Chapter 105

Chapter 105 I’ll make it right without losing all of their trust.

“Enzo?” Doris whispered and glanced back at the door behind her to make sure Joseph hadn’t come back from the loud sounds. She hurried across the room and climbed on the dresser to see him better.

“What are you doing out there?”

“I came to talk to you, of course.” He grinned. Doris wished she could hug him and strangle him at the same time. Now was not the time for his charms, even though she kind of missed him these past few hours. She tried to peer around him but only a rush of cold air greeted her face and chilled her cheeks.

“He’s not here, love.”

“Why aren’t you inside talking to me? You own Life Pharmacy, don’t you?”

“Ah, I do. Currently, as you know, we have come to a bit of a disagreement and I’m afraid my appearance here will only shake the waters more than necessary. I just needed to speak with you for a bit without making it worse.”

“Where is William?” Doris asked, and almost cursed herself for it.

“He’s fine, he’s pacing my camp like a wild animal and growling at anyone that comes near him or mentions your name. As you can tell, he’s perfectly normal.” Enzo glanced behind his shoulder before he focused back on her. “I’m going to try and get them to release you sooner with whatever sway I have left.

They haven’t hurt you, have they?”

“No, they’ve actually been respectful.”

“I’m glad to know that hasn’t changed.” He sighed and seated himself in the cold snow. She winced, it must have been utterly freezing. “Doris, there’s something I wanted to tell you before I go to William. I see you as someone that actually likes me rather than wanting me to fall off the nearest cliff and endure a horrible death.”

Doris glanced behind her before she settled on the dresser. “What is it?” She whispered. “William has been planning on trying to make it right for the rogues if he becomes king, but I don’t think it would be wise for me to believe him. I’ve already lost so much trust just allowing him to stay at my camp and now I’ve become the reason you’re in a cell again.”

Doris frowned. “I don’t blame you, Enzo. You didn’t order this to happen.” “Ah, of course you don’t. You are the sunshine to my current gloom. Do you blame me for wanting to take House Arnold down my whole life?”

“No, not after what I learned. I would want the same thing if I was in your shoes, Enzo. What they did was unforgivable.” “Then you wouldn’t blame me for still wishing the downfall even after knowing William?”

“Do you not trust that William would stay true to his word?”

Enzo rolled his eyes to the sky and let out a deep breath. “If you had been in one of those meetings, perhaps you would see more clearly than I am. I’m sorry for not trusting you to join us.”

Doris almost laughed. “I’m only a maid, Enzo. I have no business being in any of your meetings and I never took offense to it.”

“That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard you say, my love. You’re so much more than a simple maid and everyone knows it. You may still have those thoughts in your head, but I’d say it’s time to kick them out and start realizing you have so much more to offer.”

Doris didn’t know what to say to that, she quickly changed the subject. “Why are you here, Enzo? If not to break me out of this tiny hole. Which I already know is quite impossible.”

“I suppose I thought I could somehow get you out of this, but I saw how much they doubled up on their guards and i knew it was a message to me. Still, i had to see that you were okay. I only trust my own eyes and no one’s word.”

“Are you going to try to take House Arnold down when we leave here?”

“I would be a fool if I didn’t try. I respect William and what he plans but if he can’t make that happen soon, I will have to do what’s best for my people. I fear I’ve already lost too many of them because of that prince. I don’t think I’ve slept a moment since he’s come to the camp.”

“Then I suppose you’ll have to get me out of here so we can leave you to your misery.” Doris said with a small smile. How could she try to tell this man to trust William when she didn’t truly trust him herself? He hid parts of himself and exposed them at the times she least expected. Deep down, she knew he was a good man. As much as she hated to admit it, he was. But it was not her duty to convince him, it was William’s.

“Will you at least tell me what Prince William has promised you and the rogues?” Doris asked.

“He’s promised a lot.” Enzo sighed. “He wants to end the horrible tax and try to unite our lands if we stand with him but I know the rogues don’t want that. We want to be free, not united. We don’t care if it sets us apart from everyone else.”

Doris nodded. She felt the same way about herself. She didn’t care how much she had to pay or what she had to do, she wanted to be free and that was the end of it. Even if it meant she was on her own.

og “No matter what he does, we will always be seen as the lowest of low. Even if he is king, nothing will change. That would take generations for it to change. New lives and new thoughts, not us. My rogues aren’t capable of it-look what they’ve done to you just because you were seen near him. If they hadn’t acted this way, I might have considered it.”

Doris reached out her hand and he leaned down to place his in hers. “You always do what’s best for your people, I believe that.” She squeezed and he smiled. “He wants support and I know he needs yours, but I can’t tell you to give it to him if it’s not what you think is right.” Especially when she couldn’t even give Prince William her own support. It was hard to tie yourself to someone when you wanted to be free.”

Despite this mess, you’re their leader.”

Enzo squeezed her hand and glanced over his shoulder again before he lowered his voice. “I met with Patrick before I came here. I’m glad they came to a peaceful agreement to let you free. I’ll be waiting for you at that church with William and we’ll take it from there.”

“Do you think the rogues will stay true to their word?” Doris whispered. A flash of concern crossed his features but he smiled before it lingered.

“If they don’t, I will come get you myself. That is, if William doesn’t break through the doors first. Truly, you should see how horribly he’s sulking without you. He’s said he shouldn’t have left at least a hundred times. And that he should have picked you up and forced you with him another hundred.” Enzo smiled at her frown. “And I told him that if he made you go against your will, he would have been sorry, I know you would have given him hell for it.” 1 Doris laughed a little and covered her mouth. She wasn’t sure how sound proof the rooms were but she didn’t want Enzo to get in trouble for this visit. He had to gain back the trust of his rogues somehow.

“Now, be careful in here and don’t do anything I wouldn’t do. They won’t hurt you unless you give them a reason.” Enzo let go of her hand and moved to stand. “Oh, and watch that guard. He’s a little sweet on you, I can tell.”

“What?” Doris felt her cheeks heat. “No he’s not, he’s just being kind.”

Enzo laughed. “I can’t wait to tell William how you’ve already got a guard in love with you. He’ll come here and tear down this wall and you’ll be out in no time.” 1 Doris wanted to reach through the window and smack him. “Stop being ridiculous. He’s just kind.”

“He was looking at you with hearts in his eyes. Can’t say I blame him, love.” He leaned down to look at her once more. “I will be back for you. This is my fault and I’ll make it right without losing all of their trust.”

Doris offered a small smile. “I have no doubt you will—”

The door behind her started to rattle, Enzo quickly closed the window just as the door opened.