Chapter 148

Chapter 148 Old habits come back “1-I was um set to look after the rogues-“

“I just saw their food headed towards them, I don’t see you being the one to deliver it!” Mr. Carson narrowed his eyes as he looked her up and down. “The library hasn’t been cleaned since you left. I want you to scrub it from top to bottom before the end of the day. I will be coming by to check to make sure you’re doing it right incase you’ve forgotten.”

“Mr. Carson-“

“I don’t want to hear it! Go!” He shouted. The words came back in a harsh slap that woke Doris up. She turned and hurried down the hall feeling like the weak girl all over again. Her inner wolf tried to fight against the side of her that wanted to obey what everyone else demanded of her. She could feel Cordelia growl inside her. Low and certain, she wanted to take control but now wasn’t the time to let her.

Bitterly, she imagined his horrified face when he realized he screamed orders at the prince’s mate. It would be so satisfying to have those who stepped on her realize she mattered. What would they do when they thought of all the bad things they did to her when they didn’t know she was his mate? Would they regret it all? Or would they hope she wouldn’t remember any of it?

But then again-she would rather just never see any of them ever again. They weren’t worth her troubles.

(This novel will be daily updtaed at www.noveljar.com)

The path down to the library was possibly the most familiar part in the entire palace. She could get there with her eyes closed without missing a single step. It was no doubt her favorite place in the whole kingdom, but she also remembered how dirty it had become in her absence.

Slowly, she opened the large doors and let the familiar creak rest deep in her bones. Would this always be her life if the king didn’t recover? She couldn’t imagine William letting her go after all they had been through. His anger showed through every time she mentioned wanting to be free-the king was her only hope and now that hope seemed lost and forgotten. It was unlikely William would let his mate go without some sort of fight.

Like clockwork, Doris went straight to the storage cabinets and brought out all the supplies she needed to clean the mess. Her mind went numb as she fell into old habits and scrubbed the floor on her hands and knees. Why hadn’t anyone been set to clean in her absence? She’d been removed from the library long before she even left to the north with William.

The sun started to go down and every inch of her could barely move by the time someone interrupted her. The large doors alerted their arrival loudly and made her duck behind one of the desks to scrub an area she’d forgotten. The scolding already rattled her brain and made her afraid to see the disappointment upon Mr. Carson’s face.. “Doris?” A deep voice called. Doris froze. His steps echoed through the room and stopped right by the desk she was hunched behind, as if he knew exactly where she was the second he stepped into the room and his body had no choice but to go to her.

“What are you doing down there?” William asked her. He knelt down in front of her and looked at her used rag with a distaste in his gaze.

“I was asked to clean the library.” Doris said and dropped the rag in the dirty bucket of water. William gripped her arm and forced her to stand.

“You don’t have to be this anymore, Doris.” William said. “I thought I made that clear.”

“You can say that to me, but I can’t tell that to others, William.” Doris whispered. She glanced at the large doors that were still slightly opened, she wondered if anyone was lingering outside. “They can still order me to do things and I have no reason to tell them no.”

“You already know what role is waiting for you if you want it.” William walked around the desk and swiped his finger across the surface as if he was checking for dust. Doris let out a slow breath. He would find no trace of dust in here.

“I don’t think it would be wise for me to accept that offer. You still have a lady technically.”

“I can have her moved out in an hour-” 3 “Even so, I don’t think I’m ready to accept that title.” Doris said. He paused his pacing and eyed her but she pushed on. “I do care for you, William. You know I do. But I never wanted to become the lady of this palace-I just need some time to process it.” 1(This novel will be daily updtaed at www.noveljar.com)

William clenched his jaw. She prepared herself for some sort of outburst or vengeful comment that would hit her where it hurt the most-but none came.

“Then you’ll be my personal maid. No one is allowed to ask you to do anything for them unless they ask me first.” William glanced around the library that now sparkled clean. “Unless you would prefer to stay in the library.” He said almost bitterly. She couldn’t tell why. 1 “Your personal maid? Are you sure—“

“I wouldn’t ask you to actually be my maid, just to accept the title so you can do as you wish in the palace without anyone to stop you.” William interrupted. He lifted his chin a little and she couldn’t help but admire how sharp his jawline was. She tried to shake the thoughts away before they distracted her.

“Each prince is allowed to have their own personal servants.”

“William-”

“If you won’t accept the title as my lady, you can at least accept this. I don’t see you as a maid and I hate seeing you in that uniform and scrubbing floors as if you’re nothing.” William growled.

“Would I take the room near yours,”

“You can take my own damn bed for all I care.” William turned and headed to the door.

“Where are you going?” Doris called after him. She quickly moved around the desk and went to follow him.

“I’m going to tell them of your new title and if they set you to clean floors again, I’ll tear out their tongues and force them to clean the walls with it.”

Doris had to turn her head to keep in her laugh. She was truly disturbed if she found that part of him funny when she used to find it terrifying.

“Go to my rooms, I’ll meet you there.” William grumbled.(This novel will be daily updtaed at www.noveljar.com)

Doris broke off from him and did as he said. She watched his back as he headed towards the servants quarters and she was only glad she didn’t have to join him.

His room was an utter mess when she had last come through, but now it stood as normal as ever. The fire was low and kept the room warm while a tray of steaming tea was waiting by the end table. Had he been here before he went to find her?

“William?” A light, seductive voice sounded from William’s closet. Doris froze before she slowly backed towards the door.

It was too late. Melody stepped out of his closet wearing nothing but a lace set of undergarments. “Oh, I missed you so much. I hope you don’t mind-What the hell are you doing here?” Melody growled when her eyes landed on Doris.

“1–“ Doris felt as if her mind went completely blank. A jealous rage built up inside her. Melody had hoped to seduce William-would it have worked if Doris wasn’t here? Would he have found what she was wearing irresistible and laid with her in his bed like he had before they left to the north?

The thoughts tainted her mood like a lick of fire. She curled her hands into fists at her sides “What are you doing in the Prince’s room? He only allows those he invites into his private chamber.”

Melody smirked across at Doris as if she believed she had the upper hand. She swayed her hips as she crossed the room towards Doris and it only made her want to shove the girl out of the nearest window.

“The prince did invite me here.” Melody pulled a white invitation out from her lace bra and handed it over to Doris. Doris almost didn’t want to accept it, but she had to see.

Inside, William’s elegant writing invited her for tea so they could talk. Carefully, she folded the letter and handed it back.

“My mistake. I’ll leave you to it then.”(This novel will be daily updtaed at www.noveljar.com)

“Like hell you are! You little bitch-“ Melody neared Doris just as the door opened.

“If you get any closer to her, I’ll break your neck.”