52. Vaughn
Vaughn
“Maybe I should say to hell with King Lawrence and go. I’m not sure I should leave you alone.
I know Mr. Prescott and The Council will be at the ball, but I’m torn.
What if I’m worrying about The Order for nothing?
Maybe we shouldn’t separate. I just… I can’t shake this feeling something is off.
” Her brows drew in. “I should be there to protect you. Just in case.”
“Oh, love.” I stepped in, cupping her face.
“You’re still recovering from the Trials.
Can you not see the armor I’m wearing with this robe for Christ’s sake.
I think I’ll be fine. There’s so much publicity and important people there, the last thing you need to worry about is me.
” I paused, taking in the tears so close to spilling down her face.
I knew the fear she felt. That sense of panic for events you couldn’t control.
It was exactly what I felt concerning Scotland and Rosemoor.
“You’re worrying over our separation. We haven’t had the best track record when we’re apart. I’m safe. If anyone needs to worry, it’s me. But I’m not worried, because if someone tried to break into The Order, they wouldn’t stand a chance.”
“Then why call Theodore to come stay with me?”
My mouth twisted. “You can never be too safe.”
“Mm-hmm. My thoughts exactly.” Penelope paused, the tears disappearing as she gave me a cautious look. “Which is the reason you’re going with Mr. Prescott and Mr. Wexler.”
“What?”
“I still feel I should go, but since I’m not… Don’t worry, I took care of everything.”
I opened my mouth to argue, not able to say anything as I spotted Mr. Prescott in his armor and robe waving as he entered.
“Penelope.” Her name came out as a low growl, but she was already throwing me an apologetic shrug, walking forward to meet our handler.
“Mr. Prescott. It’s so good to see you again.”
Elec headed into the room, and I couldn’t help but smile as he came forward, another fallen knight to my dead king.
We were all wearing dark armor with fitted black robes.
But where there’s was all black, mine had gold trim and accents.
Although I didn’t have the metal skeleton mask or gold crown on, I would by the time we arrived.
Even Mr. Prescott and Elec held their skeleton masks in hand.
“Battle brothers.” Elec beamed. “I like it. What did I tell you? I knew these costumes would come out great.” He pointed to the sword I had holstered at my side, his mouth parting. “Badass. Can I see it?”
I pulled the sword free, and Elec let out a low whistle.
“It belonged to ‘The’ Vaughn. Beauty, isn’t it?”
“Oh yes.” The blade cut through the air as he tested the weight, bringing his blue eyes up to mine with enthusiasm. “Definitely a beauty. Do you know how to use it?”
“I am King. Of course I do. Guns and knives aren’t the only weapons I’m trained in. I excel at all.”
“So, you’re good?”
I laughed. “Better than good.”
“I love it.”
He handed the sword back to me, and I slid it home, glancing at Penelope. She was trying to appear okay, but she couldn’t hide her pain or her anxiety. It had me pausing as I turned to Elec and Mr. Prescott.
“We’re just waiting on Theodore to arrive. He’s going to keep Penelope company while I’m gone.”
Before I could finish, Theo headed into the room, a plate of sweets in hand. His steps faltered as he took in me, Elec, and Mr. Prescott.
“Not fair. Not fair at all. I want to dress up, too. What the hell?”
I smiled. “You like it? It was all Elec’s idea. The design came out great.”
“Great?” Theodore’s head reared back. “More like legendary. King Lawrence’s head is going to explode. How many of you are dressing up like this?”
Elec’s smile grew wider. “I got my cousin, Bram, onboard, too. It wasn’t hard. My costume was superior to his, and he knew it.”
“Nothing can beat this.” Theo smiled, turning his attention to me. “Put on the crown and hood. Let me see what King Lawrence will.”
I put on the metal skeleton mask letting it cover from just below my eyes, lifting the oversized black hood into place. When I slid the gold spiked crown on, Theodore’s eyes widened. Elec smiled broadly, and even Penelope and Mr. Prescott stopped talking.
“Holy… fuck.” Theodore made an aghast sound.
“What I wouldn’t give to see the king shit himself when he has to introduce you like this.
