34. Vaughn
Vaughn
I didn’t need to look at my phone to know Penelope was calling. I also didn’t need to answer to know exactly what she was going to say.
After hours of watching King Lawrence play on her emotions and manipulate her, I’d had to walk away from my monitor.
I raged. I plotted. I did what I should have done days ago.
I called Mr. Prescott. Within hours, he was flying into London, and he’d come to The Order immediately.
I didn’t feel good about his impatience. It told me more than I wanted to know.
“I feel as though I’m offering my condolences every time we speak.” His lips tightened. “I am truly sorry about the loss of your child, Unavowed. The Council did not take the news of what happened well.”
My jaw set. “They didn’t do anything about it, either.”
“It doesn’t appear that way, but it was a battle within our walls whether you saw it or not.
It came down to the facts. We had no proof King Lawrence was at fault for what happened to your heir.
He killed the physician before we got a chance to interrogate him.
It is his word against yours, and he’s made it clear he didn’t even know you were alive, which is the truth. ”
Hotter, my blood boiled. “He knows now.” I clasped my hands over the table. “So let’s talk about what comes next. What can I expect out of this ridiculous ball he’s throwing in my honor? Should I start planning my funeral?”
Amusement flashed on Mr. Prescott’s face.
“Don’t be absurd. King Lawrence is aware of the repercussions if something were to happen to you. He has agreed that violence is not the way.”
“Has he also agreed to leave my Intended alone?” My sigh came out half sarcastic, half disgusted.
“No. He has not. Because if he would have, he wouldn’t have her at Rosemoor right now, drowning her in the weight of responsibilities that could have come with time.
He’s trying to steal her away from me, and I think we both know how far he’s willing to go to accomplish that.
What did The Council say about Theodore?
Will there be any consequences for that? ”
Mr. Prescott’s head cocked to the side. “Do you have evidence aside from a dead SLB’s confession? Had you not killed Katia Marchase, perhaps we could have found some, but in your haste, I’m afraid… nothing exists.”
“Convenient.” I ground out. “You’re the fucking Council. You’re supposed to have eyes everywhere. You’re supposed to know things. I am not impressed. I think you only know something when it benefits the narrative or your game.”
He shrugged. “What I know right now is that your worried out of your mind over King Lawrence taking away your queen. More than you worry about your life. Does he have a shot?”
A day ago, I would have told him no. Today, after what I saw… I wasn’t sure.
“Penelope loves me. Her place is at my side.”
“Whether she likes it or not, I take it.”
My lids were practically slits as I took him in. “It will not come to that.”
“But I know where you stand if it does. You will not let King Lawrence have her.”
“Has he not taken everything else?” My fist slammed against the table. “Penelope is mine. She will remain mine. That is the end of it.”
“I guess we’ll see.”
His smile never wavered.
“We will.” My tone was final. “Tell me about this costume ball. King Lawrence mentioned it, but what are the rules? The expectations? I have no doubts The Council will be in attendance. After all, how can you all condemn me to death if you’re not there to witness whatever downfall King Lawrence has planned for me? ”
“You’re trust in us is sorely lacking, Unavowed. I have to say, I’m a bit offended.”
“You’re not a fool. Don’t pretend to be. This ball is not for me, it’s for my enemy. He’s up to something. If it’s not my death he’s after, it’s my ruination. Now that he knows I’m alive and a threat, he’s coming after me, and you can bet your ass I’ll be ready and waiting.”
Mr. Prescott nodded. “There’s nothing wrong with being prepared.
I would be, too, if I were you. But I have it from a very reliable source, the king’s own handler, that he means no harm against you.
He wants Penelope, yes, but he’s not going to be stupid enough to jeopardize that before he has her.
If anything happens to you, he’ll lose her before he ever has a chance to win her over.
You’re safe concerning the ball. I can assure you of that. ”
“Pardon me if I don’t take your word for it. My uncle and family had The Council’s assurances that they were safe as well. Little good it did them. They’re dead.”
“A tragedy, but that was the older generation. We are not the same.”
“If you say so. Rules,” I ground out. “I take it full-face masks are out. Weapons are out. Are—”
“Actually,” Mr. Prescott sat up straighter, leaning more in my direction. “There is only one rule for you, Vaughn, and that is… there are no rules. You are free to wear whatever you’d like. Carry whatever weapon you feel you need to.”
My finger shot up, pointing right at him. “That sounds like a trap or an invitation to be killed.”
“The rule only applies to you. King Lawrence feared you wouldn’t come if you didn’t feel safe. This is a one-time rule to show you he means well and is ready to bury the hatchet.”
“In my back. Just like his ancestors did. What of my family’s signet ring he harbors? The fake one. What of me exposing the past? I am the rightful king. The proof needs to come to light.”
“All in good time.”
I glared. “Is there a better time than now?”
