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.”

smile over his shoulder at Doris. “That’s a relief, I thought he took

to her cheeks. She lifted her gaze to meet his eyes. The sunshine fell warmly on the side of his gentle face, brightening

more and she

he hadn’t found a book yet, she ventured back over to him. “May I help you find anything,

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

I can find out if anyone has it…Perhaps

I suppose that depends on if you’ve finished it, then.” Prince Martin

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. She didn’t have a chance to read everything he put

A book only has value when it’s being enjoyed.” His fingers

flipped through a few pages before he looked up again.

front of her as she glanced up

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

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

the silence from behind them. They both quickly turned to see Lady Grace standing at the doorway, Prince Martin’s fiancee. Her hair was pinned up in an elegant bun, the style displayed her beautiful features perfectly. She was taller than Doris was, more slender with light eyes. Every move she made was graceful, her long silver gown trailed on