Her Unwanted Mate On The Throne

Chapter 84 At least you finally found a way to make yourself useful.

use some of your ingredients and ovens to bake something small. I promise to clean up after myself and replace whatever I use.” “Oh, you like to cook?” The man asked. He had a thick accent that she wasn’t familiar with, but it was lovely and went along with his kind face. “Yes sir, I love to bake. I’ve missed being in the kitchen, it’s been a long time.” Doris glanced around and felt her head spin with all of the delicious scents. It was so calm in here. The kitchens at the palace were always so loud and busy. It was hard to find any sense of peace there without a string of anxiety to follow. She wasn’t sure if there were more cooks that helped, but for the moment it was just him. “Hmm, I see.” The old man crossed his arms. “What did you have in mind?” “I was thinking something simple. A chocolate cake and frosting.” Doris brushed her hair behind her ears. “I’m Doris, by the way.” “I know who you are, my dear. You can call me Poe.” He turned his back on her to pull down a glass bowl. “You may use my kitchen and ingredients on two conditions.” “Of course, anything.” “You have to keep an eye on my soup, and you have to clean up after yourself.” He turned and placed the bowl in her hands. He smiled a little and winked. “Stay for as long as you need and have someone come find me when you’re done.” “Oh! That’s so kind of you. Thank you, Poe.” Doris smiled widely. Poe went to the coat rack to pull on his jacket. This village was full of some of the kindest people. Each day that passed only made it harder when she realized they would soon leave this place and she would have to go back to her old life where she had no choices. “You’ll find everything you need for sweets in the lower cabinets.” He pointed.“ Maybe leave me a slice, eh?” He said and

sad to be finished so soon. Time always seemed to fly faster when she was enjoying herself—but at least she had a taste of what it was like to feel lighter. At least for a little while. 1 Each step towards William’s cabin filled her with a heavy weight once more as her unease and nerves came rushing back in. What if he turned her away? He hadn’t spoken to her once since he spat at her feet. The memory burned worse than any fire ever could. She swallowed her pride before she knocked on his door. His deep grumbled beyond it. “What?” “It’s me.” Doris leaned closer as if it would make him hear her better. She glanced around and was glad to see no one was around to see her pathetic attempt at civility with a grumpy prince. There was a pause that lasted hours in her mind. She cleared her throat and took a small step back as if to prepare herself to run as fast as possible away from this door. It wasn’t worth it, she knew it was an awful idea “Come in.” He said. Doris released a breath and opened his door slowly. Her eyes found him instantly by the dimming fire. His eyes lit up beautifully against the light. What a curse it must be to have such beautiful eyes like that. His dark lashes raised and suddenly they were on her without a warning. She closed the door behind her and lifted the plate in her hands. “I made you some dessert.” “It’s not even dinner time.” He said blandly. Doris felt her cheeks heat instantly, she took a step back towards the door. “Yes, right. I meant for later-of course.” Doris looked around for an area to put it so she could leave. “I’ll leave it over here—“ “Come here.” He said. His words rooted her in place and she hated he had that sort of power over her. He leaned forward n his seat and gestured to the chair next to his . own and her feet had no choice but to obey. She gently placed the plate of cake slices on the table in front of him before she sat. She shifted uncomfortably in her bulky coat. William looked over the slices as if he’d never seen such a dish before. “Did you already have some?” “Oh! No, of course not. The nice old man in the kitchen asked for a piece if I used his things.” Doris pulled her arms free of her constricting coat. Why did she always feel as if she was about to suffocate in his presence? William brushed his thumb across his lower lip. She wished her eyes hadn’t seen that, now she couldn’t look away from his mouth. “Have some with me now, then.” He said. Doris almost thought she