10. Penelope
Penelope
Packers.
Training.
Preparing for Katia.
Memorizing my lines for the ritual.
My head was spinning, and I wasn’t even allowing myself to think of King Lawrence or what would await me in Scotland when I left in three days.
I found the last two days I was fatigued, even falling asleep through my studies. I’d been going so hard for so long, the hard work was catching up with me. My body ached. My head was fuzzy, and I couldn’t focus.
Was I getting sick?
Flying to Scotland with the king while I was under the weather was not something I looked forward to. Then again, there seemed to be a pattern of illness with me when we met. Maybe he would see me as too sickly and move on. Or tell me not to come at all. That would be ideal.
“Jeremy and Scott from team two are in the SUV waiting. They got in at the store and rode back with me. They’re hiding in the back. As far as we know, no one was watching. It’s almost time.”
“Thank you, Able. I’m ready.”
I stood, blinking through the slight dizziness that had me pausing.
“What was that?” Able stepped forward, placing out his hands as if he were getting ready to catch me. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine. I’m just off. Probably the onset of a cold or flu. I swear, this happens during every big decision or occasion. I’m cursed. Every Christmas. Every birthday… fever. But I’m fine. Really. It’ll pass.”
“Are you sure? We can delay luring Katia out until tomorrow.”
“No way. This ends tonight. Once she sees I’m leaving alone, she’ll follow. She won’t be able to resist. We have to take advantage of her weakness and get her while we can.”
Able paused but gave a nod. “We’ll meet you there. Be careful, Intended. Don’t let your guard down for a moment. Jeremy and Scott are the best. They’ll be there if you need them.”
“I’ll be fine. I’ll see you at The Order.”
I took the keys from his hand, heading to the door. I didn’t drive. Not that I didn’t know how—I did. I just never had the opportunity. I was excited, if not slightly terrified that my first time on the road somewhat alone would be luring an assassin to a secret society of monsters.
Was this my life?
Swinging open the door, I took in the quiet street. Some windows were lit up, masked with curtains, while some townhomes were completely dark.
I quickly jogged to the SUV that was parked in front, intimidated by its large size.
I could do this.
I knew how to do this.
Queen.
I could slit throats but not drive a vehicle the size of a small bus? I would not think about that.
I opened the door, climbing in and locking it behind me. I started the SUV, adjusting the seat so I could reach the pedals. The headlights were automatic, and I didn’t speak as I pulled out, onto the road. It wasn’t until I was turning onto the next block that I talked.
“Are we okay back there?”
A moment passed.
“All good, Intended.”
I let out a shaky breath. My stare eased up to the rearview mirror, and I took in the lights in the distance behind me. Was it Katia? Able? Team two?
My mind raced as I went the few blocks to the parking garage.
There was no trying to lose anyone or hide where I was going.
Sweat coated my clammy palms, and nausea had me convulsively swallowing as I wound through to the far back.
My breaths were even deeper through the sickness and stress as I put it in park and unbuckled.
“I think I’m just going to sit here for a moment. I… Is it hot in here? I know it’s cool outside, but I’m sweating.” I pulled at the collar of the long sleeve I wore. My eyes jerked up to the rearview at the silence. “Jeremy? … Scott?”
An odd gasp sounded, and I spun, seeing Katia bound over the back seat. She held a knife coated in blood. I didn’t think. I couldn’t as I threw open the door and jumped out. I raced for the door, pushing my speed faster than ever.
Footsteps pounded behind me, and I threw open the entrance to The Order, going through the small room that led to the hall.
Fingers scraped against my shirt as I pulled the second door open.
I burst through, increasing to a speed I didn’t even know I was capable of.
I rounded the corner feeling arms grab me, but it wasn’t her.
Vaughn spun me to the side, turning just as Katia burst around the corner, right into his waiting grasp.
Her legs flew up in front of her at the force, but she didn’t move as Vaughn locked around her throat, squeezing with so much force her face turned purple.
