30. King Lawrence
King Lawrence
I shouldn’t have been so excited. After all, happiness was the last thing I felt over learning that my father’s men hadn’t succeeded in my enemy’s assassination so long ago. But as I stared down at Vaughn’s personal cell number, I didn’t just feel happy. I was fucking elated.
How was he going to react when he answered the phone and realized it was me? How would I feel after hearing the shock in his voice?
I couldn’t keep the smile from my face.
Maybe it wasn’t so much talking to him that left me eager.
It was more stabbing my knife through his and Penelope’s trust that had my fingers itching to dial the number the Sultan had given me not ten minutes prior.
A number he’d almost withheld. But he hadn’t, and here I was, listening as ringing came through the receiver.
“Yeah?” Deep. Rich. The tone had me pausing as I made him wait. “Hello?”
“I thought you were dead.”
Silence.
Footsteps.
“…King Lawrence. …I can’t say I’m surprised you’re calling. Are you inquiring about my measurements? I heard your ball was going to have a strict dress code. You know, I am capable of following rules.”
“Are you? Are we referring to Vaughn Masterson,” I smiled, “or the masked captor? I’m not so sure the second cares for rules.”
“I’m afraid I have no idea what you’re talking about. What can I do for you… Your Majesty.”
I weighed the words, hearing how it barely made it through clenched teeth, but there wasn’t the satisfaction I wanted to feel.
“I want to talk to Penelope.”
Silence, but I continued.
“She’s not answering her phone. I must speak with her. She has responsibilities now as the Duchess of Rosemoor. She will accompany me so we can begin the transition.”
“Will she.”
It wasn’t a question.
My jaw flexed. “She will. It is nonnegotiable. Rosemoor is known for producing the most elite horses in the world. There are trainers, staff, and an entire economy tied to the success of its program. If Penelope doesn’t step in or take this seriously, their very livelihoods might be at risk.
Rosemoor’s own prestigious reputation depends on her. ”
“And I’m guessing you’re the only person in the world who can introduce her to her new duties as Duchess.”
My smile returned. “Who better than me? It’s because of me that Rosemoor is thriving. It seems only natural I’d work with her personally to ensure it stays that way.”
“Work with her?” The words were clipped. Deeper. “For how long?”
I traced my finger around the top of my drink.
“That depends.”
“… On?”
“Her. Are you going to let me talk to her or not?”
“No.”
My fingers stopped, only to begin circling in reverse.
“I’m trying to decide if you’re purposefully making this harder on her or on me.”
“I have video of you killing my men.” My lids narrowed as he continued. “I also have video of your physician poisoning her ginger chews. Chews she took for her morning sickness for our child.” A pause. “A child you are responsible for killing. And you expect me to let her leave with you again?”
Lowering my hand, I reached, picking up my glass.
“Your men were a threat—”
“Maybe you didn’t hear me say I had the tape. I was watching live. They meant to stay to keep her safe. They did not threaten you. Not once. As for my child—”
“I had no idea she was pregnant. I knew nothing of you—only the barrister.”
“A barrister you also tried to kill. You’re lucky you’re alive right now. Many in The Council are turning on you. They question whether your life is worth the trouble you’re causing.”
Repeatedly, my jaw flexed. “You will have Penelope ready for me first thing tomorrow morning.”
“I will not.”
My voice dropped in tone as the threat thickened my words.
“You will give me an address and have Penelope ready for me first thing tomorrow morning. Nine AM, sharp. And I give you my word I will return her before sunset.”
“No.”
I stood from my chair.
“If you think—"
“Stop. Talking. This is what’s going to happen, Your Majesty.” Vaughn paused, and his footsteps stopped. “Penelope and I will meet you at Rosemoor.”
My head gave a jerk. “You are not coming.”
“You’re not afraid, are you?”
“Don’t be ridiculous. You’re not coming because this has nothing to do with you. Penelope is the Duchess.”
“And I will be her husband.”
I laughed. “I don’t believe I saw a ring, nor did I see an announcement of any kind claiming any rights to her.
