Page 112 of Uncrowned

“I’m going to head out. I know you want to process this and need time alone.” Theodore stood. “Plus, I have court early in the morning.”

“Ice,” I said, sitting back up. “You don’t want the bruises to mar that pretty face of yours.”

Theo’s smile was big as he shrugged. “You’re one to talk. You’re not so bad looking yourself.”

“But I’m not pretty.”

“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Your queen didn’t seem to mind my pretty looks. The bruises were worth it.” My head tilted, and he winked.

“You’re teasing me. Do you want me to hit you again?”

He grabbed the knob. “Nope. I’m good. But if I am able to meet her again and you want me to⁠—”

I stood and he laughed, putting up his hand to calm me. “No more kissing. I promise.” He grew serious, time dragging out between us as we looked at each other. “I’m glad you reached out to me, Vaughn. Do you suppose it was like this between them? Your namesake and mine? I’ve heard stories about how close they were. They were best friends. More like brothers. It’s why David Evans killed them both. My line would have done everything they could to avenge yours… and we would have succeeded.”

My brow creased as I stared into his unwavering green depths. I could see the warrior in him, and something about standing across from a man who held the same blood of my closest ally gave me a sense of déjà vu.

“They never stood a chance against our lines, which is why they resorted to lies and betrayal. The Evans reign ends with us. Just because they won in the past, doesn’t mean it secures their future. We’re going to take back the Crown, Theodore, and we’re going to do it together. Me, you, and The Order. We’re going to set the paths straight, and they’re going to regret the day they thought to stand against us. Virtus et Honos”

Theo smiled. “Virtue and Honor, your old motto.”

“Theirs. I’ll be changing mine to Virtus, Honos, et Regnum Recuperatum.”

His smile grew. “Virtue, Honor, and Kingdom Restored. That is perfect.”

“I thought so, too. I didn’t know you spoke Latin. Potestas nostra iterum erit.”

“I’m not the best, but I know enough.” Theodore stood taller, switching over to the language. “And you’re right. The power will be ours again.”

“They have no idea what is coming. And when they find out, it’ll be too late. They won’t stand a chance.”

“Indeed,” he replied, bowing deeply and changing back to English. “Goodnight, Unavowed.”

“Goodnight, Theo.”

CHAPTER 38

Penelope

Anger had the power to destroy. To trigger impulse.

Anger… fed me.

Every day that passed, it grew. Every week that passed without results, made me fight harder. Months… melted me into someone I didn’t know. An actress. A robot. A shell.

To face fury and stare it down did nothing for me anymore. Vaughn and I obsessively texted each other throughout the day. I knew it was him I communicated with, not Theodore. I had even called a handful of times at their request. I kept that connection, even though I knew the SLB was probably listening and reading everything between us. Even though… all I wanted to do was turn my fight from monarchy to martyrs.

I hated the SLB for keeping me trapped. I hated even worse that the handful of times I attempted to leave, I didn’t make it ten steps within the front desk before Elliot stopped me.

It told me what I knew deep down.

I was being watched closer than I could have imagined.

Every text.

Every call.

Every tear that sliced down my cheeks from the injustice of isolation… it killed me.