Chapter 24. Mate

Doris's POV

She flinched at his words as though he had just struck her across the face. She swallowed hard and turned away. She met my eyes and the broken expression hardened and her lips formed a thin line as she stared around my face.

"What are you staring at?" She hissed to me. "Get moving."

"Yes, my lady," I said, trying not to meet William's eyes.

What had he done to her? Or what had she done to him?

I turned and started down the hallway with Melody following beside me.

"Maid," William said, stopping me in my tracks. I turned slightly to see him eyeing me. "Stay."

"Are you talking to me, your majesty?" I asked him, blinking at him with confusion clear on my face.

"I don't see another maid here," he said with an eye roll.

Melody tensed from beside me but didn't turn around to face him; she stood frozen in her place.

"Bring me some tea," he ordered as he went back into his room, slamming the door shut behind him.

I