Her Unwanted Mate On The Throne

#Chapter 7 Gone but not far

A few days passed of endless diapers and late night wakeup calls for both 0f the new parents. Doris had barely slept during the nights, but she was given a break during the day whenever Beth came by. There was no one else she trusted to watch her baby while she rested.

William didn't trust anyone. When Doris mentioned what Beth had done for her, William stiffened but said nothing. Doris knew he was fighting the side of him that wanted to control everything around him.

"Please don't go." Doris begged Beth when she came by her room. "I'll give you anything you want in the palace!"

Beth laughed and pulled Doris in for a tight hug. "You got this, Doris. You don't need me to stick around here anymore! I'd only be in the way!"

"T don't know if I can do this without you. How am I supposed to get any sleep?" Doris whined. She knew she was being selfish, but she was honestly terrified to be without her friend. Since she had given birth, she had her constant support and help through everything. Even when William was gone all day doing whatever kings did, she was right there for her.

And now her best friend was about to go back to the north and leave her to figure out how to be anew mom on her own.

She was terrified.

"You're a natural, Doris." Beth pulled away and smiled at her friend. 'I met your maid, Penelope. She seems helpful and nice. Don't be afraid to trust more people around you."

"It's hard." Doris muttered. She sighed and rubbed her eyes. "Okay. You're right. I'll never sleep again I don't accept their help."

arms. "Write to me if you need me, I will be here as soon as

for you, Beth. I really am. I'm happy

am happy for you, my dear. I will be back i na few weeks to help you with

better! I might just give your spot away to another maid if you don't return to me." Doris teased. Beth laughed and they said their goodbyes before Doris was left alone with her own traitorous

and a pot of tea. Her eyes went right to Alec who slept in his crib

She asked kindly as she set the tea in front

her eyes.

some time since you've eaten

and tea and felt her stomach grumble. "It's quite alight, thank you. I hope it's not cruel to wish you might bring it by when you

so tired from all the late nights." The maid clasped her hands in front of her. "I used to help my mother when she gave birth to my little brother. She would be up all night with him and barely

she listened to the

I was about 10 or so. I used to watch him during the days just so she could sleep." Penelope gazed at Alec with a

age did you come here? You don't look

I haven't heard from my mother since." She said sadly. Doris felt her heart turn in her chest. It felt similar with her own mother. It tooka long time for Doris to get over that wound,

trust to others, but I wanted to offer any assistance you need." Penelope bowed her head. "A mother needs to rest

William and I aren't ready to let others watch him unless we know them well. Perhaps that will change in time." Doris smiled a little. Penelope smiled again and bowed

would love that, thank

next few days, Penelope made good on her word. She came by as soon as Doris was up with Alec. "Would you like some breakfast? I can