Her Unwanted Mate On The Throne

#Chapter 7 Any woman would do?

His stone cold voice pierced through Doris’ heart and froze her to the ground. It wasn’t the first time she’d felt like his prey with no where to hide, no where to run. A desperate feeling to be free of him overtook her senses, but all she could do was stay still beneath his gaze.

The crowd around them held their breath as they waited for the scene to unfold before them. Their eyes eagerly flickered between Prince William and Doris, the silence made each of her breaths louder to her own ears.

“Your majesty, I—“ Doris hesitated and cringed away from him when she saw his patience run out. His cold features let anger taint its beauty like a flicker of flame ready to start a fire. Prince William gripped her arm, about to haul her up until a soft voice rang out behind him.

“Please, forgive me your majesty.” His grip loosened on Doris, everyone in the crowd turned to look at Melody. She knelt close to Doris, her head bowed. “Forgive me for hiding so long.”

“Hiding?” Prince William turned away from Doris to focus on Melody. Doris could have deflated from relief when his eyes finally left her, the look he gave her alone was enough to follow her back into her nightmares.

“I believe I’m the girl you’ve been looking for, your majesty.” Melody said sweetly, Doris knew that voice well. It was the same tone she used with those higher up than her to get exactly what she wanted. And it usually worked, not many men liked to refuse Melody. Her regular tone was much more cruel when it was used towards her fellow maids—especially Doris.

“You’re the girl I’ve been searching for?” Prince William furrowed his brows, as if he was confused. Doris was more than confused herself, a bit of doubt trickled in her mind. Did he mark more than one girl that night? Or was Melody—lying? To become his lover? To one day end up like Lisa? Doris curled her fists in her lap, how could she want that life for herself?

Melody stood without an answer, she walked straight into the booth and everyone stayed still until she came out again—including the prince. Ms. Shirley followed close behind, her face tired and worn from the day that just wouldn’t seem to end already. “She has the mark, your majesty. You may see for yourself.”

immediately went in to check, Doris stood on shaky legs and brushed dried leaves from her skirt. It couldn’t be… they both wouldn’t have the mark. Though, part of Doris hoped she did. Then perhaps it

a bit of an edge to his voice, she wondered if his temper

course she resented him. Had he mistakenly marked Doris and intended his mate mark for Melody? It was possible he was just drunk and confused when

what kept you?” Prince William

afraid… I was afraid you would see me as nothing but a gold

William watched her for a moment, his eyes took in every inch of her. Melody shifted under his gaze,

“Melody Harford, your majesty.”

A ping of annoyance shot through Doris, she quickly swallowed it down. A

for?” Mr. Carson sputtered to the surrounding crowd. “Dress Lady Melody up

well since she came forward as the one he marked. The former maid now wore beautiful gowns and

definitely taking advantage of Prince William.” Beth said quietly

do you

remember what the girl looked like. Any woman would

Any woman would do?

girl he came across that night? Of course that was it. He was drunk and confused. “She’s beautiful, I’m sure she could have charmed him without the mark. She never wanted to be a maid anyway,

every excuse to abuse and embarrass you in front of everyone. Why would you ever forgive her or wish her well?” Beth snapped. Doris knew exactly where her friend was coming from, but it was easier to