refuses to relinquish it voluntarily, I will be compelled to mobilise my forces.”
Molly remained mute. She was unaware that Jayce possessed numerous supporters. “Do any of these individuals possess influence regarding the crown?”
“There exist nobles… I am confident I can acquire even more.”
“Jayce, are you prepared to initiate a conflict over this? Is this prudent? Perhaps we should await the king’s recovery.”
“If we delay, it will be too late! Luna Queen is executing her plans now while I am preoccupied with my father. This is precisely what she has always desired.” Jayce’s steps transformed into stomps. Molly rose to her feet.
“I understand it is challenging, but you might consider reclining to rest temporarily. It could clarify your thoughts.”
“I am aware of the necessary actions, Molly. You may either accompany me or remain an observer as I seize the crown destined for me.”
Jayce was soundly asleep beside her. She traced the contours of his back with the desire to outline them with her fingers. It was peculiar to be concerned for a man who was both strikingly handsome and ruggedly coarse. Her heart resonated solely for him, and if she contemplated too profoundly, she might uncover the essence of her emotions.
Kylie would relentlessly mock her until she confessed something absurd, such as being in love with him. Molly was entirely ignorant of the concept of love. No one had ever imparted to her the true meaning of it, and literature merely attempted to convey its embellished particulars. No tangible reality, nothing with which she could connect or comprehend.
Molly was uncertain whether to harbour resentment towards her emotions or to attempt to dismiss them. Did she love him more in her desire for him to remain than in her wish for him to depart? Could it be love to experience warmth in his presence and coldness in his absence? What is love when the man she cherished perplexed her more than he comforted her?
It was unjust to be a girl like her. Others appeared to instinctively recognise the appropriate moment for themselves. Everyone appeared to comprehend the essence of love, while Molly often questioned whether she experienced love or animosity.
Numerous maids in the palace had discovered clandestine, prohibited romances with other servants or guards. They confided their affection in secrecy and exchanged kisses in dimly lit corridors when solitude prevailed. She observed their certainty regarding their emotions. There was neither wonder nor resentment as experienced by Molly. The men assured their partners of their affection, but did Molly desire that reassurance? Did she desire her partner to consistently affirm his love for her to ensure she never forgot? Or did she desire whatever it was that Jayce provided her?
What if each individual encountered distinct forms of love while she was already overwhelmed by her own interpretation? The one that Jayce constructed for her over the weeks, and now she was reluctant to extricate herself to ensure her own safety. She desired to immerse herself in his distorted interpretation of love, provided it would endure. Provided it ensured his unwavering fidelity to her.
Her thoughts compelled her to toss and turn until she ultimately arose and donned a thick robe over her attire. She cast a backward glance at Jayce, who remained asleep, before she exited the door and entered the hallway. His guards cast her a single inquisitive glance before resuming their forward gaze.
Typically, when she experienced insomnia, she would visit the library and attempt to read anything to redirect her thoughts. It was remarkably tranquil within, her feet moved instinctively, guiding her precisely to her destination as though they were familiar with the routine.
Upon her entrance, she breathed in the scent of aged parchment. It soothed her mind and alleviated her most troubling thoughts until they became unrecognisable. Only she and the multitude of books provided an escape.
A voice from behind her remarked, “I anticipated finding you here.” Molly glanced to observe Prince Ashton ascending from his preferred chair. She had not considered searching there as she typically would; he was the most distant thought from her confused mind.
“Oh, Prince Ashton,” Molly intoned, bowing. “I apologise for the interruption; I shall take my leave.”
“No, I wished to see you here.” Prince Ashton smiled and proceeded to close the door. He maintained a slight opening, as if that provided them sufficient privacy. She compelled herself to remain in her position rather than expanding it further.
“How may I assist you?” Molly fidgeted with her nails and surveyed the dimly lit room. A few candles were dispersed throughout the area, insufficiently lit for her to discern him clearly.
