“Certainly, if you are willing to accept it.” “It is available for your utilisation as required.” Colton reclined slightly in his chair. “It possesses numerous applications beyond inflicting harm on others.” For example, one can chop food or trim their nails. Exercise caution, however. I once lacerated my finger when the blade was excessively sharp.
“I lack the knowledge to utilise a blade.” Molly placed it down and concealed it with the leather once more.
“It is quite simple.” You indicate and pierce. In truth, there is little more to articulate.
Molly expressed her exasperation, while Colton merely chuckled. “No, what I mean is—I have never truly…” possessed a weapon of my own. Even within the palace, it is prohibited for servants to possess a blade.
“Ah, but once more—you are not at the palace, are you?” You are in a perilous northern region, and you require an item of this nature to place beneath your pillow; otherwise, I fear you may never attain restful slumber again.
There was a melancholic tone in his words. Molly grasped the gift firmly. Colton remarked, “If you wish to discard it immediately upon leaving this place, you are entirely free to do so.” However, it would alleviate my concerns if you retained this with you until you reached a place of safety.
Thank you, Colton. “I mean it,” Molly whispered. He merely shook his head.
“Do not squander those words on me.” I had some garments delivered for you; they are in my bathing chamber. Take as much time as necessary and locate me upon your completion.
Molly observed Colton as he exited his cabin for her utilisation. He signalled for her to secure the door upon his departure. She hurried across the room to comply, subsequently verifying that it was firmly closed and locked. She proceeded to each window, unlocking and relocking them. After pacing the room numerous times, she ultimately went to cleanse the blood and gore from her skin.
She struggled to remember her need for air and life as the water attempted to submerge her, tempting her with eternal release. While she sat scrubbing her skin, she silently hoped that each minute in the tub would cleanse her of her past experiences. With each passing day, she emerged increasingly damaged, yearning to be reborn. She desired to be the palace maid, too fearful to meet others’ gazes, concealing herself in the shadows to avoid detection.
The maid seemed increasingly distant, as though she had ceased to exist.
Upon her emergence from his cabin clad in a new ensemble of winter attire, she experienced an unprecedented sense of detachment, as though she were observing herself from a distance rather than fully present. Naomi hurried towards Molly, with Colton closely trailing, and enveloped her shoulders with a substantial shawl.
“Oh, you unfortunate individual.” You ought not to be here; let us procure some nourishment while I examine your injuries.
“I am well,” Molly stated, her fingers grazing the blade at her side as if to reassure herself of its presence. Colton appeared satisfied with her decision to carry it, though she felt she had no alternative. Evidently, peril persistently pursued her, even in the most inconspicuous locales.
“You must allow me to assist you in dressing for this evening,” Naomi stated with a gentle smile.
“I will simply don this, Naomi.” Thank you, nonetheless.
Naomi cast a glance at Colton beside her. “You will be the guest of honour, Molly-“
“Naomi, she is free to wear whatever she chooses.” “Her attire is the least significant aspect in a situation like this,” Colton remarked. He placed his hand on Molly’s lower back and guided her away from the assembled crowd. They regarded her with a hint of pity in their gazes, which she despised. She loathed being the victim once more.
She observed their avoidance of the route leading to the village centre or camp. He deliberately guided her back towards the frozen lake, and she appreciated the diversion.
What is significant about tonight, precisely?Molly enquired as they sat on the same log as the previous day.
Colton offered her a smile that failed to illuminate his eyes. “This evening will mark the conclusion of their insurrection against me.”
As night fell, the wind subsided. Molly moved to a cabin adjacent to Colton’s, avoiding the bloodied one she had vacated. A thick, red velvet dress was left on the bed, presumably intended for the full moon that evening. She lacked the desire to appear presentable; instead, she wished to merge with the crowd until she could discreetly retreat to her room once more.
A loud knock startled Molly. Recently, she had been more easily startled than usual. She swiftly concealed the dress in a bottom drawer and unlocked the door. Colton appeared in an elegant red suit, sufficiently warm for the cold. He smiled at her, seemingly unfazed by her lack of the provided gown.
It was peculiar. She appreciated not being regarded as a servant in this environment, yet she felt compelled to glance over her shoulder before exiting. Her trust in the individuals around her was nonexistent, even towards those who exhibited kindness. She realised her distrust extended universally, with the sole exception of Kylie. She could invariably rely on her friend and found herself yearning for Kylie’s presence at that moment.
