“Your Majesty?” I enquired, interrupting my thoughts as I performed a curtsy.
Alpha King Elliott confronted me, his expression reflecting perplexity. He surveyed the room briefly before his gaze settled on Jayce, who was just awakening, and ultimately returned to me.
I discerned his desire to enquire about my presence in Jayce’s chamber, a question I also contemplated.
“Molly,” he uttered my name as if he had pronounced it countless times previously.
I was astonished that he knew my name; perhaps the circumstances compelled him to learn and retain it. I must have appeared pitiable in his perception.
He discerned the expression on my face and offered me a gentle smile.
“I ensure that I am acquainted with the names of all my servants,” Alpha King Elliott stated, addressing my unvoiced inquiry.
I exhaled, somewhat relieved that it was not due to my present reputation within the palace.
“I am genuinely pleased to see you,” he remarked as he entered the room.
I sensed my breath constricting in my throat; I concealed my hands behind my back to prevent him from noticing their tremor.
“I wish to express my apologies for my son Jack’s conduct the other day. I would never have permitted him to inflict harm upon you without ascertaining your culpability,” he stated, inclining his head slightly towards me.
I exhaled and sensed my complexion flushing. He appeared genuinely remorseful, and his kind words resonated with me emotionally.
“Thank you, Your Majesty,” I stated, performing a curtsy. “I am recovering satisfactorily.”
“I perceive that,” he remarked with a subtle smile.
“What is your desire, father?” Jayce enquired, rising from his bed with his arms crossed over his chest.
“I enquired about your departure for the North,” Alpha King Elliott remarked, directing his gaze towards Jayce.
“At dusk,” Jayce replied.
Elliott exhaled deeply, appearing momentarily apprehensive.
“I wish you would not leave,” Elliott exhaled while looking at Jayce. “The North poses significant peril for this family. Once those rogue packs detect your presence and scent, they will relentlessly pursue your demise.”
“Do you genuinely believe Jack will cease his actions if I refrain from this course? Father, we must ascertain the identity of the individual who poisoned that soup and exonerate Molly. Kamila and Jack will pursue their enquiries relentlessly. Consider what he has already inflicted upon her…” His voice faltered as he met my gaze.
I sensed my face flush with crimson and my breath became constricted in my throat once more.
Was Kylie potentially correct? Was he undertaking this for my benefit?
Despite my confusion, it appeared that he was advocating for me.
Jayce cleared his throat and averted his gaze from me to speak to his father.
“If they can treat a maid in such a manner without hesitation, without ascertaining her innocence, one can only speculate on their potential for further malevolence,” Jayce remarked, his voice dropping, yet the menace remained palpable.
Alpha King Elliott seated himself on the sofa across the room, with Jayce following closely to accompany him. I perceived it as an opportunity to offer them tea while they continued conversing.
“If you must depart, I shall dispatch some of the finest guards to accompany you,” Elliott remarked while sipping his tea leisurely. “However, kindly exercise caution.”
“I will not concede without resistance,” Jayce remarked with a cunning grin.
Elliott glanced at me, prompting me to adjust my posture and offer him a cordial smile in response.
“I understand you will soon be authorised to return to the library, as per Mr. Leon’s directives,” Alpha King Elliott remarked, addressing me.
My cheeks reddened, and I nodded once.
“Indeed, your majesty. I am eager to return,” I replied slowly, relieved that my voice did not betray my anxiety.
I was taken aback by the abrupt noise of Jayce’s teacup as he hurled it onto the table and sprang to his feet.
“Since when has the King concerned himself with a maid’s employment? Did Ashton request her return to the library?” Jayce enquired, fury evident in his gaze, causing me to visibly tremble.
Alpha King Elliott gazed up at him in perplexity; he shifted his attention between the two of us briefly before his focus settled on Jayce.
“To the best of my knowledge,” Alpha King Elliott stated, maintaining a calm and steady tone. “What is the significance of that?”
“He desires her presence solely to gaze at her and indulge in fantasies of s****l intimacy,” Jayce retorted.
I gasped audibly at his remarks and stepped back; what was occurring? Why was Jayce so concerned about Ashton’s opinion of me? What significance did this hold for him?
Even if that were accurate, which it certainly was not, it would remain irrelevant to Jayce. Embarrassment permeated my expression, rendering me unable to meet their gaze. I gazed at my feet and inhaled sharply as they persisted in their conversation.
