Page 137 of Unmasked

“So you string him along,” I ground out. “You make him believe there’s hope. Isn’t that how we got here?”

“It buys us time and keeps our enemy closer.” She threw me an angry look. “Besides, all he wants is to see me kill. He wants to undergo this sick little fantasy in his head. If I can get him to take me under the palace where he has his evidence⁠—”

“No. Absolutely not.”

“At least we’ll know where it is. Vaughn, if I don’t do this, he might try to kill you.”

“Let him.” The front of my body pitched towards her. “If it stops him from hurting you, let him. Because if you go to him… and he catches on to what you’re doing…” I reached, cupping her face. “He will not let you leave. He will hurt you again. And do you know what I will do? Because I’m at my end. There is no more patience left in me. If you go, and he so much as touches you, I will bring The Order down on that palace and massacre everyone who gets in my way. I’ve been tolerant. I’ve been supportive. I’m done, Penelope. You’re done. You can’t fix this. You can’t make it right. King Lawrence is a spoiled bastard who is used to getting what he wants. He’s going to learn right now that he can’t have everything, and it’s going to start with you.”

Her lids closed, and she turned into my hand, kissing my palm. She placed the phone down, reaching up to hold to my wrists as I still held to her face.

“Vaughn, I don’t want you to get hurt or killed.”

“He wouldn’t dare. The Council knows his plans. He’d never get away with it. I think deep down under all his anger, he knows that.”

“I hope you’re right.”

“I hope you’re right, too.” Mr. Prescott took his phone. “I happen to agree with her. I think letting him stew in his anger until the ball is a huge mistake.”

My head shook. “Maybe it is, but I’m not letting her go. He’s dangerous because he thinks he can get what he wants. What he wants is her. She may be able to sweet talk him down, but that’ll only last for so long. At some point, he’s going to cross the line, and once that happens, there’s no going back. I’m not letting her get put in that position.”

“And that is your right.” Mr. Prescott stood, and we mirrored him. “I will inform The Council on where you both stand.” His hand reached for Penelope’s. “It was nice meeting you, Intended. Best of luck on your trials tomorrow. I can’t wait to work with you.”

“Thank you, Mr. Prescott. I look forward to it.”

He nodded, heading for the door. The moment it shut, I turned back to Penelope.

“I think until after the ball, you should refrain from going to Rosemoor. Hold your meetings over video. Let’s see how this turns out.”

“I think that’s a good idea. I’ll email Jarrod and let him know. I just need to get my laptop from my room.”

“I’ll walk with you. You can set up in the study. I have a meeting with the Judic for tomorrow. I’ll head over to them after I get you settled in.

We left the meeting room, winding through the halls. As we approached the bedroom, the sound of her phone had both of us looking at each other. I slowed as we approached the guard.

“How long has that phone been ringing?”

The four men looked at each other.

“It’s been nonstop for the last few minutes, Sire.”

I glanced at Penelope. “Since you hung up with him.” I pushed open the door, walking over and picking up the phone. I hit the button, bringing it to my ear.”

“Penelope will not be talking to you anymore. If you have something to say, you can say it to me.”

Silence. Deep breaths came through.

“You’ve ruined her.”

My lips pulled back on the side. “I happen to think she’s perfect.”

“Perfectly brainwashed. You killed her. You will kill her.”

“Why would you say that?”

“Because I’ve heard about the trials. She can’t fight a man to the death. She’s not strong enough. She’ll die.”

“Penelope is stronger than you think. She will live, and then we will marry.”