17. Penelope
Penelope
My mouth was parted but I couldn’t speak. I couldn’t think. I blinked through his words, fumbling for a response through the shock.
“Your Majesty, I… I—”
“You can thank me later. It is well past time to right a wrong. The title should have never been taken. Your family’s loyalty has been true.”
I didn’t flinch at my own betrayal. I didn’t cringe. I curtsied, feeling like I was going to be sick. This wasn’t just my title he was returning. It was a lifestyle, responsibilities, duties so great I felt suddenly overwhelmed. More, it was control. For both of us. But in different ways.
“You’re truly lovely, Penelope. Come, let us make the announcement.
Nodding, I took his arm, letting him lead us into the large, formal dining room. The table was full of both men and women of all ages, standing at our entrance. I knew them. Not personally, but my training had been vast, including all the major families.
As the king walked me to my chair at the end, he took his place at the head of the table, staying silent as he continued to stand and take them all in. I let my stare scan over attendees, stopping on Lord Summerlyn.
“Ladies and gentlemen, it is great to see you all tonight. It is my great pleasure,” he paused, looking over at me, “to reintroduce Penelope Taylor, Duchess of Rosemoor, rightful heir to these estates.”
I forced a smile, taking in the nods and murmurs of approval. Lord Summerlyn was amongst those, dipping his head to me through his silent congratulations.
As the king sat down, we all lowered to the table.
“Let us enjoy the evening. Penelope.” He turned to me, his blue eyes scanning over my face. “How are you feeling after the news? You don’t look pale. You actually look a little refreshed from earlier.”
“Thank you. I’m doing okay. I’m feeling a little better.”
“I’m happy to hear that.”
Staff came out, carrying plates to place before all of the guests. I looked down at the appetizer, not daring to breathe in the smell. I held my breath, slightly turning my head as I took in air.
I was grateful for the lack of conversation as we began to eat. A couple further down the table closer to Lord Summerlyn chatted about the cool weather, but mostly everyone sampled the food. By the time the next dish was being brought in, I felt myself relax enough to turn to the man at my side.
“Lord Carver. I don’t believe we’ve formally been introduced.”
Light green eyes lifted, and the younger man couldn’t have been much older than me, in his early twenties. He had deeply tanned skin and dark brown hair which made his eyes practically glow. Although I had heard of him, I’d never officially met the Viscount.
“Your Grace.” His voice was smooth. Slightly deep. “The pleasure is mine.”
I gave a small nod, turning my attention briefly to the next course as it was placed before us.
“I’ve heard of you.” I glanced back over.
“I hope nothing too unfortunate.”
The corner of my mouth lifted slightly. “Nothing to cause alarm.”
“That’s reassuring.”
I glanced back at him again, taking him in more fully in his dark green and gold-trimmed jacket. He wasn’t cautious… but he wasn’t entirely comfortable either.
“You handled that well.”
“Handled?”
“The announcement.”
I looked towards King Lawrence, seeing that he was watching us. I turned to Lord Carver, lowering my voice.
“You should have seen me in the hallway before he brought me in here. I assure you, my reaction was not so composed.”
He smiled and I returned it, growing quiet again as I took small bites of my food.
Time passed, and with it, more dishes came and went. I spoke with King Lawrence and Lord Carver, offering polite smiles to Lord Summerlyn. By the time we finished, the intimidation was gone. I began looking around the dining room. My dining room.
The size. The elegance.
Was this truly happening?
The king stood, drawing me from my thoughts.
“I thank you all for joining this evening. Please, enjoy the rest of your night.”
He stepped back from the table. Where I thought he was going to depart, he stopped next to me, holding out his arm.
My eyes lifted to his, and I bit the insides of my cheeks as I stepped in and held onto his arm.
I only met Lord Summerlyn’s eyes for a moment before we exited the room.
Rowan stepped from the wall, moving in behind us as we began to stroll back towards our suites.
“You were made for this life. Do you realize that?”
I kept my stare ahead. “I’ve been trained, yes.”
“It’s more than that. This comes naturally to you.
Your parents did well preparing you, but what you have isn’t training, it’s instinct.
” He paused. “I watched you over dinner. For someone who went through what you did, you don’t cower.
You’re not timid. You took charge of the conversation with Lord Carver.
You met every person’s gaze in that room as if you were every ounce of their equal.
To lead is within your blood. I’m impressed. ”
I didn’t smile. I still wasn’t sure how I felt about having a title again.
“Thank you, Your Majesty. I’m deeply appreciative of you for clearing my family’s name.”
“I only wish I would have done it sooner.”
We slowed as we approached my door, and I quickly eased my hand down, stopping and moving closer to my entrance.
“Again, thank you. I believe I’ll be settling in for the night. I’m afraid I am getting a little tired again.”
“And I’m sure you want to give your boyfriend the good news.” His tone was flat. “As for Theodore Hart.” King Lawrence paused as his stare darkened. “Should your feelings for him change… I am always a call or a knock away. Goodnight, Penelope.”
My mouth parted, and the king turned, heading for his room. I turned for Rowan, widening my eyes with every ounce of fire inside of me. The gall of that man.
I opened the door, walking in, but keeping the door cracked as I lowered my voice.
