“No, of course not!” Doris quickly explained. “I was just thinking of what’s best for your own good, my lady.”

Despite her own harsh feelings towards Melody, Doris didn’t want the girl to make a fool out of herself. She risked losing his affections entirely if she made the wrong choice and bribed his valet. It wasn’t like Prince William would ignore her forever, he wasn’t the type of man to make brash decisions. He named Melody his lady—he had his own plans for what he was doing. Melody just needed to be patient.

“Have you so quickly forgotten you’re nothing more than my maid?” Melody’s voice lowered into something...