55. Vaughn
Vaughn
“He what?”
Penelope slowed, her hand tightening in mine as I led her to the ceremony.
From the time Marian left the Throne Room from receiving The Council’s decision to getting dressed for her wedding, Drayton had not only killed one of the guards who attacked Marian, but he was demanding I provide him two more that participated in her rapes.
“You heard me right. The guard that went to get them for the wedding, he was one of her attackers. I guess the guard made it obvious, smiling at Marian as she stood there in fear. Drayton fucking lost it.”
“Good.” Penelope’s outburst had my eyes widening. “I’m glad he killed him. Give him the other two.”
“You’re okay with me sacrificing my men?”
My anger was thick in my words.
“Your men need to learn restraint. Your men,” Penelope said, leaning towards me as her voice deepened, “need an example on how to behave. Do you know how quickly they raped me? They didn’t ask questions. They wouldn’t listen to what I had to say. They still haunt my nightmares.”
Tears were about to spill. I lifted my hands in a surrender, easing them down to her shoulders.
“I know, and I’m sorry. They died for what they did.”
“Marian’s need to die as well. It helped me knowing mine would never breathe again. Allow her the same so it may help her heal. You want her strong.”
“I do. Which is why I already told them yes. I’m far ahead of you, love. They will marry as soon as we arrive, they will be branded with our mark, and if I’m right, Marian will get her revenge. Just… not for you to see.”
“You’re not letting me stay?”
We turned down the hall, keeping our pace slow.
“No. Marian doesn’t need you there. She needs to do this on her own.”
“Maybe.”
Penelope got quiet as we approached. She lowered her head, going back into slave mode as we headed into an old Chapel that was barely used anymore.
The few pews that existed had been moved out of the way to where the only thing that remained was the alter.
Masters from The Order stood to each side of the aisle, curiously watching while others stood deeper into the room.
Some were even wearing their robes to hide their identity.
I looked at the fire burning to the side of the room. I lifted my hand, giving the Magister permission to start the ceremony. Penelope and I took our place off to the side, in the front, having perfect view of the couple as they faced each other.
“She looks… beautiful. Did you get her that dress?”
Penelope’s words were quiet, and the tears were back in her eyes as she glanced up to me. I leaned down, keeping my volume low.
“A few months back.”
Stunned silence had her mouth parting and something flashing on her face that I couldn’t read.
Anger?
Fear?
Both?
“I’ve been preparing this for months. It was always going to be like this, Penelope. A king plans long before he acts.”
Seconds passed. “Do you have my dress, too?”
I smiled when I knew I shouldn’t. I couldn’t stop. This was going just as I had planned.
“As a matter of fact I do.”
“I will not wear it. I’m picking out my own.”
She stood taller, and I didn’t argue as the Magister began talking.
“By decree of The Collective High Council, under the authority of The Order of the Unavowed, we gather together to witness the joining of blood, power, and future. This union is not of love. It is of purpose. Not desire, nor choice. This is about legacy and law.”
The Magister turned to Drayton.
“Drayton Pennington, do you accept Marian LaRoe as your wife, bound to you by order of The Council? To protect and be there for her in accordance with our law? To preserve her life until your debt is fulfilled? To use her blood to produce the heir required of this union?”
Drayton nodded, letting out a deep breath. “I do.”
“Marian LaRoe, do you accept Drayton Pennington as your intended husband under decree? To submit your body as required? To endure what is necessary for the continuation of this line? To carry the heir commanded by The Council?”
“I… do.”
Monotone.
Distant.
Flat.
“By witness of The Order, by the will of The Council, and by the blood already paid, you are bound. I now pronounce you man and wife. Kiss your bride so that we can seal this contract.”
A mass of emotions flashed on Drayton’s face as he cupped Marian’s cheeks and lowered to brush his lips over hers.
Tears raced down her face the moment he pulled away, but she seemed to fade within herself just as fast. The brand was brought forward, and Marian didn’t even flinch or make a sound as it was pressed into her ring finger.
Her lids closed and she inhaled deeply, never showing an ounce of pain.
Drayton didn’t fare as well. He winced as the upside-down crown was burned into his ring finger.
When his eyes cut over to Marian, I knew he was thinking the same thing I was.
