1. Vaughn
Vaughn
Silence. I could have heard a pin drop for how suffocatingly quiet the Great Hall was. Not one Master talked. Barely any would look up, and if they did, they didn’t dare look in my direction. Most dinners were full of laughter or at least bickering.
Now, nothing.
The silence was my fault. The Masters were confused on why Penelope was suddenly suspended from The Order. Some had been here that night. Maybe they talked amongst themselves, but no one dared ask what was happening, and I knew it was up to me to explain.
“Did someone die?”
Theodore’s voice cut through the room like a knife. Where the Masters looked up, none laughed or even smiled at his joke. No one but me.
“Finally. He returns.”
I stood, but I didn’t miss the worry masking his face.
“Did… someone die? Where’s Penelope?”
Fear. It had Theo slowing and almost every Master turning my way. My lips twisted, and I gestured Theodore over to his seat next to me.
“Alright. Everyone listen up. You have a right to know about my Intended. Let’s get this over with.”
Theo slowed at my side, still looking worried as he went between me and the silent room.
“If you attended The Pennington Wedding, you already witnessed what happened. For those of you who didn’t, I’m only going to say this once.
Penelope misjudged the situation. Marian is her best friend.
If you got to witness Marian’s revenge to the end, you saw that she could barely stand or function enough to complete the game. ”
I took in the stares from my elevated position. Concern. Interest. …Sadness?
“Penelope let emotion rule her instead of logic. It is not a secret the guard will have to be reined in. Too many mistakes are being made. That was not the time for her to speak out about that which is why The Judic has temporarily suspended her from The Order. Not because they don’t trust her, but to teach her that emotion does not come first. She wants more than anything to be here, but right now, she must learn.
Priorities matter, and hers will be focused on her upcoming trials. ”
I clasped my hands in front of me.
“Part of her preparation will be integrating back into society.” Eyes flared, and some of the Masters even smiled.
“With her going public, she becomes untouchable. King Lawrence and the SLB do not operate fairly. They take advantage when others aren’t watching.
That ends now.” Masters nodded. “Penelope will not be hidden. She will be attending events, galas. She will be volunteering for interviews and doing what she must to keep the public eye focused on her. If anyone makes a move, they risk not only our wrath, but worldwide attention.”
I glanced at Theodore but studied the Masters before me.
“Exposure is protection. No one touches what the world is watching. Not without consequence.”
Lord Astor’s hand slowly rose, and I nodded.
“Unavowed, you said she was returning to society. I think we should all come together with a schedule of events. We should keep her within our circle as much as we can so that we too can play a part in her protection.”
“I couldn’t agree more. It is no secret King Lawrence wants my Intended.
Eyes are to be on her at all times.” The room got quiet as the Masters became serious.
“If we keep her near, we can keep track of those who show interest. Because if anyone makes a move… they won’t get close. They’ll get us. They’ll get The Order.”
Agreements sounded as the Masters nodded.
“Lord Astor, head up the events. Get with the wives. Present me the schedule when you’re able.”
“Yes, Unavowed. Thank you, Sire.”
“For now, that is all.”
I turned to Theo, gripping his shoulder.
“Welcome back.”
“Damn I missed a lot.”
“You did, but you’re back now. It’s been quiet without you here. Let’s get you some food. I want to hear everything about your trip.”
I gestured to one of the slaves who stood against the side of the room, and Theodore paused in his smile.
“Vaughn, I know The Judic’s role is vital for The Order, but have you thought this through? I mean, having her back in society—” He stopped. “I don’t like her being so visible. It almost sounds like Penelope is… bait.”
“Not bait.” I kept my voice even. “I know how it appears. Think more, temptation.”
Theo threw me a look.
“That’s not the same, Theodore.”
“Maybe not, but the SLB isn’t going to disappear.”
Anger simmered as I lowered to sit.
“I didn’t say I wanted them to disappear.”
“But—” Dawning had him nodding. “You want Agent Marchase—Katia.”
My jaw clenched repeatedly at hearing her name.
“She took a year from us. I plan to take it back. She lied to my Intended. Katia told her outrageous stories about me that weren’t even close to being true.
For that, Penelope wants revenge just as much as I do.
My future queen seems sweet and kind, and she is, but…
she’s changed. Penelope may end up giving me a run for my money. ”
I did smile at that.
“You’re positive she’s safe?”
“The Order says she’s protected, so she is.”
“Who is with her?”
I picked up my scotch, taking a sip.
“Able, The Reeve’s second. He really impressed me in Miami. I trust him. He has two teams of ten men with him. The Reeve will be supplying me with another update after dinner. I’m told she’s even going to call me tonight, so I’m looking forward to that.”
Theodore took his plate, nodding, but he was very deep in thought as he began to eat.
“Wait. You’re going to get to see her at some point, though, right? I mean, she can’t come here temporarily. How long will that last? Will you be able to go to her once they give you the address?”
“The Judic and I will be discussing specifics in our meeting tonight. Going to her too soon wouldn’t be wise. The spotlight will be on her for a few weeks until the buzz of her return fades.”
“What about me?”
I grabbed my drink, my features hardening.
“The SLB suspects I’m the one who took her, so obviously they’re going to suspect you since you were the one visiting her over at Grove Square when she was with Marian.
They’ll think we’re connected. For now, I think you should stop by on occasion.
