Her Unwanted Mate On The Throne

Chapter 195 Something blooms

William called his men in the tent after Doris had left. She sat by the open fire and tried to embrace its warmth. Part of her wanted to seek out Beth and spill out all of her thoughts, but a bigger part wanted to wait for William to come out. No matter how long that might take. Almost an hour had passed before his guards exited the tent. Many went straight for their horses and took off through the trees without a single glance back. Her heart rate quickened, were they off to end the war? Was the blood lust finally coming to an end?

Enzo caught her eye and nodded at her before he went to talk to the rogues that hovered nearby. It was like weight lifted off her chest to know that the war was finally being called off. She silently prayed that this would be the end of unnecessary deaths for the kingdom. If William was crowned king, it could be a new start for so many lives. He didn't realize how much hope his leadership could bring for his people. 6 William exited the tent when everyone else seemed to be gone from it. He headed straight for her without lifting his gaze. As if he knew exactly where she would be. It felt like her heart tugged him closer to her as if there was an invisible string that connected them.

Doris moved over a little when he seated himself. He leaned forward and stared at the fire that was growing dim before them. “It should all be over within the next few hours. I ordered my army to step back and to return to the palace to recover.” Doris gripped his hand. He squeezed it tightly. “I'm proud of you. You fought for what you believe in.” “My father still has the right to deny me the crown. As you said, he might see me as a traitor for all of this. He knows I would never be a king like he was-he wanted Martin to be a copy of himself.” William stared down at their hands. “He could still give the crown to Daniel. I refuse to fight Daniel for it.” “Daniel has no interest in becoming king, William. He never has had that on his mind. He told me that he wanted nothing to do with politics once.”

“It doesn’t matter. If my father wishes it, it will be. Even if Daniel doesn’t want it. He could give me the crown after our father passes, but every one would know that it wasn't what the true king wanted.”

“I think you're letting your mind get the better of you. Your father hasn't once had interest in making Daniel king. Don't stress about tomorrow before today is over.”

William said nothing. Doris leaned her head against his shoulder. “Do you wish to return to the palace soon? To see your father?” “Not yet.” William said simply. Doris knew better than to push him about it. A loud horn made Doris and William jump off the log. He immediately moved in front of her to hide her from view of whoever was about to enter the camp. Usually they only had horns blow like that at the palace when a lord was visiting.

As it was, a group of men slowly steered their horses into the camp. A man with white hair and fancy clothes looked down at William with his chin raised.

“Prince William? We heard you hadn't yet arrived the palace. I'm glad we caught you here before you left.” “The war is over. I've already called it off. You might as well turn back now and swallow whatever you came to say.”

"Oh yes, we just heard as we were coming in here.” The man slid down from the horse. “We're not here about that right now, though.” “What is it you want, Lord Edgar?” William asked. Another man pulled up and slid off his horse as well. The rest of the men stayed mounted on their horses but watched closely, Doris only guessed they were guards. “And Lord Theo. What brings you all the way out here?” William looked at them as if he didn't trust an ounce of their presence. Doris hadn't heard much about either of them to know if this visit would be bad or good. “We heard what happened to your brothers and the Luna Queen. We heard everything.” Lord Theo sald. He was lanky and tall, unlike the shorter man beside him. William's Jaw clenched at his words as if he wanted to know who was feeding them that information. The men glanced at Doris behind William, he moved more in front of her until their eyes snapped back to the prince. “Is there anything I can do for you?” William asked sternly. “As I said, the fighting is over.” “We came to lend our support, Prince William.” Lord Edgar said. “In what way would you be lending your support?” William asked. He kept his guard up even with the kinder look in their eyes. “We're going to tell your father that we think you should be named the next king.” Lord Theo said. He clasped his hands in front of him calmly. “No man that has gone through this much trouble should be casted aside. You clawed your way to the top and didn't care who went down in the meantime.” Doris chewed on the inside of her cheek as she watched William. His face was a mask of stone, she wondered if his words hit him more than intended. “We also heard tales that you brought the rogues to back you up in this war. No leader from this kingdom has been able to do that in decades. The rouges have always hoped for our kingdoms downfall.” Lord Edgar said. “How did you manage to get them to join you in this fight?” “We saw him as the leader that could help pave our path to peace.” Enzo said from behind them. They turned with wide eyes when they saw the lord of the rogues stroll up to them. “You're right to put your trust in William. He has proven himself time and time again that he was always meant to wear that crown. For the first time in history, he made the rouges want to fight for royalty instead of fight with them.” The men studied Enzo as if they weren't sure what to make of his appearance. For so many years, the rogues were enemies to this kingdom. Now William has brought them here as if they were equals. “Not even the king could unite the north with the kingdom.” Lord Theo observed. “He's tried, he came back with a mate, but even so they still stayed separated. We all thought the north would be open to us when he was mated, but it seemed to only push back more.” “The difference between William and his father is that William is sincere in his promises. His father was only out for his own needs and the rogues saw right through him.” Enzo said. He clapped William on the back. “He has made us see a world that is far better than the one we were forced in because of his fathers actions.” The lords exchanged a glance. “When you get back to the palace, we would love to have a meeting with you about the future of this kingdom, Prince William.” Lord Theo bowed his head. “We want to hear the ideas you have to better the future.” “I won't take any meetings unless the crown is on my head. My path is not set in stone yet and I won't pretend it is.” William said, his fists opened and closed at his sides.

LIVE TO JUMENTY Dlooms “We only ask for your time when you're settled, of course. Not a moment sooner,” Lord Edgar smiled. “I have to admit, it's been a long time since we've had a king that fought for what he believed in. Your father has always expected everything handed to him and when he didn't get it, he gave up or forced it to go his way.” “My father has given up on a lot in his life.” William muttered. He glanced through the trees as if he could see the palace from where he was standing. “I will not take after his ruling in the slightest if I'm crowned king,” “We don't doubt that, your majesty.” Lord Theo bowed again. “Please excuse us, we have to seek out your father. I'd say it's time to lay the past to rest. New order is due.”