Her Unwanted Mate On The Throne

#Chapter 8 I thought he took you away.

“You surprise easily, don’t you?” Prince Martin smiled as he walked in, a familiar sight she started to crave that a bit of kindness around here. Doris pushed her brown hair behind her ear and returned his smile, her cheeks already warmed under his gaze.

She watched as he went to browse the same shelves quietly as he always did. Doris worked up the nerve to follow him and offer her help this time. She was determined to talk to him a bit more than she had been before. Her silly nerves always got the better of her and kept her silent around him—afraid she’d say something that would embarrass her. He was always so kind, she would be so lucky to have him as a friend—

“Why weren’t you here last Thursday?” He casually asked over his shoulder before she could say anything.

The question startled her for a moment until Prince William’s face flashed in her mind. Doris quickly shook her head to clear him free of it. She did not need to remember the disaster that happened last Thursday, or picture that mans face. She hadn’t had a nightmare since he claimed Melody as his new lady, Doris didn’t want to risk triggering new ones. “Oh! Prince William was looking for someone, he had all of the maids called up to be searched. It took quite a long time, almost the whole day to go through all the maids.”

“Hmm,” Prince Martin nodded as if he remembered himself. “Yes, I heard he was looking for the girl he marked. Did he find her?”

“Yes, she’s found.” Doris nervously played with the hem of her apron. Her neck almost burned under her dress, she held her hands still to keep herself from touching it.

“Who was it?”

“The head of maids, Melody Harford.” Doris added, “Lady Melody now.”

his shoulder at Doris. “That’s a relief,

to meet his eyes. The sunshine fell warmly on the side of his gentle face, brightening his lovely green eyes. Doris cleared her throat and turned away.

turned his attention back to the shelves. Silence fell upon them once more and she pressed her cold hands to her cheeks in an effort to ward away

she noticed he hadn’t found a book yet, she ventured back over to him. “May I help you find anything, your highness? Is there

she didn’t understand what he’d meant. “I’m not sure if

it? I can find out if anyone has it…Perhaps they might have finished it

I suppose that depends on if you’ve finished it, then.” Prince Martin grinned when he turned to face

Oh my, yes. I’m so sorry your highness. I didn’t realize this was the one you were looking for.” Doris held out the small book for him, almost sad to see it go.

when it’s being

through a few pages before he

her hands in front of her as she glanced up at

watched curiously as he shifted his weight to the other foot before he spoke. “I—I’m glad you’re still here.” He finally

in surprise, her lips parted but no response came. Prince Martin lowered his head slightly and smiled at her through

was, more slender with light eyes. Every move she made was graceful, her long silver gown trailed on the floors