” He turned to Elec. “You’re a genius. Like…
there couldn’t be a more symbolic costume than this one.
” Theodore’s smile faded. “Symbolic,” he murmured.
“No. This is prophecy. A banished bloodline—a dead king, ready for war, and returning to collect what was stolen.”
Chills crept up my spine, and I nodded, not able to speak through the truth of it. For a long moment I wondered what my ancestors would think. How would they feel knowing how far our line had come?
We were so damn close.
And yet, so far away.
Elec began talking to Theodore, and Penelope excused herself from Mr. Prescott, coming to me.
“You’re thinking.” She paused. “Take off the mask for a moment. I want to say goodbye.”
I removed the crown, letting the hood fall back as I took off the mask. She looked towards the men, grabbing my arm to lead me a few feet away. Her eyes searched mine for seconds before she spoke.
“You’re bulletproof. I get it. You’re safe. That doesn’t mean let your guard down. Expect anything at any time. Don’t let anyone lure you away from The Council. Don’t step into any dark shadows or down any random halls—”
“Penelope.”
Her hand came up. “If he tries to get you alone, you take at least two Council members with you. At least. Don’t eat or drink anything if you can help it. Maybe I should get you a water to go.”
I laughed softly, leaning down to press my lips into hers.
“I will be safer than I’ve ever been. I will miss nothing.”
“You promise?”
My thumb traced over her bottom lip.
“And risk being parted from you so soon? Never.”
She nodded. “You better go.”
I lowered, not able to stop from kissing her longer than I should.
“I’ll be back early. I’m not staying longer than I have to. I put your pills in your purse. Take your medicine. You’re hurting.”
She nodded. “I’ll be waiting for you.” She reached forward, grabbing my mask. I lowered, letting her slide it back on. Her lips pressed to the metal, and she grabbed my hood, easing it over my head. “I love you.”
“I love you too. Always and forever.” I stood and placed on the crown, turning back to the men. Elec and Mr. Prescott put on their masks, and I smiled even if they couldn’t see. Theodore was right. Prophecy. And the message would escape no one. “It’s time.”
No line.
No hesitation.
From the moment Mr. Prescott’s car pulled up, guards rushed forward, opening our doors.
Cameras flashed in violent bursts. Reporters yelled.
“Mr. Masterson! Is that you?”
“Mr. Masterson, have you been in London for long?”
“Is it true you’re engaged to the former Duchess, Penelope Taylor?”
My black boots connected with marble as I stepped from the car. Mr. Prescott and Elec moved in on each side, their own masks keeping their faces partially hidden underneath their oversized hoods.
I gave the reporters nothing as I kept my stare ahead and my mouth shut. As we began walking, their shouts grew quiet. Cameras still flashed and their questions faded.
We were escorted through large ivory doors and into the palace’s entrance. Large crystal chandeliers rested above, and crimson carpet and marble filled the space. We headed down a hallway, not having to walk far before the guards led us through a large entrance.
Our heavy steps and presence echoed through the lounge area as guests turned one by one.
Conversations died.
A gasp sounded.
A woman stepped backwards right into a man and dropped her glass sending crystal spraying across the floor.
I kept walking, keeping my gaze focused on the large, open double doors to the ballroom ahead. Music poured from the room, and Mr. Prescott stepped up, closer to me.
“Are you ready?”
I still stared ahead, nodding as the truth sent my pulse jumping.
“All my life.”
Two guards walked ahead of me and two more were behind us. Mr. Prescott and Elec moved up on my sides but stayed back enough to let me lead. The music grew louder, and as we entered the door, smiles melted. Words were forgotten as a shocked silence took over those who spotted us.
King Lawrence sat in an elevated throne ahead.
He was wearing a fitted deep red suit with small devil horns sticking out from his slicked blond hair.
A large smile was on his face as he talked to a man dressed as a Victorian Vampire Lord.
He laughed, and people parted as we got closer.
King Lawrence’s eyes cut over. He was in the middle of speaking, and I watched as his smile melted at the sight of me.
Whatever he was saying disappeared as he slowly rose to his feet.
The music squeaked and went offbeat, going silent as we approached.
