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."

need me,

a small smile. "I'm happy for you, Beth. I really am. I'm happy that you've found happiness. That's all I ever wanted for

my dear. I will be

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

and a pot of tea. Her eyes went

She asked kindly as she set the

her eyes. " I'm

disturbed your nap. I thought it had been some time since you've eaten and I wanted to

quite alight, thank you. I hope it's not cruel to wish you might bring it by

know you must be 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

out of the sandwich as she listened to the girl.

days just so she could sleep." Penelope gazed at Alec with a smile on

did you come here? You don't

ago, when I was about 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 over that

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

well. Perhaps that will

love

Penelope made good on her word. She came by as soon as Doris was up with Alec. "Would you like