Her Unwanted Mate On The Throne

#Chapter 3 Where were you last night?

"How dare you disrespect Mr. Carson and the Royal House!” Melody was in front of Doris within a blink, ready to land a loud slap against her cheek. Doris was too stunned to move, her embarrassment was almost worse than the pain that burned her cheek.

She could feel their gazes on her, every one of them made each second grow more terrible to bear. Doris slowly lowered her head and closed her eyes. “I apologize Mr. Carson and Ms. Harfond. It was an accident.”

“Your name is Doris?” Mr. Carson asked.

Doris lifted her head, a feeling of panic bloomed inside her stomach once again. “Yes, Mr. Carson.” "Did you meet Prince William last night?” He raised his chin slightly to look down his nose at her. Her heart stilled for a beat inside her chest.

“No, I didn't.” She said carefully. She willed herself to swallow her fear and look him in the eye. "Where were you last night?”

“After I finished my work at the party, I—1 returned to my room to rest.” Doris forced out. She saw Beth from the corner of her eye shift at her words. Doris dared a glance to see a confused look upon her friend's concerned expression. Doris quickly looked down again.

“Well,” Mr. Carson paused before he turned his attention to Melody. “There's no need to make a scene, she hasn't done anything wrong. You don't have to punish her for this, Ms. Harford.”

Melody waited until Mr. Carson turned away before she rolled her eyes. “Very well. You may go now. You should be grateful to Mr. Carson for his kindness.” Melody said with a bite to her words. “Thank you, Mr Carson. And Ms. Harford.” Doris forced out quickly. She didn't need any more attention on her than there already was. Hurriedly, she gathered her coins and turned to leave. She could've sworn she'd felt Mr. Carson's gaze burn into her back as she left through the large doors. Her heart wouldn't calm again until she reached the empty Royal Library, where Doris worked most of the days. It was her favorite place for some small sense of peace—something she desperately needed at the moment. The grand room was filled to the top with books in every subject and genre, it was quite calming to be surrounded by it all. Especially since not many people wandered through. Doris was only thankful Mr. Carson didn't continue to push her for answers. She wasn't sure if she would've been able to hold them in if he did. And what would they do to her if they found out she was the one with Prince William? Would they blame her for his behavior? Would they take away her chance of freedom?

The memories swirled around her in flashes. Each one brought back a sensation she was shamed to remember. His mouth on her neck, Doris's fingers traced the mark he'd left beneath her dress and made sure her makeup still covered it well. The ghost of his hands still moved down her skin whenever she saw him in her mind. Why did her body react that way to him when he groped her? Why didn't her body feel as disgusted as she knew she should have from his assault? The thoughts only brought more shame and warm tears

A knock startled Doris, she quickly wiped her wet cheeks and opened the wooden doors that creaked at the hinges. A familiar face appeared, Doris exhaled slowly. “Beth! What're you doing here?” At least it wasn't Mr. Carson.

"Hello—" Beth's bright expression fell when she saw Doris. she quickly closed the door behind her. "Have you been crying?”

Doris turned away and tried to discreetly wipe the tears that remained. “No, I'm fine. Just tired.” “Doris, don't lie to me, it's okay. What Melody did was completely out of line not to mention harsh. I couldn't believe she slapped you in front of everyone just because you dropped your coins!” Doris turned back to Beth, she looked even angrier than Doris felt. “But... where were you last night? We both know you never returned to our room.”

Doris hesitated and glanced around. “I was here, of course. I'm always here.” Beth raised her brows at Doris. “I came here after cleaning up for the party and fell asleep reading. I didn't want to say anything because no one else saw me here.”

Beth's shoulders relaxed a bit at Doris’ words. “Oh, that's a relief! I was worried you were the one out with Prince William last night. We all know what happens with his mistresses and lovers. Remember Lisa?" Doris nodded.

How could Doris forget? Lisa was at one time one of the most beautiful maids at the palace. Which was what made it so easy for her to catch Prince William's attention. Lisa never felt being a maid suited her, and charmed her way into his favors the second she had the chance.

Her time as his lady didn’t last long. The moment Prince William tired of her, he sent her to live in a shabby shack away from the palace when he didn't wish to see her anymore. He seemed to do that to all of his ex-lovers. He gave them a brief title of an esteemed lady, and created their fall to nothing the moment he got all he wanted from them. Doris shivered at the idea of that ever happening to her. She wanted to be free of this place, not tangle herself up with a prince that was never satisfied with just one lover.

“Well, I heard she's now washing public bathrooms for barely enough coin to afford food or clothes.” Beth sighed and crossed her arms. “It's such a shame, it's as if her worth had been sucked from her the moment she fell from her glory. I never want that to happen to you.”

“It won't.” Doris quickly assured her. Just the very thought made her skin crawl.

"Did you hear the newest rumor swirling around the servants quarters?” Beth asked, a glint in her eyes. She loved when there was fresh gossip, Doris couldn't blame her. Not much happened around here for them except cleaning. Hearing about the Royals affairs was usually better than reading anything in the library. It was always so dramatic and grand compared.

“What rumor?”

"Oh, so you haven't heard.” Beth glanced behind her before she lowered her voice. “I just overheard the maids that were on duty last night. They said Prince William showed up to the ceremony very late and completely drunk. The ceremony was about to end when he finally stumbled through the doors. Luna Queen was furious—the way he acted was incredibly disrespectful to the Queen and her family.”

Beth paused to take a breath, Doris stood with her eyes wide and fist caught in her own apron. Beth's eyes danced as she continued. “That's not all, they said Prince William had slept with one of the maids. No one knows who, though. He was much too drunk to even know himself.”

Beth's excitement drummed through the room, Doris paled. How would anyone have known—did someone see them? At least they didn't know it was her... but what if someone did see it was her? Doris couldn't shake her unease, at least Beth didn’t seem to notice her growing nerves. She was too excited to relay all the gossip Doris had seemingly missed in the past 24 hours.

“I was worried you were the maid that met Prince William since I didn’t see you return last night.” Beth tilted her head in thought. “I mean, he is quite handsome. Perhaps one of the most handsome men in the entire kingdom so I wouldn't blame you if it was. Although, you don’t want the same fate as Lisa and all the other maids he’s sent away.” Doris glanced around to make sure no one else was nearby to hear her friend speak like this. “You know, Prince William doesn't even have an Alpha title. The Alpha king considers him too reckless and irresponsible to bother with assigning him a pack or territory. If I'm honest, I don't think he would be worth it. Prince Martin though...he would be a better choice—"

Doris had enough, she clamped her hand down on Beth's mouth to silence her. “Are you crazy! You can't talk about the Royals like that, Beth! You never know who could be listening!”

Beth laughed under her hand and lowered it. “Alright, alright! We're alone, it was just fun talk.” Beth winked at Doris. “Now, are you ready for some good news?”

“What is it?” Doris asked.