“Oh my, have you ever visited?” Molly enquired as she descended from the small platform the seamstress had instructed her to stand on while she fastened her corset.
“I have done so once, but-” The seamstress faltered. “Never again. Exercise caution and remain near those who will protect you.”
Molly remarked, primarily to herself, “I believe they will prioritise the prince’s welfare, yet I shall make an effort.” The seamstress chuckled softly.
“I believe that is one of his preferred colors,” she indicated, pointing to Molly’s dress. Momentarily, she contemplated removing it and incinerating it, but the impulse dissipated far more swiftly than it would have the preceding day. Fragments of their conversation lingered in her mind, despite her desire to concentrate on other matters.
Molly administered a dose of her medication prior to exiting the corridor adjacent to the seamstress. A guard nearby offered to transport the bags to the stables for loading upon noticing Molly’s injured hand. Despite the guards’ intimidating presence causing her to flinch, a semblance of kindness persisted within the palace.
By the time she arrived to inspect, the kitchens had already dispatched the bags of food prepared for their journey to the stables. She needed to bid farewell to her friend before departing. It was uncertain how long she would be absent or whether Kylie would still be present upon her return.
Regrettably, Kylie was absent upon her entry into their room. She was reluctant to depart without bidding farewell to her friend, yet she recognised that Prince Jayce would honour his promise and seek her out if she did not return to the stables promptly. Molly composed a brief and heartfelt note to her friend prior to packing several personal belongings, including the poetry book gifted by Prince Ashton, into a small bag before departing.
Her anxiety heightened as her thoughts remained tumultuous. If there existed a place more undesirable than the palace, it would be the north. Molly had exclusively encountered dreadful narratives about the region, detailing the brutal actions taken against outsiders or those deemed untrustworthy. They harboured a profound disdain for the royals, and she was on the verge of embarking on a journey with one directly through it. Each step she took intensified her nausea at the thought. What actions would they take if they apprehended her in solitude? Would Prince Jayce genuinely safeguard her, or would she be sacrificed as a diversion for his escape? She had no doubt that the guards would utilise her as bait if they required an escape.
Molly nearly collided with Kylie as soon as she exited the palace. “Kylie, I just left our room in search of you. Where have you been?”
Kylie’s eyes were wide and slightly teary; Molly frowned. “What is occurring? What are you doing outside at this late hour? You will catch a cold.”
“I needed to speak with you prior to your departure,” Kylie stated with a tremulous voice, appearing on the verge of tears.
“What topic did you wish to discuss?” Molly caressed her friend’s arm and directed her gaze towards the stables. He could certainly wait a minute or two while she assisted her friend. Otherwise, she would willingly confront his anger to save her friend a few minutes.
“You will return, will you not?” Kylie enquired, brushing her hair from her damp eyes.
“Certainly, I will.” Molly paused. “Provided I am not consumed by the wolves outside, I suppose.”
Kylie refrained from smiling or laughing; a part of Molly speculated whether this was due to her concern about that precise occurrence befalling her. Kylie weakly remarked, “Do not utter such a statement.” “Those packs are dreadful, Molly. I regret that you must depart. I wish someone else would go in your stead or that he would go alone.”
Molly whispered, “I wish so too,” while surveying the vicinity to ensure Prince Jayce was not present to overhear their discussion this time. Upon glancing back at Kylie, thick tears cascaded down her cheek. “Please do not concern yourself excessively with my well-being, Kylie. I am confident you will depart before my return.”
“What do you imply?” Kylie enquired.
“I am confident that the amnesty will be enacted by that time. I merely hope you will be nearby for me to locate upon my return.” Molly smiled and caressed her friend’s arm. She was aware that they had consistently intended to depart together; however, she did not wish for her friend to postpone her departure in anticipation of her return if she was available beforehand. They would ultimately reunite and pursue their aspirations of a distant locale that bore no resemblance to the palace.
“That is precisely the point, Molly.”
Molly knitted her brow. “What is it?”
“Mr. Leon stated that my name will appear on the list solely if you return safely; otherwise, I may never attain freedom.”
Perfect!
Quando os próximos serão lançados???
I love it