“I will not be staying the four days. We are not safe here. We’ll talk over my plan tomorrow.”
A flash of relief registered in The Reeve’s gaze, and he nodded, turning his back to the door as I began to shut the barrier.
I headed to my purse, pulling out my phone to turn on.
I didn’t trust talking to Vaughn outright, but I knew how to play this game.
Hitting Vaughn’s number, I breathed through the adrenaline that kept me shaking.
“Your Grace.”
My lips parted at Vaughn’s rich tone. He was angry. Beyond angry.
“How?”
“What we say cannot be heard, but he may have a camera in your room. I do. Not to mention on my men so I can keep tabs on your safety.”
More, my mouth opened. I swallowed the million things I wanted to say, clearing my throat instead.
“How are you? I’ve missed you.”
“You know the answer to that. I’m fuming. You’re smart to leave early. After what I just heard, I don’t know how I’m not heading for my jet right now.”
“Right.” I let out a deep breath knowing I had to continue in case someone was listening or watching. “I will undergo the first hunt tomorrow. I’m excited. Although, I haven’t ridden a horse in years, so I believe I’ll just take it slow.”
“Too dangerous.”
“It could be,” I breathed out. “But I may not have a choice. I don’t want to talk about it. Tell me about you. How did your day go?”
“Miserably.” His tone softened. “The Duchess of Rosemoor. I can’t believe it.”
“It was always mine,” I said softly. “But you know that. You feel it.”
“I am happy for you, although… your family did betray mine.”
“Hey. That wasn’t me.”
Vaughn laughed, and I couldn’t keep the smile from coming.
“You’ve made up for it, I suppose. I mean, you are facing the trials to be my queen. That seems like a good enough apology.”
My chest fluttered and longing registered. All I wanted to do was curl in Vaughn’s lap. To hold to him and be far away from King Lawrence.
“… Do you love me?”
“Do I not declare that the stars, the moon, and the sun are yours?” He let out a small breath. “I love you in a way that makes existing without you feel impossible. I don’t know who I am without you.” He paused. “I never want to know.”
Tears filled my eyes, burning as I tried to get control of my emotions. My lips trembled, and it was impossible to stop the tears from racing down my cheeks.
“Me either. I love you, too. More than anything.” I quickly wiped away the wetness. “I wish we were together.”
“Me too, love.”
He got quiet, and I slid off the heels, heading to the closet. I unzipped the dress, letting it fall to the floor as I reached for the black silk nightgown with a matching robe.
“You’re so upset. I’m sorry. What will you do for the rest of the night? I’m getting ready for bed. I’m tired, and I have a big day tomorrow.”
More hesitation.
“I’m going to kill Katia.”
I jerked to a stop from slipping on the nightgown.
“Oh.” I forced the material over my head, quickly pulling it down to settle over my curves. I dropped my voice so low, it was barely audible. “Kill—But I wasn’t done.”
“You had your revenge.”
“It was nothing. I was only just getting started.”
“You are in no condition to put your body through so much stress. Do you not think it speaks for itself? You could barely function by the time you left. You’re finished.
Now it’s my turn, and I’m ending this. I’ve already gotten permission from The Collective High Council.
They were not happy about it, but after I showed them the evidence there was nothing they could do.
Katia belongs to me, and I’m killing her tonight. ”
My body sagged through the exhaustion. I carried the robe with me back to the bed, tossing it to the bottom.
“Fine. Lesson learned. Next time, I won’t take my time.”
“That is not fair. When you have this baby, then you can become creative. Take days. Months. I don’t care. Until then, I’m calling the shots.”
“Fine.”
Silence.
I softened my voice, feeling myself turn pouty as my anger faded.
“Will you tell me, again?”
A deep chuckle sounded through the phone.
“I love you. More than the sun, the moon, the stars… more than the air I breathe. More than all the water in the sea. More than money or gold. More than anything in this world.”
Seconds passed before he continued. “There is someone who is running a very close race with you though, and I fear…” His voice practically purred in the deep silkiness.
“I fear although I just only learned about them, the competition is on your heels. You may become my second love. I already miss seeing them. And talking to them. And knowing they’re there.
” I smiled as he paused. “How can twenty-four hours completely change a person’s life? ”
I slid under the covers, sliding my hand over my stomach.
“It’s amazing, isn’t it?”
“I’ve never been so happy or so scared in my life.” He exhaled. “I want you both home. I want you here.”
“Soon.”
“Not soon enough. Get some rest, Penelope.”
“I will. Have fun without me.”
“Impossible. I love you.
“I love you, too.”
Hanging up, I smiled, placing my phone on the charger resting on the bedside table. I turned off the light, watching the shadows dance across the room from the fireplace.
I should have been angrier about Katia after what she did, but I wasn’t. Maybe I was too tired. Maybe I trusted that Vaughn would make her suffer enough for the both of us.
All I knew was one thing. Tomorrow I’d do my best to get through the hunt, and then I’d start plotting a way to leave earlier than expected.
The king was not safe to be around. His boldness grew with each meeting. Call or knock…
If I was going to get out of Scotland unscathed, I had to come up with a plan. One that would deter his interest for good.