Her Unwanted Mate On The Throne

Chapter 53 You could be free here.

Sleep caught Doris within seconds of laying her head down. She wasn’t sure how long she slept. It could have been days or hours but she knew that her body was thankful for it. Not one person interrupted her or woke her abruptly like they usually did in the palace. 3 When she finally woke, she felt ready to face the day and all the secrets she had yet to unfold. Her mind was conflicted with Enzo’s speech about the rogues and what they believed in. On one hand, she had been kidnapped and tortured by members of his own pack. On the other, she knew there were always black sheep in a pack. Ones that wanted to take control of things on their own terms. She had seen some of that in the palace firsthand Food and water was left for Doris by her door. She filled her stomach with fresh bread and oats before she ventured out into the snow to find Enzo. It felt good to be able to breathe fresh air. She felt determined. She felt…brave.

You could be free here, “Ah, there she is.” Doris found Enzo almost instantly when she stepped out of her room. He was surrounded by Eliza and a few others who eyed her curiously. It was better than being glared at, she supposed “Were you waiting for me to come out?” Doris slowed her steps as she approached them. “Oh, no my dear. I came to grab Eliza and she lives across the way from you. Are you feeling better?” “Yeah, my shoulder doesn’t hurt that much anymore.” Doris ran her fingers over the bandage but she felt as if she wouldn’t need it for much longer. Still, she was afraid to look at what was underneath. A knowing look passed between Enzo and Eliza. He turned a smile towards her and held out his arm for Doris to hold

“May I show you around?” “Oh, yes, thank you.” Doris gripped his arm. Her eyes went to the two she hadn’t met yet. “Don’t mind them, they haven’t met many outsiders. This is June and Eli. They’re among the younger ones in the pack_” “We’re 17, not that young.” Eli was quick

gave her a chaste kiss. “Pleasure to meet you, my lady.” “Who said rogues couldn’t be gentlemen, eh?” Enzo grinned and knocked Eli’s hand away from Doris, Doris laughed and followed him down

would have called it a village. Perhaps Enzo enjoyed the comfort the word ‘camp’ offered, but it was no small camp. There was a tavern near the edge, a butcher and store. More than enough people to fill a village as well Everyone they passed turned to stare at her. Enzo listed off each of their names but there were too many to remember. A group of men near the tavern watched her with a more intense stare, part of her wanted to hide against Enzo’s side. But she didn’t. She

quietly as they walked. “They might hold a bit of resentment for you, please let me know if they approach you at all.” “What was their punishment?” Doris asked, she glanced up at him. His face darkened a little. “Nothing for you to worry yourself over. They won’t be coming near you again. Or any other innocent women. Doris swallowed and nodded. He patted her hand and led her on. Two small children rushed through the snow laughing. They paused and watched them hurry by. “Hi Lord Enzo!” They shouted as they passed. “Hello, little ones. Be kind to our guest.” He said in a voice that sounded like a fake demand. They stopped and bowed. “Hello, pretty lady.” They said together. Doris realized they must have been twins. One boy and one girl. Doris smiled and curtsied. “Hello there, how’re you doing?” “Well!” They laughed before rushing off and waving their goodbyes. Doris watched them leave. “How many children live here?” “Oh, more than I can keep track of.

sometimes.” Doris felt her cheeks heat. A flash of William entered her mind. She shook her head and tried to forget the night he pinned her to the wet grass. If she wasn’t careful, her shame would rise with it. Briefly, she wondered where he was and if he was okay. She was sure he was, Enzo would have told her otherwise. Word seemed to travel fast to him. A stunning tall woman dressed head to toe in black walked straight towards them. Enzo straightened at the sight of her. “Elena-” “Lord Enzo,” she nodded her

snapped out of it. “This way,” He said. She followed him towards one of the larger, more fancy looking cabins. Of course, it was hard to pass off a cabin as fancy out here but this one sure looked it compared to the others. It had an elegant design carved into the wood that looked like flowers and art on the walls of glorious places she’d never been. An old man was seated by the roaring fire with his back to them, Enzo gestured for her to sit on the couch. When the old man turned to look at her, recognition flickered in her mind. “Oh, I know you!” Doris said. It was the old man from the cell in the palace, the one that

Enzo held up his hands. “I would have saved you too-if I had known you were this lovely at the time.” Elena glared at Enzo and stepped on his foot. He winced. Sir Anthony chuckled. “Nonetheless, I am glad you’re alive, Doris. I haven’t stopped thinking of you since the day I met you.” “I never got a chance to thank you for healing me.” “No need, my dear. No need.” He waved away her words. “Sir Anthony is the founder of the rogues. One of the men from the kingdom had taken advantage of his kindness and kidnapped him to bring back to the palace as if he was a prize. I thought I would be the hero that I am and rescue him that day we met.” Doris raised her brows. “Founder of the rogues? Oh my,” Perhaps she was wrong about them after all. The founder had healed her wounds in the cell and the leader had rescued her from kidnappers. These were not actions of beasts, they were actions of good men. “I apologize we couldn’t get you