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."

to me if you need me, I will be here as soon as

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

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

better! I might just give your spot away to another maid if you don't return to me." Doris teased. Beth laughed

kind smile and a pot of tea. Her eyes went right to

lady?" She asked kindly as she set the tea in front

and rubbed her eyes. " I'm doing

been some time since you've eaten and I wanted to bring

the the plate of sandwiches 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

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 had time to

listened to the girl. "How old were you when

to watch him during the days just so she could sleep." Penelope gazed

come here? You don't look that

16. 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

but I wanted to offer any assistance you need." Penelope bowed her head. "A

do—but 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 her head. "Then let me help while you are in

would love that, thank

was up with Alec. "Would you like some breakfast? I can have some brought." She offered