I remain perplexed as to why Vera insisted I remain outside the door all night; it is unlikely that Lady Jane harbours any intentions of engaging with Jayce. If she possessed that intention, she would have executed it by now.
“His footman will arrive shortly to guide us to his chamber,” Vera remarked as she released her hair, permitting her lustrous blonde locks to cascade around her shoulders and down her back. “Which nightgown should I don for the evening?”
I observed her bed, where several options were already arranged, awaiting her selection. They were all intricately designed and appeared nearly identical, differing only in colour. The garments extended to her ankles, yet the neckline was sufficiently low to expose her breasts from certain angles.
I contemplated the options for a brief period, and she expressed her frustration with a groan.
“Today,” she asserted after I remained silent for several moments.
“The pink one enhances your appearance, my lady,” I replied.
She gazed at it briefly before seizing the black one.
“I prefer this one,” she remarked as she proceeded to change her attire.
Once she was out of sight, I expressed my exasperation by rolling my eyes.
Why did she enquire if she was indifferent to my perspective?
I heard a knock at the door and opened it; Jayce’s footman stood before us, bowing as Lady Vera arrived.
“Lady Vera, Prince Jayce requests your presence in his chambers,” the footman announced, straightening himself.
“Certainly, thank you,” she remarked while completing the adjustment of her nightgown and arranging her hair. I observed her scurry around her room to retrieve her slippers before joining the footman in the hallway.
I trailed closely as we proceeded to Jayce’s chambers. My heart was pounding vigorously against my chest. My fingers quivered and became increasingly damp as we approached his chambers. I envisioned his hands on Vera, and inexplicably, my stomach churned with unease.
I was aware that Jayce despised me, and I had no justification for feeling this distressed at the thought of him engaging in s****l relations with her. It was disheartening to realise that he did not even mark Vera that night, yet he continues to treat me with utter disdain in my presence.
I clasped my arms to my chest and sensed the goosebumps covering my skin. A tremor ran through my body as I felt a subtle chill. Vera directed her gaze towards me, her expression transforming into one of disapproval, and her lip curled in disdain as she scrutinised my visage.
“Do not even contemplate it,” she whispered, sufficiently softly so that the footman could not perceive.
I observed her with a furrowed brow, perplexed.
“Pardon me, my lady?” I enquired, blinking at her several times.
“Prince Jayce belongs to me. If you believe for even a moment that you can…” she attempted to articulate, but I interrupted her impulsively.
“I assure you, my lady, I have no desire for Prince Jayce,” I exclaimed.
She halted her stride and fixed me with an intense glare; a furious silver glint flickered in her eyes.
“You lack respect,” she spat as she strode past me to pursue the footman.
I inhaled deeply and unsteadily as I accompanied her to Jayce’s chamber door. The footman inclined his head to Vera before hastily departing down the corridor; Vera rapped on the door with excessive eagerness. As previously, I leaned my back against the wall to prevent my body from trembling uncontrollably.
Jayce opened the door and gazed down at an enthusiastic Vera. He briefly glanced at me; I met his gaze momentarily.
After curtsying, I stated, “Good evening, your majesty,” before resuming my position against the wall.
He uttered no words to me as he returned to his room; Vera did not even glance at me as she followed him inside. I exhaled while holding my breath.
As I had previously done, I descended to the ground and concealed my face in my lap. It was degrading to remain here and hear them. I anticipated the moments until I would begin to hear Vera’s moans. Her incessant loudness and his grunting were inescapable in my mind.
He referred to her as his mate, just as he did with me the night he designated me; I understood that I could not be his mate since I lacked a wolf altogether. Vera’s strong-willed nature and possession of a wolf made her an appropriate companion.
Vera indicated that Jayce possesses a specific preference, and she was correct. Lady Elsie and Lady Vera were both strong-willed and beautiful wolves, possessing blonde fur and fair, radiant features. Jayce informed me of his desire to sever ties with me, and I am perplexed as to why it affected me so profoundly. Possibly due to its detrimental effect on my ego.
I experienced emotional pain contemplating it, yet I had to dismiss the thought from my mind. I also did not desire Jayce.
Prior to hearing the moans, I pressed my hands against my ears to brace myself. If I began to mitigate the noise prior to its occurrence, it might not be as detrimental. I might attempt to sleep prior to its commencement.
I shut my eyes and experienced a brief relaxation of my body, but it was short-lived as the bedroom door burst open and Vera emerged from the room. She appeared alarmed, yet her eyes were misty, suggesting she was on the verge of tears or already weeping.
“My prince,” she softly addressed Jayce, who stood at the doorway with his arms crossed over his chest.
I observed that Vera’s gown strap was positioned midway down her arm, and her hair appeared somewhat dishevelled compared to its state upon our arrival at his chambers. I gazed between the two of them while rising to my feet, relieved that I did not topple again, attempting to comprehend the recent events.
“Are you certain you do not wish to proceed?” Vera enquired, gazing up with tears visibly welling in her eyes. “I might be able to…”
“No,” he replied, his tone laced with irritation. “You have accomplished sufficient.”
She recoiled at his words as if he had just slapped her across the face. She gulped and averted her gaze. She locked eyes with me, her previously shattered expression solidifying, and her lips pressed into a thin line as she gazed around my face.
“What are you gazing at?” she spat at me. “Proceed.”
“Indeed, my lady,” I replied, averting my gaze from Jayce.