Guards closed in from all angles and Katia’s eyes widened as she took it in.
“Welcome to The Order.”
Lord Oxley stepped in, stabbing a syringe into her arm. Katia went wild trying to break free, but within seconds, her body went limp. Vaughn swept her up, handing her to The Reeve.
“Put her in cuffs—hands and feet. Keep her door locked at all times. No one is to go into that room but me.”
“Yes, Unavowed.”
Vaughn turned to me, concern registering as he cupped my face.
“You’re pale. Are you okay? Did she hurt you?”
My head shook. “She was already in the SUV. I don’t know how. She… I think she killed Jeremy and Scott. She had a knife. There was blood.”
Able and the two teams burst around the corner.
“Thank God.” He let out a deep exhale as he tried to catch his breath. “We saw you both running in. I don’t know how she got inside the SUV. I… I had it locked.”
“Jeremy and Scott?”
Able’s head bowed a little at Vaughn’s question. “Dead, Unavowed.”
“Have them taken care of. My Intended is looking a little pale. I’m going to have Lord Oxley look over her.”
“I’m fine, really.”
“She’s not.”
My gaze snapped to Able, and my lips tightened.
“What do you mean?”
Able put his attention on Vaughn.
“She hasn’t acted normal the last two days. She’s been quiet. I thought before she got in the car that she might fall or pass out. She assured me this is common for her under stress. She gets sick, although, I detected no fever.”
Vaughn’s hand immediately came out to feel.
“I have no fever,” I assured. “I’ve been putting in a lot of hours. It’s catching up, that’s all. I’ll be fine after I get in a good night’s rest.”
“Lord Oxley.”
At Vaughn’s wave, a groan left me.
“I said I’m fine. If anything, it’s a virus or cold. It’ll pass. Now, I have to go get ready for the ritual.”
“You have time.” Vaughn leaned in, lowering his voice to Lord Oxley. “My chambers. I want you to look over my Intended.”
“Vaughn.”
At the look he gave me, I tightened my jaw, following as we headed down the halls to Vaughn’s room. The moment he had us shut inside, I spun to face them both.
“This is uncalled for. It was one moment of dizziness. I don’t even have a fever.
I said I am fine. Does anyone know how much work and time I’ve been putting into training?
I’m getting maybe four to five hours of sleep a night, if I’m lucky.
I dream of tests and answers and fighting.
I’m tired. I do not need a doctor for that.
” I turned to Lord Oxley. “Thank you for the concern. I appreciate your presence, but I am in no need of your services.”
He stepped forward at Vaughn’s nod, and I turned my glare to Vaughn.
“If he touches me after I have refused consent—”
Multiple expressions crossed Vaughn’s face, and Lord Oxley’s eyes widened as he looked between us. An aggravated sound left Vaughn and he cursed.
“One more dizzy spell. One misstep or sign of a fever—”
My hands lifted in surrender. “Then I will call him myself. I’m fine.” I softened my look at Lord Oxley. “I do appreciate you. I’m not mad at you. I’m just… I’m tired. Maybe I’m getting a virus. You wouldn’t know that this early anyway. I’ve had a big night. I’d just like to sit down and process.”
“Of course, Intended.” He bowed. “If there’s nothing else, Unavowed.”
At Vaughn shaking his head, he turned, leaving the room.
My shoulders dropped, and I walked over, crawling into his bed.
“Don’t be mad at me. Come hold me.”
Concern only grew as he came forward.
“You’re really not feeling well. You choose bed instead of overseeing to Katia?”
I waved my hand, already closing my eyes. “She’s not going anywhere. I just need five minutes.”
Weight registered, and again Vaughn pressed his palm over my forehead. I snuggled into it already feeling myself growing heavier, further from the chaos I’d just been enveloped in. His arms went around me, and I was in heaven… I was out.
Silence.
Stillness.
Something…
The room spun, and before I could process what was happening, I flew up, scrambling from Vaughn’s bed. I looked at the clock, crying out as I searched for my shoes. Hadn’t I been wearing them when I laid down?
