“Molly, I sincerely apologise,” he uttered gently, his shoulders drooping. “I never intended to deceive you…”
“I fail to comprehend your actions,” I remarked, scrutinising him intently.
I was not angry with him; however, I was perplexed as to why he would deceive me regarding such a matter. I hoped he understood that a maid could not befriend a prince. We could maintain a cordial relationship, akin to that of Ashton and myself, but genuine friendship was unattainable. This realisation saddened me, as he had been a commendable friend, even assisting me with laundry for Lady Vera.
He was an individual in whom I had developed trust, and I experienced a sense of betrayal.
“I presumed you would not desire friendship upon learning the truth.” I did not desire your perception of me as a prince. “I desired you to perceive me as an individual…” he exhaled, locking eyes with mine.
My face flushed as warmth ascended to my cheeks.
“I cannot be your friend, your majesty,” I stated to him.
A subsequent wave of sorrow flickered in his eyes.
“I would appreciate it if you refrained from calling me that,” he remarked with a hint of sadness.
“Friendship is not feasible between us, Prince Abel,” I stated.
“What is the reason?”He enquired; he appeared on the verge of tears, and my heart ached for him.
“You understand the reason,” I informed him. “You are a prince.” Domestic workers do not associate with royalty.
“I can befriend whomever I choose,” he stated, sulking.
“I understand your perspective, and it is a lovely sentiment.” However, you are aware that this is not accurate. What would occur if someone discovered this? I cannot jeopardise my liberty…
My freedom was already jeopardised. If convicted, I would effectively forfeit my liberty. The sole means of escape from this situation appears to be in a casket.
I recoiled at the notion.
“Molly…” Abel murmured. “You are profoundly significant to me.” I did not intend to cause you harm. I desired a singular friend with whom I could authentically express myself. I can be authentic in your presence. Your humour brings me joy, and I have appreciated the moments we have shared. I did not intend to deceive you, yet I would never exchange those moments for anything.
A smile briefly graced my lips; his words were exceedingly kind. However, the sentiment quickly dissipated as I recalled my circumstances. I sank back against the wall, my gaze descending to my lap.
“I assure you…” Abel commenced. “We will extricate you from this place.”
“I fail to comprehend how,” I murmured.
At this juncture, I felt despondent. There was nothing he could do to assist me. I sensed that their opinions about me were already predetermined.
Abel stated, “Ashton and I are endeavouring to establish your innocence.”
My eyes widened; they were genuinely attempting to assist me?
“I am grateful to both of you for defending me,” I expressed. “Your kindness is appreciated.”
“You seemingly hold significant importance to Ashton as well,” he remarked with a gentle, albeit hesitant, laugh.
“You are both virtuous individuals,” I stated gently.
We are attempting to ascertain the individual responsible for preparing and serving the soup. We are also attempting to identify all individuals involved in transporting the soup to the dining hall.” He paused briefly. “However, Molly?”He met my gaze once more. “We are aware that it was not you.” You lack the ability to perform such actions.
“I would never intentionally harm anyone,” I stated gently. I was unable to…
I am aware. Ashton is also aware. “We shall establish your innocence,” Abel vowed.
I was unable to suppress a smile at his confidence.
I expressed my gratitude in a whisper.
“Perhaps once you leave this place, we can genuinely become friends?”“He enquired with a lopsided, youthful smile.”
I laughed softly and shook my head.
“You are aware that we cannot,” I stated to him; his gaze dropped.
May I alter your perspective?“He inquired.”
It is not a matter of altering my perspective. It pertains to the regulations. I must pursue them, and despite your princely status, you must pursue them as well.” I hesitated briefly. “Perhaps in a different existence,” I concluded.
“The regulations are nonsensical,” he murmured.
I laughed once more and shook my head in incredulity. He was unlike the other princes. He possessed a youthful quality, and it was evident that he yearned for enjoyment. He likely lacked genuine friendships during his upbringing, at least not authentic companions who appreciated him for his true self and sought his company for the pleasure of it. Instead, he probably had acquaintances who associated with him solely due to his royal status, treating him with deference.
I regretted my inability to be the friend he desired.
His gaze intersected with mine once more.
“Once we accumulate sufficient evidence to establish your innocence, we will present it to Jayce,” Abel declared to me.
I furrowed my brow, gazing at him in perplexity.
Prince Jayce?”I enquired, elevating my eyebrows. “Why?”
“As Vera is his lady, he determines your guilt and the corresponding punishment,” Abel elucidated.
I sensed all hue receding from my body.
Was Prince Jayce responsible for my destiny?
