Her Unwanted Mate On The Throne

#Chapter 8 I thought he took you away.

"You surprise easily, don’t you?” Prince Martin smiled as he walked in, a familiar sight she started to crave that a bit of kindness around here. Doris pushed her brown hair behind her ear and returned his smile, her cheeks already warmed under his gaze.

She watched as he went to browse the same shelves quietly as he always did. Doris worked up the nerve to follow him and offer her help this time. She was determined to talk to him a bit more than she had been before. Her silly nerves always got the better of her and kept her silent around him— afraid she'd say something that would embarrass her. He was always so kind, she would be so lucky to have him as a friend—

"Why weren't you here last Thursday?” He casually asked over his shoulder before she could say anything.

The question startled her for a moment until Prince William's face flashed in her mind. Doris quickly shook her head to clear him free of it. She did not need to remember the disaster that happened last Thursday, or picture that mans face. She hadn't had a nightmare since he claimed Melody as his new lady, Doris didn't want to risk triggering new ones. “Oh! Prince William was looking for someone, he had all of the maids called up to be searched. It took quite a long time, almost the whole day to go through all the maids.”

“Hmm,” Prince Martin nodded as if he remembered himself. “Yes, I heard he was looking for the girl he marked. Did he find her?”

"Yes, she's found.” Doris nervously played with the hem of her apron. Her neck almost burned under her dress, she held her hands still to keep herself from touching it.

“Who was it?"

“The head of maids, Melody Harford.” Doris added, “Lady Melody now.”

"Oh yes, Melody...” Prince Martin murmured, he tossed a smile over his shoulder at Doris. “That's a relief, I thought he took you away.”

“Oh,” all of her blood rushed to her cheeks. She lifted her gaze to meet his eyes. The sunshine fell warmly on the side of his gentle face, brightening his lovely green eyes. Doris cleared her throat and turned away. She truly admired his kindness to maids and the way he was so different from his brother.

Prince Martin chuckled lightly and turned his attention back to the shelves. Silence fell upon them once more and she pressed her cold hands to her cheeks in an effort to ward away her blush.

After a while, Doris couldn't help herself when she noticed he hadn't found a book yet, she ventured back over to him. “May I help you find anything, your highness? Is there a title you're looking for?” “I have found it," His eyes flickered to her hands but she didn't understand what he'd meant. “I'm not sure if it's available, though.”

Doris tilted her head in question. “Which book is it? I can find out if anyone has it...Perhaps they might have finished it already.”

“Well, I suppose that depends on if you've finished it, then.” Prince Martin grinned when he turned to face her.

"Oh! Oh my, yes. I'm so sorry your highness. I didn't realize this was the one you were looking for.” Doris held out the small book for him, almost sad to see it go. She didn't have a chance to read everything he put between the pages yet.

“It's quite alright. A book only has value when it's being enjoyed.” His fingers brushed her own as he accepted the book.

Prince Martin flipped through a few pages before he looked up again. “Doris...”

"Yes, your majesty?” Doris clasped her hands in front of her as she glanced up at him.

He paused for a moment, she watched curiously as he shifted his weight to the other foot before he spoke. “I—I'm glad you're still here.” He finally said.

Red formed on his snowy cheeks, she wondered if it was because of the sun. Doris looked at him in surprise, her lips parted but no response came. Prince Martin lowered his head slightly and smiled at her through his lashes—gentle and soft. She couldn't help but smile back at him.

“Martin.” A soft voice broke the silence from behind them. They both quickly turned to see Lady Grace standing at the doorway, Prince Martin's fiancee. Her hair was pinned up in an elegant bun, the style displayed her beautiful features perfectly. She was taller than Doris was, more slender with light eyes. Every move she made was graceful, her long silver gown trailed on the floors behind her as she walked. Doris had never seen Lady Grace up close before, but now she understood all the whispers about Grace's beauty. She looked like an angel. It was no wonder he chose her to marry. “Martin, I was just passing by and I heard your voice in here.” She said with a light smile, her eyes flickered to Doris. “Who's this?"

“Doris,” Prince Martin supplied, his eyes lingered on Doris as he spoke. “She's the maid who's responsible for the library. She was just helping me find a book.” He lifted the poetry book in his grasp.

“I see.” Grace raised her brow at Doris as if she expected something.

Doris forgot herself completely for a moment, she bowed politely. “My lady, I'm always here to help if you ever are in search of a book or anything else.”

“Mhmm.” Grace turned her attention back to Prince Martin as if Doris was no longer there. “It's time for dinner, my love. Shall we go back?”

"Yes, of course.” Prince Martin glanced back once more at Doris before he took Lady Grace's hand. She watched as they disappeared at the end of the garden path towards the grand hall for dinner. She sighed to herself, it wasn't right to be envious of them but she couldn't help it. She imagined it was wonderful to have a love like that. One that was grand and beautiful enough that everyone around them celebrated it, even strangers.

Doris smiled to herself at the thought, she was happy for him. He was a wonderful man. Kind, gentle and caring. Grace must have been just as lovely as she looked for him to love her. Doris couldn't imagine him loving anyone cruel, so she must be truly wonderful.

Doris's smile froze on her face when she saw a familiar figure walking up the path towards her. The last person she ever wanted to see, especially alone in her Library. Part of her wished she was dreaming again because it couldn't be him, could it?

Prince William?! What on earth was he doing here?