Page 37 of Unmasked

I continued walking, following the halls as the guards kept close distance behind me. Keith was speaking to Vaughn, but I couldn’t focus on what was being said. I felt myself sway again. Nausea had me swallowing down the need to be sick.

As I approached, the guards posted outside opened the large door, giving me access to the Ritual Room. The Magister paused in speaking, his hands still hovering as he looked over towards me. The slave’s limbs were already cut, and blood was pooling beneath her nude body.

I didn’t apologize.

I didn’t offer an excuse.

I walked in, not even heading to get the crown or robe. I lowered over the upside-down crown above her head, kneeling as I waited. For seconds, The Magister or Judic didn’t move from their position. Only when I’d become as still as a statue did The Magister walk forward. He handed me the dagger, not saying a word.

Again, I swallowed back the nausea.

Turning on my knees, I faced the slave, brushing back her nearly white hair. I used the tip of the blade to point to each limb.

“By blood… we remember.”

“By blood… we carry.”

“By blood… we endure.”

“By blood… we reclaim.”

“What was taken…” I leveled the dagger at her throat, putting weight behind my slice as I cut across her neck, “… will be restored.”

I cut my own finger, letting the blood coat my lips as I traced over them. I lowered, kissing the crown and pressing my hand down next to my face so that my blood would coat the cold stone.

When I lifted and stood, The Magister came forward, taking the dagger.

“You are unwell. You’re pale.”

“It will pass. I had to be here.”

He didn’t argue or say more. He nodded, and I watched as he and The Judic began leaving through the back door. The main one opened, and Vaughn walked in, heading for me.

“Love, what are you doing?”

I gestured to the crown, but I didn’t speak. I wasn’t sure I’d be able to without becoming sick.

“I told them you were ill. You shouldn’t have come. You don’t look better, you look worse. Come on. Back to bed with you. I’m calling Lord Oxley.”

“For a virus?”

“Penelope. … What if⁠—”

“What, Vaughn? I won’t die from a virus,” I managed. “Just like I told Able, this happens when I get overloaded or stressed. It’s happened my entire life. All I need is more sleep. I shouldn’t have flown from the bed the way I did when I woke up. It made it worse. I was panicked at being late. It threw off everything.” I leaned into Vaughn as he led me out. “I’m fine. I promise. I do need to call Able. I know we had plans to,” I looked up. “I wish I could be with you, but I think it would be best if I went home. I’m sorry I don’t feel well.”

“You’re apologizing for being sick? No. I’m not letting you leave. You’ll stay in my room, and I’ll take care of you.”

“The Magister⁠—”

“Isn’t going to kick out my sick Intended. You’re staying.” His voice deepened. “…I’d like to see him try to make you leave.”

CHAPTER 11

Vaughn

Happy.

Chipper.