Doris POV
“Prince William?” I asked, staring at her confused. “Why would he be trying harder than the others?”
It didn’t make sense for William to care that much about proving my innocence. But then I remembered that it was his lady that was killed by the poison, and he wanted to bring justice for Melody.
“I’ve heard that he’s locked himself in his study for the last 3 days, researching and going over every piece of evidence. He was also demanding answers and questioning everyone who works in the kitchen and worked the party.”
It didn’t surprise me that he would be demanding answers around the kitchen; as handsome as he was, he was always fierce, and many feared him around the palace. It wouldn’t take long for him to find the answers that they seek.
“But nobody knew who put the flower in the soup. Or so they said,” Beth said with an eye roll. “However, somebody had mentioned that Peony was supposed to work the party, but she cut her hand and was sent to the medic. So, he went to seek her out and questioned her.”
“She came clean right away?” I asked, I was trying not to imagine what William did to get her to confess to this crime.
Telling from Peony’s composure in the courtroom, she was still fully together with no signs of injuries. So, he didn’t do to Peony what Jack did to me.
“As far as I know, yes, but she didn’t confess to the poison. She keeps saying she isn’t sure who poisoned the soup. She only put the flower in the soup.”
“It’s very noble for Prince William to want to bring justice for Lady Melody,” I said, staring down at my hands; something was unsettling in the pit of my stomach as I spoke those words.
“He certainly isn’t doing this for Melody,” Beth said, eyeing my face carefully.
“What do you mean?” I asked.
“He’s quite obviously doing this for you, Doris. He’s trying to prove your innocence. Just another prince you have falling at your feet,” she chuckled.
I nearly snorted; it was a funny thought to think of Prince William falling at my feet. He despised me; he made it painfully obvious that he wanted nothing to do with me and that he hated me. There was no way he would be doing any of this for me.
It had to be for Lady Melody.
“You’re being ridiculous,” I said, waving my hand like I was shooing away a fly. “Prince William is doing this for Melody…”
“Oh please, Doris,” Beth said shaking her head. “William didn’t even like Melody. Anyone with eyes can see that.”
I stared at her, confused.
“Of course, he liked her; he marked her,” I reminded her; as far as everyone knew, Melody was the one that William marked.
“He was drunk. He obviously knew he made a mistake, but he was too stubborn to admit it, so he made her his lady. But it was never going to last,” Beth said.
“Do you hear yourself?” I asked, rolling my eyes once again at my hopeless romantic best friend. “William wouldn’t do such a thing for me. He doesn’t care what happens to me. He’s doing this for Melody. That’s the only thing that makes sense.”
“Tell yourself whatever you want; I’m just telling you what I know. William hasn’t slept in days because he’s been so busy trying to find out who poisoned the soup. He’s been locked away and he won’t let anyone help him. He’s going to the North to find out the truth and that trip could and will probably kill him. The soup wasn’t meant for Melody; it was just an unfortunate accident. He certainly wouldn’t do this for Luna Queen Cara.”
She paused as she met my curious eyes.
“He’s doing this for you,” she said.
I knew better than to argue with her about something she’s already made her mind up about. Maybe she was right; maybe William was actually doing this because he believed I was innocent and wanted to prove that to his family. But it wouldn’t make sense for him to do that for me.
Why would he act like he hates me and wants nothing to do with me, only to turn around to work sleeplessly to prove my innocence? Wouldn’t it just be easier to call me guilty and be done with it?
There was something that both Jack and Beth had said that resonated with me a little bit.
William doesn’t like Melody.
They both seemed to think the same thing when it came to Prince William and Lady Melody. But it wouldn’t make sense that he didn’t like her because he spent most of his days with her. I heard them having sex and he sounded like he liked her very much. He made her his lady for crying out loud. Why would he do stuff like that for someone he didn’t even like to begin with?
I couldn’t stop thinking about all those times that William had tried to have his way with me. That night he marked me in the garden, that time in the hallway when he caught me standing outside his bedroom door, and then when he asked for me to stay for the night in his chamber.
Though 2 out of 3 of those times, he didn’t even know it was me. He thought I was Melody the second time because he kept calling me his mate.
I didn’t have a wolf, so I knew it was impossible for me to have a mate.
But still, there’s a part of me that couldn’t help but be a little curious about him.
I had to brush that thought out of my mind if I wanted to survive these next couple of months. I could pretty much kiss that amnesty goodbye if I’m not proven innocent. They were going to sentence me to death, or perhaps make me do gutter work around the palace until I die.
It was a painful thought that tugged at my heart, and I felt tears forming in my eyes. I didn’t want to cry right now though; I’ve cried so much these last few days my face was feeling raw. I could only imagine how I must be looking.
I needed to stay strong if I wanted to survive.
…
I spent the next few days recovering with Beth by my side. She brought my meals to me in my room until I was well enough to get out of bed and walk around on my own. My body still ached from the beatings that Jack gave me, and the bruising was still pretty bad, but I no longer felt the need to stay in bed and waste away.
Mr. Carson had even stopped by at one point to check on me. He mentioned that once I am well enough, I’ll be able to return to my duties at the library. I was relieved to hear that; I missed working at the library so much. I found the library to be my sanctuary and I couldn’t wait to get back there.
I didn’t think anyone else was going to want me around as their lady’s maid considering everything that had happened. I was now labeled as a liar and a poisoner. I cringed at the thought of what they must be saying about me.
Daniel had also come to visit me often as well. We would often have meals together and talk like we were old friends. I decided that Beth was right and that it would be okay to have an actual friend who happens to be a prince. Daniel needed a friend as much as I did, if not more.
Later that night, I heard a knocking sound on the door. I looked over at Beth who was completely passed out in her bed. I smiled at my sleeping friend; she’s been working so hard to help care for me. I would have to repay her the favor at a later date. Once I figured out how to do that and granted, I survived.
I slipped out of bed and grabbed a robe as I went toward the door. I couldn’t help but wonder who would be visiting at this late hour.
I gasped as I stood and stared up at William’s footman. He bowed his head to me, a faint smile on his lips.
“Good evening, miss,” he said to me.
“Hello,” I said with a small curtsy; confused as to why he was here.
“I’m here on behalf of Prince William. He is requesting you join him in his chambers for the night.”