A mass of different emotions flickered on the king’s face. From anger to control to… a sly smile.
“Mr. Masterson.” The king stepped down one step as I stopped before him, tilting my head the slightest amount.
“Your Majesty.”
King Lawrence’s head lifted as he took in the room of silent guests who were all staring in our direction.
“Ladies and gentlemen… our honored guest. Mr. Vaugh Edward Ambrose Masterson… the sixth. Let us give him a warm welcome.”
Clapping sounded, but I could see the unease. I smiled behind the mask, bowing towards them but turning back to the king. A buzz of voices sounded, and the room began to try to return to normal as the music started again. King Lawrence gestured his hand to the two men beside me.
“Who do we have here?”
The men removed their hoods, taking off their masks, and introducing themselves. Mr. Prescott bowed, and Elec, gave King Lawrence a dazzling smile.
“Elec Wexler, Your Majesty. We’ve talked before.”
“Ah…” King Lawrence’s brow creased. “Yes. I do believe we have. Your voice.” He stopped. “It does sound familiar.” Lower, the king’s lids dropped as if he were trying to recall something. “Welcome. Have a great night.”
We went to turn, but King Lawrence held out his hand for me to wait.
“A word.”
Elec stayed still while Mr. Prescott turned to Bram Whitlock as he walked up with his pregnant wife.
Her dark hair and blue eyes gave me pause, and for the smallest moment, I could almost see Penelope.
Although their faces were completely different, the eyes…
the white loose dress draping over her pregnant stomach.
It made my heart ache for what the king had already taken from me once.
The anger had me removing the crown. I pushed back the hood, removing the mask.
When I faced King Lawrence and stepped in closer to him, I didn’t hide what I was feeling. My glare locked on his eyes.
“Yes, Your Majesty?”
He paused, his smile only growing. He reigned it in, sweeping his stare over my face.
“This is a big night for you. Is Penelope ill? I’m a little surprised she couldn’t make it to honor you.”
“She honors me every day.” The amusement drained from his expression. “Just as I honor her. As it is,” I continued, “Penelope found it imperative she focus on her duties.”
“Of course. Her queenly duties.”
“They’re very important to her. I’m sure you understand that.”
“I understand perfectly clear.” He pursed his lips, placing his arms behind his back.
“I’ve actually been giving this all great thought.
You see, I’ve been trying to wrap my head around how I never knew this place still existed.
Or that you were alive. I mean, shouldn’t I know that?
” He glanced around the room, and I felt my stare cut over to Elec, Mr. Prescott, and Bram, who’d paused their conversation to listen to ours.
They looked at me, but we all kept our focus on King Lawrence as he stepped down another step and continued.
“I wouldn’t say I’m a conspiracy theorist. I mean, am I oblivious to conspiracies?
No. Do I put stock in them?” He chuckled.
“Of course not. But do I ignore them?” His gaze cut right to mine.
“I do not.” He paused. “But that is for another day. Tonight is fun. It’s a celebration.
Tell me, my honored guest. Since I don’t believe in conspiracy theories, if someone like me were to want to…
say… become a member of this place.” He stopped, glancing between me and the men at my side. “How would I do it?”
I smiled, not able to keep it in as I gestured to Mr. Prescott and Bram Whitlock.
“I do believe your question is more aimed to them. It’s a very rigorous process. Very painful as well. There’s a lot that goes into it. I don’t choose the members.” I shrugged. “I’m afraid I’m just The Unavowed. Their King.”
King Lawrence’s face hardened as he looked between us.
“Not a real king, though. A king of The Order.”
My teeth clenched at how openly he spoke of it.
“As you say, Your Majesty.”
“So.” He stopped. “You’re saying if I were able to join, you’d be my king?”
“You could say that.”
“And Penelope…” He smiled again. “She’d be my queen?”
My fist closed tightly around the mask and crown.
“She is The Queen.”
“Hmm.” King Lawrence bit against his bottom lip, still showing hints of a smile. “I think I’d like that. A lot. Another conversation for a later time. I’m sure you want to mingle.” He headed back up the steps to his throne. “Have a good night… Unavowed.”