“What?” Elliott enquired, directing his gaze towards her. “Designate a maid?”
A shy smile adorned her lips.
“I believe we should ascertain the identity of this maid. She may be his companion,” Kamila remarked with a humorous undertone.
The word has recurred. Comrade.
The Valerius royal house is renowned for its noble lineage and dignified heritage. In what manner could a maid become a prince’s consort? It was unfeasible and absurd.
I experienced nausea; for a brief moment, I believed I might lose consciousness.
Elliott glanced at Mr. Leon, a grimace contorting his features.
Elliott commanded, “Locate Jayce and bring him here immediately.”
Mr. Leon did not squander time; he proceeded towards the doorway to locate Jayce, but before he could advance, Jayce nonchalantly entered through the door.
I was aware of his excessive drinking the previous night, yet I was astonished that he exhibited no signs of a hangover. His sun-kissed complexion was refined, and he appeared stunning even in casual attire. No maid would venture to meet his gaze, lest they become ensnared in his tempestuous depths.
I experienced a flush in my cheeks as he entered the room.
He surveyed the assembly of royals, his frown intensifying as he fixed his gaze on Kamila. During my five years of residence in the palace, I observed that Jayce maintained a poor relationship with his family. Particularly Luna Queen Kamila. Nonetheless, the rationale for it remained unclear.
Indeed, there were speculations, but they remained merely that. Speculations.
Elliott admonished his son, “You are tardy.” “Once more.”
“I am present, am I not?” Jayce murmured, approaching an unoccupied chair at the table.
“I am disheartened by your actions; you were tardy for your brother’s wedding as well. You were aware of the significance of that occasion,” Elliott stated, attempting to suppress his ire, yet the rage of his wolf was still evident within him. His wolf’s honey-brown eyes glimmered as he spoke to his son. “How dare you show such disrespect to the Warrior Eldarion Pack?”
“However, I am not the groom,” Jayce remarked nonchalantly. “My punctuality had no effect on the wedding. Am I correct?”
Elliott inhaled deeply to temper his anger; Jayce was correct. His punctuality was inconsequential. It was unrelated to him.
Only I understood the reason for his tardiness, and the notion was repugnant. No bath was sufficiently cold to erase the memory and sensation of his touch on my bare skin.
“Very well,” Elliott ultimately remarked. “I will excuse you this time. However, what is this I hear about you marking a maid?”
I utilised the adjacent table for stability; I positioned the teapot upon it and clutched the edge tenaciously.
“I am uncertain,” Jayce stated devoid of any emotion. “I was inebriated.” He dismissed it as if it held no significance for him. “Your Majesty, may I commence my breakfast?”
He did not await Elliott’s response before thrusting a forkful of fillet mignon into his mouth. Elliott began to speak, but Kamila interrupted him before he could utter a word.
“Very well, dear,” she laughed uneasily. “This is Elsie’s inaugural meal since becoming part of our family. Let us refrain from spoiling it by expressing anger.”
Elliott exhaled, dissipating his frustration. He redirected his focus to his meal, which appeared to delight Kamila, prompting her to respond with a gentle smile. She focused on Mr. Leon, who straightened his posture, prepared for his instructions.
“Mr. Leon,” she commenced. “I request that you identify the maid whom Jayce appears to have designated.”
“Affirmative, your majesty,” Mr. Leon responded dutifully.
“Additionally, please proceed alone,” she remarked, casting a glance at the others of us positioned behind him.
He acknowledged her with a nod before turning to confront me.
“Serve the tea,” he commanded.
I adjusted my posture and seized the teapot from the table; as I proceeded towards the dining table, my foot caught on the extended foot of another maid.
Vera.
Before I could restrain myself, I was falling forward with the teapot securely in my grasp. However, it is not sufficiently firm to remain in my grasp. I descended to the ground and heard the clattering of the teapot in front of me.
Gasps emanated from the royal family as Jayce abruptly rose, his attire saturated with tea.
“How dare you show disrespect to the prince!” she hissed as she approached me.
I hastily rose to my feet, my face reddening with embarrassment. Luna Queen Kamila’s face displayed evident anger as wide eyes fixed upon me. My body trembled uncontrollably as I endeavoured to prevent tears from escaping my eyes.
Vera was incensed with me, yet this was her responsibility.
“I sincerely apologise…” I stammered to Jayce. “It was an inadvertent occurrence.”
His lip curled in revulsion as he gazed at me, yet he maintained a subdued and steady tone.
He enquired, “What is your name?”
I have lived in the palace for five years, yet he remains unaware of my name.
“Molly,” I responded feebly.
“Molly…” he reiterated, continuing to gaze around my figure. His gaze met mine briefly. “Flora.”
I sensed my face losing all colour. I began to object, asserting that he was incorrect and that I was not the one in the gardens. I could not permit anyone to discover that I was the individual he designated last night. I would face punishment, and any opportunity for freedom would be entirely eliminated.
I was prepared to implore his forgiveness, but then he proceeded with his statement.
“Please retrieve flowers from the garden,” he persisted.
I experienced a momentary relaxation of my body. However, I remained apprehensive due to my bewilderment.