It didn’t matter. I couldn’t wear slacks and a shirt for the ritual, and I was already late. Where was Vaughn? Why hadn’t he woke me up?
I went to the adjoining door, bursting into the Queen’s Chamber.
I headed for the closet, grabbing the first dress I saw.
It was deep red, fitted tightly at the top, down to the waist. It was so dark it was almost black.
And it was mine. I knew that, but I’d never worn any of the clothes that Vaughn had bought for me.
Undressing, I quickly put it on. I zipped up the dress, sliding on a pair of black flats.
I went to the vanity, pulling the hair tie from my hair.
I ran the brush through, watching the dark waves soften under the light.
I didn’t wait. I turned, rushing from my chambers.
The four guards outside Vaughn’s door turned at my exit, and the moment I passed them, they followed.
“Where is he?”
Hesitation had me slowing.
“The Place of No Return.”
I came to a stop, facing them but taking in Keith. “Is this where they have the agent, Katia?”
“Yes, Intended. We were told to call The Unavowed if you awoke. We will call him now and let him know you wish to see him.”
“I have to go to the Ritual Room. The Magister is waiting for me. Tell Vaughn we’ll be there.”
“I will.”
I continued walking, following the halls as the guards kept close distance behind me. Keith was speaking to Vaughn, but I couldn’t focus on what was being said. I felt myself sway again. Nausea had me swallowing down the need to be sick.
As I approached, the guards posted outside opened the large door, giving me access to the Ritual Room. The Magister paused in speaking, his hands still hovering as he looked over towards me. The slave’s limbs were already cut, and blood was pooling beneath her nude body.
I didn’t apologize.
I didn’t offer an excuse.
I walked in, not even heading to get the crown or robe.
I lowered over the upside-down crown above her head, kneeling as I waited.
For seconds, The Magister or Judic didn’t move from their position.
Only when I’d become as still as a statue did The Magister walk forward.
He handed me the dagger, not saying a word.
Again, I swallowed back the nausea.
Turning on my knees, I faced the slave, brushing back her nearly white hair. I used the tip of the blade to point to each limb.
“By blood… we remember.”
“By blood… we carry.”
“By blood… we endure.”
“By blood… we reclaim.”
“What was taken…” I leveled the dagger at her throat, putting weight behind my slice as I cut across her neck, “… will be restored.”
I cut my own finger, letting the blood coat my lips as I traced over them. I lowered, kissing the crown and pressing my hand down next to my face so that my blood would coat the cold stone.
When I lifted and stood, The Magister came forward, taking the dagger.
“You are unwell. You’re pale.”
“It will pass. I had to be here.”
He didn’t argue or say more. He nodded, and I watched as he and The Judic began leaving through the back door. The main one opened, and Vaughn walked in, heading for me.
“Love, what are you doing?”
I gestured to the crown, but I didn’t speak. I wasn’t sure I’d be able to without becoming sick.
“I told them you were ill. You shouldn’t have come. You don’t look better, you look worse. Come on. Back to bed with you. I’m calling Lord Oxley.”
“For a virus?”
“Penelope. … What if—”
“What, Vaughn? I won’t die from a virus,” I managed.
“Just like I told Able, this happens when I get overloaded or stressed. It’s happened my entire life.
All I need is more sleep. I shouldn’t have flown from the bed the way I did when I woke up.
It made it worse. I was panicked at being late.
It threw off everything.” I leaned into Vaughn as he led me out.
“I’m fine. I promise. I do need to call Able.
I know we had plans to,” I looked up. “I wish I could be with you, but I think it would be best if I went home. I’m sorry I don’t feel well. ”
“You’re apologizing for being sick? No. I’m not letting you leave. You’ll stay in my room, and I’ll take care of you.”
“The Magister—”
“Isn’t going to kick out my sick Intended. You’re staying.” His voice deepened. “…I’d like to see him try to make you leave.”