Page 51 of Unmasked

My thoughts paused as I felt the energy around me. Something shifted, and it had me opening my eyes just as King Lawrence took a seat next to me. Not across from me, but close enough that I could feel the heat from his arm as he sat down and rested it next to mine.

He was wearing a matte black button-up shirt with the top buttons undone, paired with a black blazer. He had on fitted, black trousers. The cufflinks he wore were a dark metal, matching the color of his signet ring. My stare jumped up, taking in the blue color of his eyes amid his sandy, blond hair.

“Your Majesty. Please forgive me, I didn’t hear you come in.”

His hand flattened over my forehead just like it did all those years ago when we met for the first time.

“I feel we’re making this a habit, Ms. Taylor. You’re ill. Again.”

I didn’t try to hide it.

“I am. I’m still recovering. At least this time it’s not the flu. These little tired spells happen when I’m stressed. It’s a horrible disposition. I’m afraid I’ve battled it since childhood.”

“Is that right?” He leaned in closer, dropping his tone. “No need to stress when you’re with me. I’ll make sure you’re taken care of… just like before.”

“I’m okay, really.”

“I don’t think you are.”

His voice lowered slightly.

“You’ve pushed through sickness before when you shouldn’t have. This time, you’re going to let me take care of you.

Not kindness. Control.

I held his gaze.

“I assure you, Your Majesty, I am perfectly capable of managing myself.”

A faint smile appeared.

“I don’t doubt that. After what you’ve been through, you are the definition of strong. I do so want to hear about what happened. I’m afraid the details I’ve been given are rather vague.”

My pulse jumped, and I couldn’t ignore the manipulative interest in his stare.

“Perhaps when I’m feeling a little better, if that’s alright. I’m afraid it’s all rather.” I stopped. “Traumatic.”

“I was made to believe it might be.”

He scooted forward, turning more to face me, but his gaze lifted slightly, taking in Rowan and Mark.

“Do you feel safer with them? Is that why you preferred to bring your own men instead of relying on mine?”

Was he offended?

I couldn’t tell.

The nausea flared with my increasing pulse. I kept my tone low, weak, as I dropped my eyes, playing on my innocence.

“I apologize if that upsets you. What happened—I still have nightmares. These men make me feel safe. Had I not wanted to cause talk, I would have probably brought more.”

He nodded, standing, satisfied with whatever he was thinking. But I wasn’t sure what that could be. He didn’t say a word as he headed back through the cabin to the area that had been full of people before. I glanced at The Reeve and Mark, seeing their intense stares. Slowly, I turned back to face the front. I reached down, grabbing my purse from the floor and taking out another ginger chew.

Minutes passed, and I sipped my water. Just as I was starting to calm, King Lawrence returned, sliding back into the seat next to mine.

“I’ve made my personal physician aware of your condition. He’ll be ready in case you need him.”

“Your Maj⁠—”