Her Unwanted Mate On The Throne novel Chapter 3

#Chapter 3 Where were you last night?

“How dare you disrespect Mr. Carson and the Royal House!” Melody was in front of Doris within a blink, ready to land a loud slap against her cheek. Doris was too stunned to move, her embarrassment was almost worse than the pain that burned her cheek.

She could feel their gazes on her, every one of them made each second grow more terrible to bear. Doris slowly lowered her head and closed her eyes. “I apologize Mr. Carson and Ms. Harfond. It was an accident.”

“Your name is Doris?” Mr. Carson asked.

Doris lifted her head, a feeling of panic bloomed inside her stomach once again. “Yes, Mr. Carson.”

“Did you meet Prince William last night?” He raised his chin slightly to look down his nose at her. Her heart stilled for a beat inside her chest.

“No, I didn’t.” She said carefully. She willed herself to swallow her fear and look him in the eye.

“Where were you last night?”

“After I finished my work at the party, I—1 returned to my room to rest.” Doris forced out. She saw Beth from the corner of her eye shift at her words. Doris dared a glance to see a confused look upon her friend’s concerned expression. Doris quickly looked down again.

“Well,” Mr. Carson paused before he turned his attention to Melody. “There’s no need to make a scene, she hasn’t done anything wrong. You don’t have to punish her for this, Ms. Harford.”

Melody waited until Mr. Carson turned away before she rolled her eyes. “Very well. You may go now. You should be grateful to Mr. Carson for his kindness.” Melody said with a bite to her words.

“Thank you, Mr Carson. And Ms. Harford.” Doris forced out quickly. She didn’t need any more attention on her than there already was. Hurriedly, she gathered her coins and turned to leave. She could’ve sworn she’d felt Mr. Carson’s gaze burn into her back as she left through the large doors.

Her heart wouldn’t calm again until she reached the empty Royal Library, where Doris worked most of the days. It was her favorite place for some small sense of peace—something she desperately needed at the moment. The grand room was filled to the top with books in every subject and genre, it was quite calming to be surrounded by it all. Especially since not many people wandered through.

Doris was only thankful Mr. Carson didn’t continue to push her for answers. She wasn’t sure if she would’ve been able to hold them in if he did. And what would they do to her if they found out she was the one with Prince William? Would they blame her for his behavior? Would they take away her chance of freedom?

The memories swirled around her in flashes. Each one brought back a sensation she was shamed to remember. His mouth on her neck, Doris’s fingers traced the mark he’d left beneath her dress and made sure her makeup still covered it well. The ghost of his hands still moved down her skin whenever she saw him in her mind. Why did her body react that way to him when he groped her? Why didn’t her body feel as disgusted as she knew she should have from his assault? The thoughts only brought more shame and warm tears.

A knock startled Doris, she quickly wiped her wet cheeks and opened the wooden doors that creaked at the hinges. A familiar face appeared, Doris exhaled slowly. “Beth! What’re you doing here?” At least it wasn’t Mr. Carson.

“Hello—“ Beth’s bright expression fell when she saw Doris. she quickly closed the door behind her. “Have you been crying?”