Molly swallowed and nodded, reluctant to discuss her experiences. “I was.” At the age of sixteen.
“Then you comprehend a portion of my meaning.” It is unjust to have one’s life commodified by the palace, requiring permission even for basic autonomy. You are a young girl entitled to make choices. We, the rogues, arrived here to attain a life in which we can make choices without the threat of death due to financial deprivation.
“I do not comprehend.” What accounts for the numerous distressing narratives concerning the north? What is the rationale behind employing rogues who inflict suffering on others?Molly enquired, her gaze shifting to her bruised wrists, marked by the ropes’ friction. He likely observed this, as his expression softened slightly, along with his tone.
“We needed to establish our identity in this environment.” We cannot allow the kingdom to dismantle what we have established here. They attempted to intervene upon learning that we would no longer heed their ruling. They arrived with numerous guards to dismantle us, but we were ready and fought with greater ferocity than anticipated. We permitted only a select number of guards to endure in order to recount the narrative of their defeat.
Molly extended her sleeves over her hands. “It appears that certain rogues remain hostile towards others.”
“Regrettably, yes.” Certain rogues believe it is their responsibility to ensure that all newcomers to the north are attended to. Particularly if they are of royal lineage. I am aware that the royal family harbours resentment towards us and our autonomy from the kingdom. Upon learning of a prince’s visit, tension escalated, and I should have anticipated their reaction. I ought to have taken greater measures to avert it.
Not all royal family members harbour the resentment you presume. Neither Ashton nor Abel, nor even Jayce.” This was her conviction, at least. Despite the reprehensible nature of certain royal family members, she perceived virtue in those princes, including Jayce, beneath the surface.
“Are you alluding to Prince Jayce?””Colton expressed his incredulity.”
“Indeed, I refer to him-“
Prince Jayce has exhibited brutality since his arrival in the north. He has been behaving erratically since your abduction.
What is your meaning? I acknowledge that he defended himself during the ambush, but surely you comprehend—
“No, he has pursued rogues who intended him no harm in search of you.” As of my last update, he was systematically searching each village to confirm your absence.
Molly’s lips parted; she found it implausible. She assumed he would have visited the market by now and dismissed her from his thoughts. Why would he be searching for her so fervently?
“I apologise.”
What is the reason for your apology regarding his actions? He evidently desires your safe return, yet you are not an object of possession. You may opt to approach him if he is nearby, and I would not impede you; however, you also have the option to pursue your own course.
“I am akin to an asset to him and the palace.” I am a subservient maid to them; they determine my destiny.
“However, you are currently in the northern region.” Are you not?Colton smiled at Molly. “Their regulations do not pertain to us.”
Colton rose and retrieved the cake from the dresser. Molly observed as he approached and placed it in her hands. It was slightly warm, yet no longer steaming. She inhaled the aroma before taking a small bite. “His mother was once a member of our pack during my childhood.”
Molly raised her eyebrows and halted her chewing. “Prince Jayce’s?” Was the king’s destined mate a member of the pack?
Colton positioned himself beside her on the bed, causing a slight flush to rise to her cheeks. “Indeed, I was approximately four or five, so my recollection of her is vague, yet I have heard the narrative countless times.”
“The king approached another alpha to discuss the rogues. He was heavily guarded, preventing anyone from getting close enough to pose a threat. He must have sensed that she was his mate from across the camp, as he was instantly attracted to her. It is said that it was love at first sight for him, despite already having two children with his partner, the Luna Queen.”
Initially, his companion loathed him and his principles. Ultimately, she reciprocated his affections, and he returned her to the kingdom. She vowed to persuade him to alter his behavior—and he did, albeit temporarily. Upon her demise, everything reverted to its previous state. Some assert that conditions deteriorated following her departure.
“I learnt that he discovered her during one of her expeditions; I was unaware it occurred in the north.” Molly contemplated whether Jayce was aware of this or if it had been concealed from him. Were there still living relatives of his mother in the camp? She was uncertain how he would react to the revelation, but she recognised that he ought to learn of it eventually.
