#Chapter 17 Gossip kills

Doris hurried through the halls back t o their room. She wasn’t sure if William was going to take Alec out for a walk—but he had to tell him before he went into another meeting with those people. What if they had already started trying to sway his people in this palace to trust them? They had to be stopped before it got out of hand—

“My lady—is something wrong?” A guard asked as she passed him. Doris knew her face must have been in as much of a panic as she felt.

Doris slowed her steps and turned to smile at the guard. She couldn’t let the palace know that there was something to be worried about. Not yet at least. “I’m fine. I just have to talk to William about something. Is he in the room still?”

“Yes, my lady. He hasn’t left the room today yet. He ordered lunch—“

“Thank you.” Doris turned away and pushed inside her room.

William was lounging on the couch with Alec asleep on his chest. His head was propped up by his fist and he raised his chin a little when sheentered. A ghost of a smile touched  his lips when he saw her. She swore she was about to melt from the sight. This was her little family—her beautiful family.

“We missed you.” He said when Doris closed the door behind her. She felt her heart skip a beat in her chest at his words. She sat next to him and ran her fingers through his messy hair. “TI shouldn’t have sent you away, we thought about you the whole time. I just thought Alec might have needed some alone time with me but I think we both prefer when you’re around.”
“Oh yeah?” Doris smiled as her world started to shift back into place. Her worries started to melt and all her horrible thoughts sounded silly in this moment. William moved slightly to lay his head on her lap. “I missed both of you too. I always miss you when you’re away from me.”

the kingdom. She wanted to stay in this moment forever and hear the sound of his sleepy voice as they talked lazily

wouldn’t be right to keep it from him for her own selfish reasons. Even if it meant wrecking this perfect moment that she had waited weeks for.

listened to her. “Hmm?” William closed his eyes when she brushed her fingers through his hair again. It was one of her favorite things to do and she didn’t think that would ever change. “I um... I heard something interesting on the walk.” Doris hesitated. “I was going towards the gardens and overheard the rulers from Eldon

a little under her touch. She looked down to see his eyes had opened a little. Already she knew he was on alert

were they

said. William sat up and put Alec in his crib before he focused on her. His blue eyes turned into a light storm as if it didn’t know

it sounded like they were plotting to get on your good side so you would trust them.” Doris took a breath. William was deathly still

you’re strongwilled but worth it... They want to find your weakness and poke at it until you come undone. I think they’re going to try and come for your crown,

stood as well when he started to move across the room like a storm. He grabbed finer clothes and changed into them before he brushed out his messy hair into something neat. He only ever did that when he had to make a scene

going to do?”

Alec, you are coming as well.” “Me?” Doris’s eyes grew wide. “ Wouldn’t this be royal matters—" “You’re coming. You heard

angry. Hallways parted for

have important matters to discuss that can’t wait.”

bowed before he led the

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