Her Unwanted Mate On The Throne

Chapter 25 I didn't mean to

Doris's eyes were wide as she stared at David-or Prince Daniel. This whole time he had been pretending to be a royal guard for the castle. He even claimed he was a personal guard for Prince William! Didn't he? Or, he didn't correct her when she assumed. He did say yes when she asked if he was a guard. He'd even told her he had to participate in the search for Prince Daniel when they heard other guards calling his name. Why did he tell her his name was David?

This whole time she thought she'd made a friend with someone who worked for the castle like her.

Doris slowly lowered the wine bottle back on the table as they stared at each other. She knew he could see the hurt in her gaze, he quietly shook his head as if trying to plead with her. As if to tell her not to be sad. Luna Queen had seemingly lost all her interest in him, she turned her attention back to her son Jack and spoke quietly with him instead.

She was-confused more than anything. Did he even care to be her friend? Or what was any of his kindness for if he was lying about who he was the whole time? Maybe he thought she would treat him differently if she knew, and of course she would. She would have never been so calm and casual around a royal member! Her entire life here had taught her to only be proper and attend to their needs. Maids weren't meant to be friends with princes.

"I didn't mean to lie!" He mouthed to Doris. His light eyes held so much emotion, she didn't know how to feel about any of it. Especially when she finally felt like she'd made another friend at the castle, one like Beth. She supposed she hadn't after all.

Doris turned her gaze away quickly when Luna Queen looked back at her. She didn't want her to think she was involved with the prince, clearly he didn't even want her to know he was royal. Her eyes found Prince William's again, he looked as if he'd seen the whole exchange with the way his eyes narrowed slightly. Doris didn't need him thinking anything either. Not that she cared what he thought about her or what she did. It was obvious he already had his set thoughts of her and what she was good for.

Doris sighed and moved to clear a few plates and glasses away. It was almost time for the first course, next was the main and then dessert before she was free to go. Unless they made her stay late and clean up, too. Which wouldn't surprise her, Melody would probably laugh as she followed Prince William back to his room to spend the night. Doris shivered a little. Anything was better than standing outside their door again as they made love, that was perhaps the worst thing she ever had to do at the palace.

A large silver cart was pushed out from the kitchens, it held dozens of bowls of soup to be served to the royal members. Doris inhaled the scent of freshly cut vegetables and broth, it made her stomach grumble a bit. She was glad the crowd was loud enough to drown out the sound of her hunger. How long had it been since she'd eaten last? Beth had brought leftovers to Doris but she hadn't had a chance to eat them before she'd left her room. Ever since she had been beaten by Melody, everyone for the most part had left her alone enough to heal. Doris was fully prepared to stay in bed and rest with all that food, but now she had to watch everyone else enjoy themselves as her stomach continued to grumble.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

Mr. Carson instructed servers to clear and clean the tables in front of the royal members. Doris quickly stepped forwards and grabbed empty glasses before she replaced them with new ones. She carefully refilled each glass with slightly shaky hand. She silently cursed herself for her nerves. She wished they wouldn't stare at her as she passed. Especially the monster with blue eyes that haunted her dreams. His mouth lifted a little as she bent to pour wine in his glass, she quickly straightened herself when she realized he was staring down her dress.

Doris's cheeks flamed, she blew out a breath of air and pushed her loose hair behind her ear. She really, really wished he would stop trying to intimidate her in public. Or ever. She looked down her nose at him as he lifted his glass for more, his eyes darkened a little and she finally turned away once she was done.

Clearly, Melody was not his main attention tonight. Perhaps it was due to the way she couldn't stop fidgeting to see if Luna Queen was enjoying herself or not. It was obvious she was, Doris had seen a smile on her face for most of the night.

Prince William must have been desperate for a distraction from all of this, it was obvious he wished he was anywhere but here. Jack Anthony seemed to wish the same. He kept sending distasteful glances in his direction as if his very existence was bothering him. Doris could agree with that, his existence also bothered her as well. But for entirely different reasons, she assumed. "Doris, please help serve the soup to the

royals." Mr. Carson said as he passed by her. Doris followed him to the tray of soups and began to set each bowl in front of the intended guest. The kitchen left small name plates next to each bowl, she glanced up to see the rest of the servants had moved on to another tray and left her alone to finish delivering the soups herself.

Doris sighed when she picked up Prince William's bowl, she carefully brought it over to him and managed not to meet

his gaze as she placed it in front of him. She knew he was watching her every move, she could smell the wine on his breath. It gave her a nasty flashback of the night he attacked her. He reeked of alcohol, she'd never forget that smell on his breath. It made her want to put as much distance as she could between them in case he got any urges to recreate that night. He wouldn't find her alone outside again, she'd make sure of that.

Doris moved on to Lady Grace and Prince Martin. He thanked her with a smile as she placed the bowl down, his lady said nothing as she picked up her spoon.

Prince Daniel sat up straight when she

came to set his bowl down, he smiled at Doris widely and thanked her loud enough for everyone to hear. Doris blushed when several people turned to look at her and turned back to the cart and continued on. He obviously was sorry, but she only wished to know why he lied to her.

When it came to Luna Queen's bowl,

Doris hesitated. It looked like there was a purple flower that appeared similar to Aconitum in her soup, and everyon knew Luna Queen hated Aconitum. Doris had heard she was highly allergic, the kitchen shouldn't have allowed to serve it if she was in the castle.

Just to be safe, Doris gave Melody's bowl to Luna Queen since it smelled normal and didn't seem to have a trace of flowers in it. She finally set the last bowl of soup in front of Melody and turned to wipe the cart clean.

Melody lifted the spoon to her lips delicately as she sipped her soup. The polite chatter continued in the room as everyone enjoyed their meals, Doris glanced over to see the servants already cutting the cake to be served. Hopefully this night would be over soon and she could return to her room.

A choking sound silenced the crowd.

Doris looked over to see Melody's hands on her throat as she coughed loudly. Her face turned a little purple before she fell right out of her seat-

And didn't move again.