“He is evidently undertaking this for you, Molly. He is attempting to establish your innocence. Yet another prince is enamoured with you,” she laughed.
I almost laughed; it was amusing to envision Prince Jayce prostrating himself before me. He loathed me; he made it painfully clear that he desired no association with me and harboured animosity towards me. He would not be undertaking any of this on my behalf.
It was intended for Lady Vera.
“You are being absurd,” I remarked, gesturing dismissively as if to swat away an insect. “Prince Jayce is undertaking this for Vera…”
“Oh, please, Molly,” Kylie remarked, shaking her head. “Jayce harboured no affection for Vera; this is evident to any observant individual.”
I gazed at her, perplexed.
“Certainly, he was fond of her; he designated her,” I reminded her; according to common knowledge, Vera was the individual that Jayce designated.
“He was intoxicated. He clearly recognised his error, yet his obstinacy prevented him from acknowledging it, leading him to designate her as his partner. However, it was destined to be ephemeral,” Kylie stated.
“Do you hear yourself?” I enquired, exasperatedly rolling my eyes at my incorrigible romantic best friend. “Jayce would not undertake such an action for me. He is indifferent to my well-being. His motivations are solely for Vera, which is the only logical explanation.”
“You may convince yourself of anything; I am merely conveying the information I possess. Jayce has been deprived of sleep for several days due to his relentless pursuit of the individual responsible for poisoning the soup. He has isolated himself and refuses assistance. He intends to journey North to uncover the truth, a venture that could very well be fatal. The poisoning was not intended for Vera; it was merely a tragic mishap. He would not undertake this for Luna Queen Kamila.”
She halted upon encountering my inquisitive gaze.
“He is undertaking this for you,” she stated.
I recognised the futility of disputing with her regarding a matter on which she had already formed a definitive opinion. Perhaps she was correct; perhaps Jayce was genuinely undertaking this action because he believed in my innocence and sought to demonstrate that to his family. However, it would be illogical for him to undertake that action on my behalf.
Why would he feign animosity towards me and express a desire for distance, only to subsequently exert himself tirelessly to establish my innocence? Would it not be simpler to declare me guilty and conclude the matter?
Jack and Kylie expressed something that resonated with me to some extent.
Jayce harbours a dislike for Vera.
Both appeared to share the same opinion regarding Prince Jayce and Lady Vera. It would be illogical for him to dislike her, given that he spent the majority of his days in her company. I overheard their s****l activity, and he appeared to be quite fond of her. He designated her as his lady, for heaven’s sake. What motivates him to engage in such actions for someone he initially held no affection for?
I was unable to cease contemplating the numerous occasions when Jayce attempted to impose his desires upon me. That evening, he noted my presence in the garden, the occasion in the hallway when he discovered me outside his bedroom door, and subsequently when he requested my company for the night in his chamber.
However, in two-thirds of those instances, he was unaware that it was I. He mistakenly believed I was Vera the second time, as he continually referred to me as his mate.
I lacked a wolf, thus I recognised it was unfeasible for me to possess a mate.
Nonetheless, a portion of me remained somewhat intrigued by him.
I needed to eliminate that thought from my mind to endure the upcoming months. I will likely forfeit that amnesty if I am not exonerated. I was facing a death sentence or potentially being condemned to perform menial labour around the palace until my demise.
A distressing thought weighed heavily on my heart, and I sensed tears welling in my eyes. I wished to refrain from crying at this moment; I had wept excessively over the past few days, leaving my face feeling tender. I could only speculate on my appearance.
I had to remain resilient to ensure my survival.
…
I spent the subsequent days recuperating with Kylie accompanying me. She delivered my meals to my room until I regained sufficient strength to rise from bed and ambulate independently. My body still throbbed from the assaults inflicted by Jack, and the bruising remained significant; however, I no longer felt compelled to remain in bed and languish.
Mr. Leon had, at one juncture, visited to enquire about my well-being. He stated that once I am sufficiently recovered, I will be able to resume my responsibilities at the library. I was gratified to learn that; I greatly missed my employment at the library. I regarded the library as my sanctuary and eagerly anticipated my return.
I doubted anyone would desire my presence as their lady’s maid given the circumstances that had transpired. I was now designated as a deceiver and a toxicant. I recoiled at the notion of their potential remarks about me.
Abel frequently visited me. We frequently shared meals and conversed as if we were long-standing acquaintances. I concluded that Kylie was correct and that it would be acceptable to have a genuine friend who is a prince. Abel required companionship as much as I did, if not to a greater extent.
Subsequently, I perceived a knocking sound emanating from the door. I observed Kylie, who was entirely unconscious in her bed. I smiled at my slumbering friend; she has been diligently assisting in my care. I must reciprocate her favour at a subsequent time. After I discerned how to accomplish that, I successfully persevered.
I exited the bed and donned a robe as I approached the door. I was curious about who might be visiting at this late hour.
I inhaled sharply while standing and gazing up at Jayce’s footman. He inclined his head towards me, a subtle smile gracing his lips.
“Good evening, miss,” he addressed me.
“Greetings,” I remarked with a slight curtsy, perplexed by his presence.
“I represent Prince Jayce. He requests your presence in his chambers for the night.”
