What actions had he taken against her? What actions had she taken against him?
I pivoted and proceeded down the corridor with Vera accompanying me.
“Maid,” Jayce remarked, halting my progress. I glanced to my side to observe him watching me. “Remain.”
“Are you addressing me, your majesty?” I enquired, blinking at him with evident confusion on my face.
“I do not observe any other maid present,” he remarked, accompanied by an eye roll.
Vera stiffened beside me but did not turn to confront him; she remained motionless in her position.
“Fetch me some tea,” he commanded as he re-entered his room, forcefully closing the door behind him.
I gazed at the closed door, my expression reflecting confusion. Uncertain about the appropriate course of action.
“You heard him,” Vera stated, a growl resonating in her throat. “Do not contravene the prince’s directives. Procure some tea for him.”
“Indeed, my lady,” I replied while descending the grand staircase.
I turned slightly to observe her remaining there; she was staring at his door with a look of uncertainty and fresh tears streaming down her face.
What transpired?
(Perspective of Jayce)
“Our companion is returning!” Zayden declared, his anticipation mounting as Molly’s scent intensified as she approached his chamber.
“Soothe yourself,” Jayce admonished his wolf.
He perceived a gentle knocking emanating from his chamber door and promptly rose from his bed to respond. Molly positioned herself at the doorway, holding a diminutive tray that bore a small teacup. She gazed up at him and bit her lower lip, her cheeks flushing as their eyes met.
“Do not frighten her away this time,” Zayden remarked with irritation in his voice.
“Silence,” Jayce retorted sharply.
“Your tea, Your Majesty,” Molly stated, appearing on the verge of tears.
He sighed in exasperation and moved aside to allow her entry; he gestured towards the table located at the opposite end of his room. She glanced at the table and, without uttering a word, approached it to set down the tea.
He closed the door and returned to his bed, observing her closely as she added sugar to his tea according to his preference and positioned the small serviette beside the cup. She cleared her throat, straightened her posture, and, upon glancing at him, her eyes widened as she realised he was observing her.
She executed a curtsy; Jayce was astonished that she maintained her balance.
“Do not intimidate her,” Zayden cautioned.
Jayce exhaled in exasperation once more.
Molly enquired, “Is there anything further I can assist you with?”
She feigned innocence, as though she had no desire for him. As if she were not conversing with Ashton regarding him. Despite her attempts to conceal it, Jayce could perceive the façade of her innocent demeanour.
He advances towards her deliberately, and her eyes widened as he neared. She took an unsteady step backward and swallowed with difficulty.
“Enquire, Molly,” he uttered, his tone subdued and laced with allure as he stood mere inches from her. “What prompted you to converse with Prince Ashton the other morning?” he enquired, scrutinising her features intently.
He observed minute beads of perspiration forming on her forehead as her anxiety intensified. Her body quivered in his proximity; the fragrance of roses emanated from her hair, enveloping him in comfort while simultaneously igniting a desire for her physique.
“Companion…” Zayden nearly wept.
“He requested that I meet with him regarding a personal issue,” Molly stated, her voice barely discernible.
She was deceitful; the guards reported that she had independently visited Ashton to discuss Jayce.
He suppressed a groan, aware of her deception.
“I must return to Lady Vera now…” she stated, her breath constricting in her throat and faltering as she spoke.
He derided while extending his hand, caressing the back of his thumb along her slender contours. She was the individual who stood outside his door the previous night when he returned from his evening outing. He was intoxicated, yet he recalled the sensation of her features.
“I doubt you will be returning there this evening,” he remarked, panting.
“Um…” she faltered anxiously. “Should you require my presence tonight, I can await you in the hallway, as I did previously for Vera.”
“No,” he stated, advancing a step towards her. “You will remain here.”
Her respiration became unsteady, and inexplicably, he experienced a compelling inclination to laugh.
“Refrain,” Zayden growled. “You are instilling fear in our companion.”
He extended his arm and grasped her wrist; she gasped in surprise and tried to escape, but he was too powerful for her. He drew her towards his bed, and she collapsed onto it. On this occasion, he did laugh.
“Awkward,” he murmured as she endeavoured to rise, yet he employed his arm to restrain her descent.
“Your Majesty!” she exclaimed as he mounted her.
He ascended his hands along the sides of her blouse; her slender form squirming uneasily beneath him, her respiration becoming increasingly laboured as he progressed towards her breasts. She recoiled upon hearing the tearing of the fabric and her breasts becoming detached from the blouse.
“You ought to feel elated to finally be present,” Jayce murmured. “Is this not what you desired?” he enquired, his voice imbued with seduction as he whispered into her ear. “This explains your visit to Ashton.”
Her body froze momentarily as his other hand traversed down her legs towards her inner thigh. Her body quivered beneath his touch; he observed the goosebumps adorning her delicate skin.
For an instant, he believed she had ceased to breathe entirely.
“You are mistaken,” she stated, her voice trembling.
