Page 162 of Unmasked

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.