The media will love that. It’ll show that you’re staying true to your interest, but that you’re pulling back as well.
” My head cocked to the side. “You could start dating other women in a few weeks.”
“Like hell I will.”
My brow creased. “You’re that opposed?”
“I’m not interested in dating. I don’t want anyone to think I am.
With interest comes expectations. No thanks.
I will take Penelope out to dinner a handful of times.
With the amount of publicity she’ll be bombarded with, others will naturally flock in droves.
I will break away and say it was all too much.
I will wish her the best and sink back into the shadows where I can be left alone. ”
“Droves,” I breathed out. “I suppose you’re right about that. She’ll have every available title coming after her now. No… absolutely not. We’ll just have to find a way to make sure that doesn’t happen.”
“Ha! Have you seen your Intended? There’s a reason why she’s the most talked about woman in this country.
” Theodore ate but continued between bites.
“Penelope is like… she’s… like a—” I lifted one of my eyebrows—"like a jewel. Special… hypnotizing to look at. I mean—Well, if I’m being honest—tantalizing, or no? ”
“Not to you.”
“Exactly. Most certainly not to me, but if we’re talking about others, then, yes.”
Tap.
Tap.
Tap.
At my look and the steady drum of my finger, he quickly shifted.
“I’m just saying—”
Again, my head shook.
“She’s so fucking beautiful, and God, I do love riling you up.” He grabbed his drink, winking. “I’ll watch over her is all I’m saying.”
“And you’ll be on your best behavior, because if you kiss her again, I will cut out your tongue and it will be mine, just as she is.”
The Reeve entered, meeting my gaze. I turned back to Theodore, slapping against his shoulder hard enough to make him wince. “Welcome home. Time for us to work. Let’s go.”
I stood, and Theo and I stepped from the platform, falling in line with The Reeve as we headed for my study. When we entered, I didn’t bother to go to my desk. I stood by the fireplace, watching as Theodore took a seat in one of the chairs. The Reeve moved further into the room, turning to face me.
“I’m going to be honest, Sire. We’ve had a bit of a complication.”
My head tilted and fear pinged. “What do you mean, complication?”
“Nothing serious.” He let out a breath. “Just… small obstacles we’ve now overcome.”
“Like what?”
The Reeve took out his phone, opening it up to read from the notes. “Ms. Penelope only lasted two days in her residence before we had to move her. Between the amount of press and the pedestrian traffic, the men didn’t feel confident being so scattered.”
“Smart. Alright, so she was moved.”
“Yes.” The Reeve’s eyes cut up. “Sort of.”
“What do you mean, sort of?”
“The new location was a few blocks from her parents’ townhome. Ms. Penelope refused to stay there. She wanted to go home.”
I paused, taking in his expression. “I’m guessing she won that argument.”
“She did. We managed to secure a townhome a few homes down from hers, but only one.”
“Shit.”
“Exacly. Half the men are there, and she has the other half staying with her and refuses to let them find other lodgings. She’s doing quite well playing the gracious hostess. The men prefer being close. They feel they can protect her better. So far, it’s working out rather well.”
I tried to keep the smile from my face.
“That’s good to hear. After the last year, hiring men as her detail is believable. She’s young, she’s alone. It might not be realistic, but her masked captor is still on the loose which works in our favor.”
“Indeed, Sire.”
I headed to the bar, making myself another drink.
“Has there been any sightings of the SLB or any of King Lawrence’s men?”
“Not yet, but we’re keeping an eye open at all times. Able will report tonight in our meeting with The Judic. I believe they had questions for him as well.”
“I’m sure they do. And what of Penelope? I know she’s just getting settled, but has she started training yet?”
The side of the Reeve’s mouth tugged back as he stared down at his screen.
“She has. I guess her parents had a ballroom. They’ve now transformed it into her training area.”
“You smiled.”
The Reeve’s head lifted. “I’m sorry?”
“You were smiling at your phone. What was so funny?”
Again, his mouth pulled back even though I could tell he was trying to stop it.
“Ms. Penelope is more advanced than the men expected. Able is impressed. It’s all he talks about.
Apparently, she caught Jobe with her palm and busted his nose.
Did your Intended show mercy?” The Reeve’s smile turned darker as his head slowly went back and forth.
“She did not. She caught him in the throat before sending him flying back with a kick right to his stomach. I’m told it took him fifteen minutes before he could even swallow without it being a chore. ”
My eyes widened and my words were weak. “She never went that hard with me.”
“Which is understandable. You are The Unavowed. Her issue is not with you, it is with the guard. Now, she can act on it freely.” He paused, pushing buttons on his phone.
Mine alerted, and I pulled it from my pocket.
“That is her new number. She’s training now but told me she’d call you after the meeting. Is there anything else, Sire?”
“No.” My head shook, and The Magister’s words came barreling back through. “You baby her…” And from what I just heard, I could have killed her because of it. Babied her… maybe I had.
I thought I had a good idea the power my Intended held. Perhaps I didn’t know anything about her at all. Our stolen year had taken more than memories. It coveted identity and had reshaped her. Changed her. Hell, it turned her into something I hadn’t anticipated.
Time had carved something new out of my future queen. Something I didn’t quite yet understand.
For the first time… I wasn’t sure if I was the one shaping her anymore.