Her Unwanted Mate On The Throne

Chapter 245

#Chapter 35 Whispers arise

Doris felt eyes on her from every angle as she left her room. More than usual, if that was possible. William wanted to take Alec on a ride around the front today with some of the other males in the palace. She knew how important it was to him to have bonding time with Alec when his father had never done the same for him.

Despite the uneasy feeling in her stomach, she felt as if there were butterflies inside her again. William showered her in affection to the point where she knew she was foolish for ever doubting him. He whispered again and again about his love for her until they were both drowning in each other.

A familiar face stopped her dead in her tracks and all her sensual thoughts were gone. Beth came hurrying down the hallway with wide eyes. "Beth— "

Beth grabbed Doris's wrist and hauled her into a private room. She locked the door behind them and turned to Doris.

"What— what are you doing here?" Doris asked. " What happened? Did something happen to Enzo?" "What? No! I—" Beth took a deep breath and brought Doris in for a hug. "I'm sorry for the horrible entrance but... I got all of your letters." Doris pulled away and smoothed out her skirt. "A lot has happened—"

"Doris. I don't know if you know this, but... the energy in this palace is different. I felt as if I was wandering into a place I wasn't welcomed." "What do you mean? You're always welcomed here—"

"T know that." Beth said quickly. She glanced around the empty sitting room and brought Doris over to the couch. It was almost hard to believe that she was even here. "I came in through the servants quarters... old habits die hard, I suppose. "

"Ty... don't understand." Doris said hesitantly. " Did someone say something to you?"

"No... no. ] heard a bit of gossip through the walls as I passed. Some of the maids were saying how the young prince from the other kingdom has sworn to win you over..."

"What?" Doris snorted and then covered her nose in embarrassment. "Why would they say such things?"

"That wasn't all. They were saying how the other rulers have been visiting them more often and how they wished they could work for their palace instead—"

Doris stood. "I knew this was going to happen!" “Wait! Sit!" Beth pulled Doris to sit next to her again. "When I came in this palace, something felt off. 1 felt as if everyone was different. More stiff than they were before I left. I don't know how to explain it."

"I feel it too." Doris whispered. "I've felt the shift since the rulers came but William hasn't sent them away yet. He told me he has a plan, but I'm worried that it will be too late by the time the plan comes to be true."

"I'm glad I came when I did. Tell me about this prince that wants you." Beth leaned closer with her brows raised. "I told you that you were meant for princes."

Doris rolled her eyes. ''He told me he was a messenger but I think he was their spy. He followed me every night out into the forest when I would shift and he was always there— every night.“

"Is he handsome?" Beth asked as if she couldn't help herself.

"That's not important. We have to figure out what's been going on—"

"Ah so he is." Beth smirked and took Doris's hand. "Let's go find him, shall we? Enzo taught m ea few tricks to manipulate a target."

Doris let Beth pull her to her feet and followed her out of the room. "What are you talking about? Enzo has tried to corrupt my sweet Beth?"

"I wouldn't say that!" Beth said with her cheeks heating up. "He just taught me how to ask the right questions."

"Where is our dear Enzo?" Doris asked and wrapped her arm through Beth's. As they left the room, she kept her voice down and was careful enough to keep her head high.

"He's around. He felt the shift too." Beth whispered. "Lead the way." Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

Doris didn't know exactly where Daemon's room was, but she knew where the royal guests were kept. The last thing she needed was to draw attention to herself by going to seek out his room. If the maids were already gossiping about her, they would love any small bit they could get.

"I have a better idea." Doris whispered.

Doris led them out to the forest and made sure they appeared very alone. She glanced back at the palace towards where she figured his room might be before she took her normal path.

"What are we doing out here?" Beth whispered. It was pretty far from the riding field where William was with her baby. Daemon was more than bold, she knew he would come.

"Just wait."

And they did. They waited for almost a full hour before she heard the sound of leaves crunching below a boot. They both turned to see Daemon in all black with a small smirk on his lips.

"Secret meeting?" He said with a drawl to his voice. He looked Beth up and down slowly and she only crossed her arms over her chest. Doris wanted to smile—her friend would have usually blushed like a

fool if a man did that.

“You must be the prince I've heard about." Beth said with a raised chin. Only Doris could see how nervous she was to face him.

Daemon's eyes flickered to Doris. 'I would hate to hear all the things you've heard."

"Oh, I doubt that. I heard from the maids that you're quite the alpha wolf of your kingdom. Is that true?" Beth asked with a tilted head. Doris wanted to pinch her friend. This just sounded like flirting.

Daemon raised his brows and looked over Beth again as if he was sizing her up. "And who are you?"

"I come from the north. I came to visit the palace and see its leaders in action. My husband is the leader of rogues and he has had some doubts on the process of uniting the lands."

Doris bit the inside of her cheek to stay quiet. She had never taken her best friend for a good liar. Instead. she tried to look as if she was concerned at her words.

"I suggest you come meet my parents. They would be very interested in meeting you." Daemon took a step closer. ''We won't be here much longer. Our welcome has run out."

"What is your business with this kingdom?" Beth asked. Her voice shook a little and Doris worried that Daemon could see right through her. Daemon stopped his steps and a small smirk lit up his face. "Same as you, I suppose." He held out his hand. "Would you like to speak with my parents?" Beth looked down at his hand and shook her head. "I didn't come all this way to speak with your parents. I came for answers."

"Haven't we all." Daemon said. His eyes darkened a little as they met with Doris's.