“He…he stated what?” Molly sensed a subtle alteration in her surroundings as her concentration became somewhat blurred. The dress she wore was excessively provocative for her to manage this news. “Mr. Leon stated that you cannot depart unless I return?”
Kylie acquiesced, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “He merely informed me upon my arrival to bid farewell.”
Molly grasped Kylie’s hands while speaking, yet her thoughts were distant from her utterances. Jayce must have placed this order. He likely believed this would ensure she would not attempt to flee while they were in the north. She had not even contemplated the possibility of escape; her sole concern was survival in such a dreadful environment.
She believed it should have been paramount in her thoughts to seize the opportunity to escape him and this palace. Fleeing from Prince Jayce in a perilous situation was never a viable option for her. How would she sustain herself in the north without the royal guard and Prince Jayce? She lacked survival skills for the frigid snow and self-defence against wild packs, rendering her incapable of succeeding without risking death.
Jayce intends to reprimand Kylie due to Molly’s provocation of her ire. Did he genuinely regard her so insignificantly that he would involve her innocent friend to ensure she refrained from any actions? The audacity! Whenever she believed he possessed compassion, she was promptly disabused of that notion. She regretted ever feeling a semblance of empathy for the prince. Kylie did not merit enduring suffering for any duration required for her return. Their journey may extend for several months or longer. What if an incident occurred involving Molly while they were in the north? Will they retain her friend long after discovering her body? Or should she be relinquished by default?
Molly exhaled softly and embraced Kylie tightly. “I sincerely apologise, Kylie. I assure you I will return. The duration of my absence is uncertain, but I pledge to come back so you may regain your freedom.”
“And yours,” Kylie murmured against Molly’s hair. She withdrew slightly to grasp her shoulders. “It may be acceptable for me to await your arrival, enabling us to escape together as we originally intended. I would have remained nearby for your return regardless.”
“Relying on my return to determine your fate is unjust-“
“No, it is not,” Kylie remarked with a frown. “However, we have never had a voice in any decisions made here. I would prefer to know that you have returned safely rather than be left alone, uncertain of your whereabouts.”
“What if my return takes months? I will have no means to inform you of my return date.” Molly nervously picked at her nails as her thoughts began to spiral. “What if an incident occurs that prevents your liberation?”
“Molly! Refrain from speaking in that manner; nothing will befall you outside. Mr. Leon informed me that they are dispatching some of the most formidable guards alongside Prince Jayce; they will undoubtedly safeguard you as well,” Kylie said softly. There was no assurance that they would prioritise the protection of a maid when their duty was solely to safeguard their prince. Both parties were aware of this, yet it altered nothing. Molly must endeavour to survive not solely for her own sake.
She recognised her friend’s attempt to maintain an optimistic perspective, yet her subconscious incessantly echoed her own anxieties. She perceived her corset as suffocating, and the heat it generated was sufficient to induce faintness if she did not exercise caution. “Kylie, I am heading north. We are both aware of the terrifying accounts associated with that region. Recall the servant who was compelled to traverse the area to deliver a message? They reported discovering his body dismembered, with his head never located.”
Kylie’s brows furrowed in concern as she shook her head. “Refrain from contemplating such matters; he was journeying alone. You will be safeguarded by the royal guard, Molly. Had that man been accompanied by Prince Jayce, we are aware he would have endured. Despite Prince Jayce lacking his own pack, he transforms into an exceedingly perilous wolf. Among all the princes, I am relieved he is the one accompanying you for that reason.”
Molly was already aware of the perilous and intimidating nature of Prince Jayce. She possessed the scar as evidence. Numerous thoughts overwhelmed her, making it increasingly difficult to breathe. She was to be isolated with Prince Jayce for an indeterminate duration in the snow. She had no means of escape or self-defence, particularly against the prince should he become inebriated and attempt to assault her once more. She was aware that his guards would avert their gaze if he commanded them to do so. Indeed, Prince Jayce had refrained from any advances since she expressed her disinterest; however, she had not encountered him in a similarly inebriated state since that evening.
If she was not concerned about him, she was apprehensive about the rogue packs residing in that area. Those who would relish the opportunity to capture Prince Jayce or a member of his entourage in isolation for the purpose of tormenting them for amusement. She contemplated the veracity of the claim, questioning whether they were indeed eager to capture a royal figure and display him for their acquaintances to ridicule. What actions would be taken against those who accompanied him? Eliminate them sequentially, beginning with the weakest—her.
Uncertain of the additional perils that lay ahead, she recognised that each passing second intensified her fear of discovery. It had perpetually been her aspiration to depart from the palace grounds; however, now that she had achieved this, she yearned to stay within and seek solace in her familiar comforts.
“Molly?” Kylie clasped her trembling hands, anchoring her tumultuous thoughts to reality. For what duration had she been conversing? “It is understandable to feel fear; anyone in your position would be apprehensive about this journey,” Kylie remarked gently. “Recall your identity. I recognise your greater courage, which you often conceal from others; it is time to confront the fears that seek to ensnare you in despair.”