This was bad. Really bad. Marian was not okay.
She was going in and out—here but not. And I was going to fix that.
I knew her personality. I knew what was coming, and although I couldn’t have predicted how this would go down, I knew her revenge would lay somewhere, and the death of my men worked out perfectly.
“Excellent.”
Pride within me swelled. Another piece of history was fitting into place as the Magister headed over to me. I thanked him, taking my time to make it to Drayton and Marian’s side as I exchanged greetings with my Masters who attended.
Marian and Drayton were already whispering, almost seeming to argue as they watched me and Penelope approach. The pride on Marian’s face couldn’t be ignored. She was afraid, but the stubbornness shined through. She didn’t know how not to fight, and she was about to prove me right.
Elec stepped in closer to them as we closed the distance, watching me just as intently as the couple.
“Congratulations. You both made it through the ceremony in agreement.” My gaze went to Marian. “I waited for rebellion. I didn’t get it. I’m not sure if I’m impressed or disappointed.”
“I know my place.”
I smiled. “You learn it quickly. I can’t say that for others.” I glanced down at Penelope. She straightened, but her eyes stayed on Marian, who was barely keeping it together as she kept her gaze averted.
“It’s time we get down to business. Why don’t we walk the women to Penelope’s sitting room.”
Marian’s arm wrapped around Drayton’s. She wouldn’t leave him, just like I predicted. “I’d like to stay with my husband. Please.”
My brow drew in. “You still don’t feel safe? I said no one would hurt you. I meant it.”
Back and forth Marian shifted on her feet. “They were fighting, but I said it. I told him to kill Joel. I—I did this. If you’ll allow me, I will take his punishment. I—”
“Marian, enough. She doesn’t know what she’s saying. I killed the guard, and I did it happily. I’m ready to get this part over with.”
I held in my smile—my victory. I lowered, closer to Marian.
“Well, this changes things, doesn’t it. You want his punishment?”
“She didn’t mean that. She—”
My hand lifted, silencing Drayton as guards stepped from the walls, moving in closer. Marian didn’t speak, but she nodded as tears rolled free.
“I will take his punishment.”
“You are brave,” I breathed out. “To sacrifice yourself for your new husband after you’ve already endured so much.
For a husband who loves you as much as he hates you?
” Penelope grew even more nervous as she looked up at me.
“He’s been planning his revenge for weeks.
I know. I’ve looked into it since you’ve been here.
Do you have any idea what he planned to do to you? ”
Marian swallowed hard, her face turning so that she could look up at Drayton.
“He won’t deny it, Marian. He can’t. He’s had a special space made just for you.
Either he’s into some really kinky shit, or he planned to hurt you.
From what I hear, maybe he even planned to torture and rape you to show you the difference.
His inventory is… rather impressive. Canes, crops, whips, cat-o-nines.
Some with razors. Barbed wire. And a cross very similar to the ones I have in the room next door.
He was innocent, was he not? You said so to Bastian Allard. We all heard you.”
I gestured around the room, but it was The Judic aligning the wall that I was referring to.
“Drayton never raped me. My mother… influenced me.”
“With her lies? Her manipulations?”
“Yes.”
I nodded. “A victim as well. What it must have been like for you having such a cold mother. Did you remember doing or saying the things you accused him of?”
“Not at first.” Marian’s voice softened.
“She drugged me before it happened. Her tricks only worked for so long before I remembered. By then, I was leaving. I was mortified. I… tried to apologize, but the Penningtons wouldn’t take my call.
They weren’t taking anyone’s for months.
Years. I know; I kept trying on occasion. Maybe they knew it was me.”
“You called?”
She glanced up but continued to stare ahead.
“Of course I did, Drayton. I tried to tell anyone who would listen to the truth. That never went far.”
“Interesting.” I looked between them. “And now here we are… family.” I smiled coldly.
“Almost. First, the fun. Then, consummation. You see, I had this elaborate little game planned out. I can be a bit theatrical at times. Masks. The fun, bloody stuff. But then my dear Penelope reminded me how tired you all must be. It’s been a long day.
So, I thought, how can I tie these two together?
How do I get my fun while also forcing you to understand not to fuck with me! ”
I yelled the last inches from Drayton’s face. Straightening, I took a deep breath.