Page 17 of Unmasked

Had I feared I was losing the woman I loved? I hadn’t recognized her under the dominant personality, but she’d called me, letting her mask slip. Needing me when all I’d been doing this entire time was needing her.

No…

She wasn’t gone from me. She was preparing for me.

And tonight, I’d see her.

I had to stay focused. Penelope had to learn duties now. My duties. And if I wanted to make it a smooth transition after her trials, The Order had to be prepared. She didn’t like the guard’s behavior. I was fixing it.

“Enough time has passed. You all know why you’re here.”

Silence settled across The Throne Room, and my jaw flexed as I took in the numerous rows of guards who stood at attention.

“Did you think I wouldn’t follow up on my Intended’s warning? That I didn’t put heart into her concerns?” I paused. “I’ve given you time to adjust. I’ve watched. I’ve kept tabs on all disciplinary actions since the Pennington’s wedding. I know word has gotten around how my Intended is not happy with your behavior. So, I must ask myself… What sort of guard doesn’t respect their future queen? Surely that’s not the behavior of my guard.”

The silence grew heavier.

“Listen to my words and listen well because this ends today. You mistake power for strength. You think because you are many… because you are louder or more brutal… that you are effective. You’re not.”

A shift moved through the line as men began to get uneasy.

“Mob mentality has its place. When directed, it’s a weapon. Undirected, it’s a fucking liability. Lately, you act without thinking. You react without instruction. When you do, you don’t just risk yourselves… you risk The Order.”

I stepped forward, cutting my gaze across them.

“You’ve gotten too comfortable, and I won’t stand for it. A line was already crossed that none of you should have ever gotten close to. It will not happen again. I will not allow it. You’re not here for pleasure. You are not here to lose control. You’re here to execute. Your purpose of The Order is not indulgence. It is not the slaves, nor the liberties you take with them. It’s your loyalty to me as your rightful king.”

I clasped my hands behind my back.

“Some of you forget that. You’re too focused on the fight and not the fealty. You must do both. There is a difference between dominance and lack of discipline. You will learn. Because the future of The Order does not tolerate weakness disguised as control… And she will test your loyalty… and she will see right through you.”

I stopped, staring them down.

“Every flaw.

Every lapse.

Every disrespect.

Every moment you mistake instinct for authority.

She. Will. See.”

The Reeve stood off to the side, and I looked over, taking in his hard expression.

“Today, things change. You will learn to behave… for her. Or you will be removed… for her. You will learn restraint… for her. You will learn discipline… for her. Because if you cannot stand before her as controlled men…” My lids narrowed. “… You will not stand here at all. You are mine, and I will make you worthy of her rule.”

I gestured to The Reeve, who nodded and took his place at my side.

“You’ve been given time. Now we deliberate.”

More shifting. Worried looks settled on some of the guards as The Reeve lifted his tablet.

“Purden.”

The guard stepped out of line, keeping his face hard and still as he kept his attention on The Reeve. He slowed before us, lowering to one knee and staring ahead.

“Late to Post,” The Reeve read off. “Distraction.”