Her Unwanted Mate On The Throne

#Chapter 7 Gone but not far

A few days passed of endless diapers and late night wakeup calls for both 0f the new parents. Doris had barely slept during the nights, but she was given a break during the day whenever Beth came by. There was no one else she trusted to watch her baby while she rested.

William didn't trust anyone. When Doris mentioned what Beth had done for her, William stiffened but said nothing. Doris knew he was fighting the side of him that wanted to control everything around him.

"Please don't go." Doris begged Beth when she came by her room. "I'll give you anything you want in the palace!"

Beth laughed and pulled Doris in for a tight hug. "You got this, Doris. You don't need me to stick around here anymore! I'd only be in the way!"

"T don't know if I can do this without you. How am I supposed to get any sleep?" Doris whined. She knew she was being selfish, but she was honestly terrified to be without her friend. Since she had given birth, she had her constant support and help through everything. Even when William was gone all day doing whatever kings did, she was right there for her.

And now her best friend was about to go back to the north and leave her to figure out how to be anew mom on her own.

She was terrified.

"You're a natural, Doris." Beth pulled away and smiled at her friend. 'I met your maid, Penelope. She seems helpful and nice. Don't be afraid to trust more people around you."

"It's hard." Doris muttered. She sighed and rubbed her eyes. "Okay. You're right. I'll never sleep again I don't accept their help."

you need

offered a small smile. "I'm happy for you, Beth. I really am. I'm happy that you've

dear. I will be back i

might just give your spot away to another maid if you don't return to me." Doris teased. Beth laughed and they said their goodbyes

knock startled Doris awake. Penelope entered with a kind smile and a pot of tea. Her eyes went right to Alec who

you feeling, my lady?" She asked kindly as she set the

her eyes. " I'm

thought it had been some time since you've eaten and I

and tea and felt her stomach grumble. "It's quite alight, thank you. I hope it's not cruel to wish you might bring it

The maid clasped her hands in front of her. "I used to help my mother when she gave birth to my little brother. She would be up all night with him and barely had

listened to the girl. "How old were you when

during the days just so she could sleep." Penelope gazed at Alec with a smile on her

here? You don't

haven't heard from my mother since." She said sadly. Doris felt her heart turn in her chest. It felt similar with her own mother. It tooka long time for Doris to get over that wound, some days it

to open your trust to others, but I wanted to offer any assistance you need." Penelope bowed her head. "A mother needs to rest

you very much, Penelope. I truly do—but William and I aren't ready to let others watch him unless we know them well. Perhaps that will change in time." Doris smiled a little. Penelope smiled again and bowed her

would love that,

as soon as Doris was up with Alec. "Would you like some breakfast? I can have some brought." She offered as she started