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.”

Prince Martin murmured, he tossed a smile over his shoulder at Doris. “That’s

blood rushed to her cheeks. She lifted her gaze 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.

once more and she pressed her cold hands to her cheeks in an effort to ward

couldn’t help herself when 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 a title you’re

His eyes flickered to her hands but she didn’t understand what he’d meant. “I’m

book is it? I can find

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

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

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

Martin flipped through a few pages

Doris clasped her hands in front of her

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

parted but no response came. Prince Martin lowered his head slightly and smiled at her through his lashes—gentle and soft. She couldn’t help but smile

was taller than Doris was, more slender with light eyes. Every move she made was graceful, her long silver gown trailed on the floors behind her as she walked. Doris had never seen Lady Grace