“Greetings, attractive young woman,” they uttered in unison. Molly discerned that they were likely twins, one male and one female.
Molly smiled and performed a curtsy. “Greetings, how are you?”
Indeed!”They laughed before hastily departing and bidding farewell. Molly observed their exit.
What is the number of children residing here?
“An excess beyond my ability to monitor.” The males here are unable to refrain from engaging with their wives, resulting in frequent occurrences of infidelity. Wolves occasionally exhibit a lack of self-control.
Molly experienced a flush of warmth in her cheeks. A fleeting image of Jayce crossed her thoughts. She shook her head, attempting to erase the memory of the night he restrained her on the damp grass. If she did not exercise caution, her embarrassment would resurface. Momentarily, she contemplated his whereabouts and well-being. She was confident he was fine; Colton would have informed her otherwise. Information appeared to circulate swiftly to him.
A strikingly tall woman clad entirely in black approached them directly. Colton stood upright at the sight of her. “Leah-“
“Lord Colton,” she acknowledged with a nod and a smile. She redirected her gaze to Molly, observing a slight falter in her smile, though it remained intact. Molly swiftly released her hold on his arm. “You must be Molly.” “Please come; Sir Harrison wishes to speak with you.”
Molly looked up at Colton, her eyes questioning, but he merely smiled in response. “You’ll like him, don’t worry.” I assure you he does not bite; he is too old for such behaviour.
“Ah, do not allow him to hear you say that, Colton.” “He will demonstrate the severity of his bite,” Leah remarked with a smirk. Colton observed her as she turned to lead, his gaze descending to appraise her physique. Molly flushed and averted her eyes until he regained his composure.
“This way,” he instructed. She accompanied him to one of the larger, more ornate cabins. While it was challenging to deem any cabin as luxurious in this setting, this particular one appeared more refined than the rest. It featured an intricate floral design carved into the wood and artwork reminiscent of magnificent locales she had never visited.
An elderly man sat by the crackling fire with his back turned to them, while Colton signalled for her to take a seat on the couch.
Upon the old man’s turn towards her, a spark of recognition ignited in her mind. “Ah, I am familiar with you!”Molly stated that it was the elderly man from the palace cell, the individual who had treated her injuries after Prince Rowan had nearly killed her.
He smiled. “Molly, I am pleased to see that you are well.” “I had anticipated you would have fewer bruises.” His gaze traversed the marks on her face.
Molly swiftly glanced at Colton. “You!” You were the masked individual, correct? I recognise your voice from that location!
Colton raised his hands. “I would have rescued you as well, had I realised your beauty then.” Leah glared at Colton and stepped on his foot. He grimaced.
Sir Harrison laughed softly. “Regardless, I am pleased that you are alive, Molly.” I have continuously contemplated you since our initial encounter.
“I never had the opportunity to express my gratitude for your healing.”
“It is unnecessary, my dear.” “Unnecessary,” he dismissed her remarks with a gesture.
Sir Harrison is the originator of the rogues. A man from the kingdom exploited his benevolence and abducted him to present him at the palace as a trophy. I believed I would embody the hero I am and save him on the day we first encountered each other.
Molly elevated her eyebrows. “Founder of the rogues?” Oh my,
She may have misjudged them ultimately. The founder had mended her injuries in the cell, and the leader had liberated her from captors. These were not the deeds of savages; they were the actions of virtuous individuals.
I regret that we were unable to extricate you that day. Upon our return for you, you had already departed and were at your trial.” Sir Harrison inclined forward gradually to touch her hand.
Molly smiled and shook her head. “You have done enough for me; please do not concern yourself with that.”
“I was giving Molly a tour of the camp to provide her with an understanding of our lifestyle and environment.” “We are not entirely devoid of civility.” Colton reclined against the mantel and folded his arms.
“How do you find your experience here?”“Sir Harrison enquired with kindness.”
Molly paused. “I… I presume it is pleasant. It is entirely different from my expectations.
“Did you anticipate feral wolves and pyres?”“He inquired.”
Molly chuckled softly. “Something of that nature.”
“Linger for a time, and I am certain you will observe one or the other,” Sir Harrison remarked with a smile. “You are welcome to remain with us for as long as you desire.”
“I must return to the palace.” I remain employed as a maid there.
“Only if you desire to be.” “You may attain freedom here.”
She might attain freedom here. For the first time in five years, she could experience liberation.
