“We are unaware of that. Hence, I must travel to the North to ascertain who purchased that manchineel,” Jayce contended.
“If he touches her, I will kill him,” Zayden growled. “We must extricate our companion from this location.”
Jayce suppressed his anger and spoke to the guard who had escorted her here. He stood in the corner of the courtroom, observing the proceedings.
“Escort her to the maid’s quarters and her former bedroom,” Jayce commanded. “The maids will inform you of the location of her room.”
Kamila exhaled sharply.
“What?” she enquired, astonished. However, Jayce disregarded her.
The guard complied with instructions and elevated Molly from the ground. Jayce faced Mr. Leon, who was positioned at the rear of the courtroom with a group of maids.
“Leon, accompany them. I require you to ensure her safe arrival,” Jayce commanded.
Mr. Leon stiffened yet lowered his head.
“Affirmative, your majesty.”
(Molly’s Perspective)
I regained consciousness in a location distinct from the courtroom; that was the final recollection I had prior to losing consciousness. I opened my bleary eyes, and the sunlight streaming through the window nearly blinded me. I averted my gaze to shield my eyes from the sun, yet my entire body protested the abrupt motion.
“You are awake!” Kylie remarked upon entering the room.
“Kylie?” I enquired, overwhelmed with joy at her presence, but as I attempted to sit up, another wave of pain coursed through my body.
I recoiled in pain, and my whole body quivered.
“Do not attempt to move,” Kylie instructed, frowning as she approached my bed. “You have endured significant adversity.”
I was in my former room, the one I shared with Kylie during my time in the maid’s unit. I was perplexed as to the rationale for their invitation.
“What transpired?” I enquired, my voice hoarse and raspy as I articulated.
“Prince Jayce commanded your arrival here,” she elucidated.
She delicately elevated my head and positioned a cup of water at my lips for consumption. The chilled liquid entered my mouth, alleviating the discomfort in my throat; I exhaled in relief as I reclined my head once more.
I was astonished that Prince Jayce commanded my transfer to this location. I anticipated they would return me to the prison cell. They did not establish that I did not poison the soup; they merely demonstrated that Zoe was responsible for adding the flower to it.
“Zoe?” I enquired, recalling the tribulations of the courtroom.
Kylie glanced downward momentarily.
“She is in custody,” she clarified. “I never anticipated she would be capable of such actions. No one was aware she was involved with Jayce.”
An unusual pain tugged at my heart and ached in my chest at Kylie’s words. I averted my gaze and grimaced to conceal the anguish evident on my face.
Zoe likely acquired the latest gossip prior to others due to her intimate involvement with Jayce. She must have approached him sufficiently for him to disclose information to her. Or sufficiently proximate to eavesdrop on conversations.
Her actions to attempt to implicate Vera suggest a strong affection for him. I pondered whether he reciprocated her feelings. He likely did at some point.
What I failed to comprehend was, if he engaged in s****l relations with a maid prior to Vera becoming his partner and before he designated me, why was Zoe not the initial maid he approached?
She may have been the initial maid he examined, albeit discreetly.
“Are you well?” Kylie enquired, scrutinising my face intently. I recognised that I had not spoken for a moment.
“Affirmative,” I responded, clearing my throat. “Apologies. Why would Jayce prefer my presence here instead of at the prison? Have they identified the individual responsible for poisoning the soup?” I enquired.
She lamentably shook her head.
“No, but I understand he is travelling North to ascertain the identity of the purchaser from the Black Market,” she replied. “I am uncertain as to why he desired your presence here. Perhaps it was to ensure that someone would attend to your needs. Consequently, I have been granted a few days off from my responsibilities to provide you with care.”
I felt a sense of relief upon hearing that; I missed her immensely and was pleased to be present with her.
Kylie expressed her excitement, stating, “Oh! Prince Abel will likely arrive shortly.”
I scowled and raised my eyebrows.
“He has been visiting frequently to enquire about your well-being, nearly every hour, wondering if you are awake and assessing your condition,” she chuckled, her cheeks flushing slightly. “He appears to have profound affection for you.”
“He is an exceptionally good individual,” I remarked, observing her for a brief moment.
“He appears to be a good friend,” she remarked, a slight smile emerging on her lips. “Having an insider as a friend is advantageous.”
“We cannot befriend princes, Kylie,” I reminded her, attempting to suppress my laughter.
“Occasionally, rules are intended to be disregarded,” she remarked with a shrug.
I had never observed Kylie in such a manner before; she consistently adhered to rules due to her apprehension of facing consequences. I restrained myself from laughing, aware that the act would induce pain, which my body cannot endure further.
A faint knocking sound startled us as the door creaked open slightly. Abel’s head appeared as he surveyed the room briefly before his gaze fixed on me.
Kylie curtsied as Abel entered the room, addressing him, “Your majesty.”
“I informed you,” he stated, gazing at her. “There is no necessity for formality in private settings.”
