Her Unwanted Mate On The Throne

Chapter 166 Unexpected consequences

“Doris! What on earth are you doing out of bed?” Beth tore Doris out of her half sleep and into the blinding daylight. She felt as if a cloud was all around her and fogging up her vision to the point that it was hard to focus on her friend. “How long have you been on this lumpy couch?”

Doris sat up when Beth helped her. “I woke up sick again. I feel so nauseous and dizzy all the time, so it kept me awake.”

Beth froze for a moment until she lightly seated herself next to Doris. “I’ve been meaning to ask you about your symptoms.”

“I don’t think I was poisoned”

“No, no. That’s not what I’m concerned about.” Beth cleared her throat. “Have you and William been intimate yet?”

Doris felt her cheeks flame instantly, as well as a bit of shame swell up inside her chest to the point where she wanted to choke. Beth quickly silenced her. “You don’t have to say anything. I just want to know if you were… careful during those times.”

A new sort of panic formed to replace all that tried to scare her before. “Careful?” Doris whispered.

“Yes… with protection…?” Beth said gently as if she didn’t know how else to explain without going into gory details that would make Doris melt into the floor. 1

It was like all their heated moments flashed before her eyes and one thing was missing. One obvious thing that made her want to scream. Doris dropped her head in her hands. “How could I be so stupid?” She mumbled. 2

Doris’s mother had never taught her the first thing about sex or when to be careful, she learned all of that from books but somehow her mind didn’t consider the consequences for her own actions in the heated moments. Why hadn’t it crossed her mind once? Why did she live so blissfully in ignorance to her consequences? 1

It was like a light went off in her head when Beth mentioned protection. How stupid could she be? How stupid

no no. This can’t be happening!” Doris closed her eyes tightly and prayed it was all a dream. That her symptoms weren’t

taken care of. He

on half of the things I feel when he’s in the room, how am I

“I know this wasn’t what you planned, but perhaps it’s

Doris sunk deeper

experienced on these things and knew better-so don’t you dare try to blame it all on yourself for this.” Beth wrapped her arms around Doris and trapped her in a

of freedom away from the palace out of my

truly want to be free from him? If you had the chance, would you leave right now even

hands. Would she be able to get up and leave right this moment? Would

if I could, even though it’s all I ever wanted. I hate these

us.” Beth whispered. “It changes what we want in life and it

now…* “Now it feels as if it’s changing?” Beth asked gently. “That’s love knocking down all of your past plans you had for yourself, because now there’s someone else on your

start to pass. She dropped her head against Beth’s shoulder . “What am I supposed to

his mate! There’s nothing else he

war is about to brew between him and his brother. I don’t think a baby is going to make him happy right now.” Doris said bitterly. She glanced at the window and watched the snow fall

we have you checked.” Beth stood and went to the stack of bags by the door. “Do you want to go now before we leave—“ “No, he should be here soon. I’ll have to… find a way to tell him after we’re settled at the new camp.” “I just came from the servants quarters and all of the staff has already been divided. Surprisingly, William had a lot more followers than I expected.” Beth laid out warm clothes for   Doris to change into. “I heard that they sent ahead quite a few groups to

got it picked out?”

you all returned from the north. It’s been claimed

bumped Beth lightly

later to take their things to the stables. Beth held Doris’s hand tightly as she walked with her down the palace halls for what felt like the last time. For all she knew, it very well could have been the last time

didn’t sit right