“I guess that depends.”
“On?”
Mr. Prescott stood.
“On whether or not it’s the right decision for you.”
Slowly, I rose, pressing my fingers more into the table.
“I am the rightful king. My blood is the only blood that matters, and it deserves to be free of the black title it holds. I will not be hidden underground anymore.” I pointed to the ceiling.
“She does not deserve that. Penelope will not be held back because of me a moment longer. The truth will come out one way or another. You either help me make it happen, or I do this on my own. I’m finished playing The Council’s game.
Either help me or send someone who will. ”
For seconds he kept my stare.
“We will talk soon.”
He bowed, turning for the door. The moment it shut, I took out my phone from my pocket, seeing Penelope’s missed calls.
I turned, heading for my study. When I entered and shut the door behind me, I could barely step forward from what I saw.
Penelope was sitting at a dining room table.
The room was surrounded by mirrors, giving me view of both her and King Lawrence from the reflections.
She looked breathtaking in a deep wine-colored silk dress.
Her hair was pinned up high on her head, and the diamond earrings she wore matched the heart necklace with the hidden camera that I’d bought her.
“I am so proud of you, Penelope. I wasn’t sure what to expect before we got here, but you took to all of this as if you’d truly grown up at Rosemoor.
I had no idea how well-schooled you were in horses.
In business. Here, I thought it would take you weeks to just learn the breeds, but…
” The awe built on his face. “You amaze me. By the end of the tour, it was like you were right at home.”
“I am home,” she laughed. “Lawrence…” My lips peeled back at how comfortable she said his name.
“My father literally beat those breeds into my memory. There wasn’t a decision you made that didn’t escape him, and he made me know it as well.
At least up until a few years ago. I think he lost hope after my scandal.
” Her head lowered. “I really let him down. I guess… I let down a lot of people.”
King Lawrence’s face flickered with a softness that had me wanting to smash my fist into it.
“Let’s forget the past. None of that matters anymore. What’s important is right now. You’re back where you’re meant to be, and I can’t wait to see what you make of your new adventure.”
“Adventure.” The smile that came to Penelope’s face was full of happiness. Of dawning. My stomach twisted and pain webbed over my heart. “What an adventure this is.” The smile fell and her head lowered.
“What is it?”
He pushed from the chair, but Penelope’s hand came up to stop him from coming closer.
“It’s nothing. I should be going to my room. Thank you for helping me today. I truly appreciate it.”
“Of course. I’m only happy you allowed me to. I’ll see you in the morning for breakfast?”
“Yes.” She stood, taking a step back. “See you, then.”
I watched King Lawrence’s eyes eat her up as she headed for the door. She passed her guards who were waiting, and Penelope wasn’t to the stairs before my phone was ringing. I let out a breath, hitting the button.
“Hello?”
“There you are. I was beginning to worry. Is everything okay?”
“It’s great. Sorry, Mr. Prescott showed up. We’ve been busy going over everything.”
She paused from speaking, but I saw her make it to the long hall.
“Did he say anything helpful about the ball? Do you have to go?”
“I’m afraid so. He says King Lawrence was nice enough to allow me liberties to be completely masked and armed if I wanted. Only me, of course, since he knows I don’t trust him, but they don’t believe the king will have me killed. Not when he’s trying so hard to win you over.
Penelope’s steps faltered.
“You know where I stand on that.”
“Do I?”
She reached the door, opening it and disappearing into a large room. The luxury only made my anger grow for reasons I couldn’t even place.
“…Vaughn, don’t. Not tonight. I’m tired, and I’ve had a long day. You’re not going to ask if I’m coming home?”
“Why would I do that? You’d be here if you were.” I squeezed my lids shut. “I’m sorry.”
“It can’t be helped. I’m trying to learn everything as fast as I can, but if you knew the extent of the responsibilities, you wouldn’t be giving me a hard time.”
I took a seat in my chair, watching as she sat on what I knew must be the edge of the bed. A fireplace was already roaring to life, and the room almost reminded me of Glenbrae, except more elegant than the hominess there.
“Penelope…” I stopped, seeing how the camera was more pointed towards the floor. Her shoulders were hunched. She only did that when she was tired or worried. “I love you.”
A soft exhale left her. “I love you, too. And I miss you already. I hate being apart.” Her voice got so quiet, I could barely hear her.
“How are we going to do this, Vaughn? How am I? Rosemoor and The Order? The drive isn’t horrible, an hour, but.
” She stopped, and more, her shoulders seemed to sag.
“What if I fail one or the other? What if I—"
“You, fail? Impossible. If anyone could tackle this and make both thrive, it’s you. Let’s not think of that right now. You said it yourself. You’ve had a hard day. I have a better idea than going over needless worries.”
“What’s that?”
“Give me an hour… and I’ll show you.”