You’re not engaged, and from my research the last few days, Penelope can’t be engaged to you because she has not undergone the trials for this place you call The Order.
She does have to undergo those to be your…
queen… right? Penelope as your Persephone? So romantic.”
“She’s not going.” He got quiet, only to continue. “Did you really lay with her when she was unconscious… kissing and brushing back her hair?”
I bit my lower lip, not able to stop the way my body reacted to memories I longed for.
“I thought you said she was unconscious.” A low growl left him, but I continued.
“Believe it or not, I care for Penelope. And believe it or not, she feels something for me, too. Maybe she doesn’t know it yet, or maybe she’s so brainwashed by her masked captor that she can’t quite see it, but she will.
I’ve noticed something about Penelope that maybe you haven’t got the chance to witness.
Or maybe you’ve known all along. Victims have this amazing ability to mimic emotions they’ve experienced before.
Penelope is a fantastic actress. But those tears she can call out on a moment’s notice, those are real.
They’re not manifesting from nothing. Those tears…
they’re because of you, and once she starts to realize you’re the cause of all that pain she has locked away.
” I paused, lifting my glass to take a drink. “She’ll choose me.”
“You’re wrong.”
I weighed the quiet response.
“I’m not, and we both know it. Penelope belongs with me, not you.
But that’s not why I called, and we’re done arguing about it.
Penelope has responsibilities. As her king, I’m here to make sure she fulfills them.
You will text me an address and have her ready by nine in the morning, and as I gave my word, I will have her home before sunset. ”
“And if I don’t let her go?”
“We both know the answer to that.”
Vaughn’s footsteps started again. “And if you don’t have her home?”
I took another drink.
“This is business. I’m not looking to get on The Council’s bad side. I know not to push it. I will return her on time.”
“I cannot agree to your terms. I will not.”
Anger exploded within me, but before I could say a word, Penelope’s voice echoed over the receiver.
“Hello?”
The anger melted.
“Penelope. I’ve been trying to get ahold of you.
We head to Rosemoor in the morning. There are a great number of people excited to meet their new Duchess.
I know it’s a lot to face after…” My brow drew in.
“Your loss.” I paused hearing a soft sound leave her.
“I swear I didn’t know. About any of it.
Penelope, I would have never allowed you to get hurt.
The only reason I didn’t kill my physician until after I left was because he was the only one who could right his wrong.
I stayed long enough to make sure you were okay, and then I left. I was worried about you.”
“Is that why you branded me?”
“… I was upset. When I got the call—I didn’t even know Vaughn was alive. I sure as hell didn’t know you were pregnant with his child. I felt… betrayed. Again. I overreacted. I’m sorry.”
Silence.
“You killed the physician? Who was he? Why did he poison me?”
“It took a while for him to admit the entire truth. He lied a lot at the beginning, and I’m afraid your guards suffered for it.
Finally, he admitted that he was trying to help me.
That he thought if you were sick, I’d be able to nurse you back to health and maybe you would fall in love with me.
It was stupid. Reckless. It didn’t matter.
I killed him after what he caused. What he did to you.
How could I not?” I paused, softening but deepening my voice.
“He hurt you. Did you not see my pain? My fear? I know you did. Vaughn told me you remembered. Penelope… I was sick over what happened to you. I was scared out of my mind. I’m sorry.
Please. I know I can’t change any of it but allow me to try.
Even if by something as small as righting your past. It’s the least I can do. ”
More silence.
Longer.
“You said everyone’s expecting me?”
I smiled. “They are. And it’s very important that you make the right first impression. Rosemoor is—”
“The second biggest breeding and training stable in the world, Your Majesty.
“Then you know how important this is.”
“I do, which is why it’s the only reason I’ll be ready at nine.” She paused. “Because if you—”
“This is strictly business. I even promised Vaughn that I would have you home before dark.”
It sounded truthful. Convincing.
Little did either of them know it wasn’t going to be me holding Penelope there against her will. She’d decide to stay all by herself, and when she did, I’d conveniently be waiting for her in the shadows.