Page 91 of Uncrowned

“I know. The first few days of transition are never easy. Tomorrow, we’ll bring in a sketch artist. Do you think you can tell them what you told me?”

I nodded as I stood, following her to the door.

“Yes. I want him caught. I just want to go back to my life.”

My voice cracked at the end, and I sniffled for the millionth time. Exhaustion was setting in, and walking proved almost impossible as I nearly stumbled.

We headed out of the room, taking a left. The other two agents were in the distance, but I didn’t look at them. I stayed within myself, trying to figure out what I needed to do next. I could provide the most generic description to the sketch artist, but then I needed to figure out what I wanted. In the meantime, Vaughn would be safe. … But what about me?

CHAPTER 30

Vaughn

HEIRESS PENELOPE TAYLOR ESCAPES CAPTOR—REVEALS PARENTS’ GRIM FATE

In a stunning turn, heiress Penelope Taylor has reportedly escaped from a masked captor and is now cooperating with authorities. Missing for months, Taylor insists her captor was an unknown individual. Investigators have confirmed that she believes her parents are dead. This has only intensified scrutiny surrounding the disappearance of the wealthy Taylor family.

While authorities continue probing possible links to her father's questionable business dealings, officials have yet to confirm whether those activities played any role in the kidnapping.

Was Ms. Taylor targeted… or was she collateral?

The community remains divided over the disturbing case. Some fear a dangerous predator may still be at large in London, while others suspect the situation may be tied to deeper conflicts connected to the elder Taylor’s controversial financial ventures.

Police declined to release further details regarding the identity of the alleged captor or the circumstances of Taylor's escape, stating only that the investigation remains ongoing.

Meanwhile, King Lawrence's interest in the unfolding situation has raised additional questions. Palace officials have yet to comment on the matter.

“I told you, Unavowed. I knew she’d protect The Order.”

A smile tugged at my lips, but I quickly covered it by turning and continuing to pace outside my throne.

“I never had any doubt. It is good to see news of her in the paper. Do we have any leads on where they might be keeping her? She’s been gone over a week. They have to have her settled somewhere by now.”

The Reeve shook his head. “I’m afraid not, Sire, but I have everyone on alert. They’re out looking. Our reach is vast. I’m confident we’ll hear something soon.”

“Vast.” My brow creased. “You’re right. It should be. She might not even be in London anymore. The SLB has connections all over.”

“She’s still here. We have an entire team with software watching the airport and ports. Even in a disguise, she wouldn’t have escaped us.”

“Unless they got her out the first night.”

“We’ve checked the cameras. I’m confident she’s still in the city.”

“Let’s hope so.”

I rolled up the paper, fisting it as I continued back and forth. The mention of King Lawrence still had my blood boiling. Of course he was showing interest. If they suspected I had anything to do with her disappearance, they might tell him. They might ruin everything.

“Sire, I’ve been delaying this, but while I have you, we really must discuss the upcoming auction.”

“I agree. I was looking over inventory just this morning. The menu is smaller than the last three auctions. Is there a reason for that?”

The Reeve took out a small notepad.

“There is. Redmond was meeting with the port captains to verify stock. As far as I know, he settled and locked in prices, which will assure a bigger supply for next auction, but this one will be lacking the usual variety.”

“Unacceptable. I’m not having my first auction suffer because of those greedy bastards. Do what needs to be done. I want this supply to be the best. Crack the whip on those guards and tell them to stop killing and raping the best slaves. If I have to step in, they’re going to regret it.”

He wrote in his notepad. “I’ll take care of it.”