Page 74 of Unmasked

Voices from the king’s men cut through as Able burst from my office. Fear overwhelmed me. It cloaked around me so tightly that it stole more than my breath—it stole my ability to function.

There was only one thing I knew… King Lawrence had just declared war on The Order, and he was about to face a wrath not even love could sway.

CHAPTER 23

Penelope

Colors blurred.

Voices echoed.

Movement… added to the pain twisting my insides.

Fingers pushed across my pulse point while arms cradled me. The men were arguing. Or one was threatening. My body jerked in agony, and I gagged, feeling nothing come up despite how hard my body continued trying.

“I told you this would happen. She’s fine, Your Majesty.”

“She doesn’t look fine.”

“Perhaps lay her on the seat, here, so that she doesn’t become sick on you.”

A growl rumbled underneath me. “Do you think I fear getting soiled? We shouldn’t even be here. Look what you’ve done.”

The king’s voice was hard, and I cried out through the pain and recognition. My eyes were almost impossible to open.

“Row-an.”

My arm tried to lift so I could push myself off, away from King Lawrence.

“Shh. It’s okay. We’ll have you back to Glenbrae soon.”

A sob left me, and again my body heaved. The king adjusted me in his arms.

“Sire—”

“Do not speak to me right now. You’re lucky you’re the only physician here.”

More threats. More anger.

What was happening?

How was I heading back to Glenbrae? I’d been on the plane. We’d been about to leave.

Answers didn’t come. I felt myself get sucked back into the nothingness, tumbling down a blackhole of sharp tinges and internal screams. It wasn’t until the cool air hit me that I felt myself plucked right back into the pain. A loud cry left me, and my body tried curling in. That had my face burying in King Lawrence’s neck. The spiciness was so unlike Vaughn’s smooth exotic scent. It was close… but not. It felt wrong to breathe it in, but I was unable to control my body the way I wanted.

“H-Hurt. Hurt. Rowan.”

“Almost there, Penelope. I know it hurts.”

A sob tore free at what felt like lightning rooting down deep in my lower stomach. I jerked hard, only to try to curl more into myself.

“Rowan?” My eyes managed to open, catching a sickeningly swirl of colors as they blurred by at our speed. Gasps sounded and even voices rang out. Footsteps raced towards us, and Lord Summerlyn’s voice had me fighting to function.

“Your Grace—Penelope.”

“Back,” the king threatened.

“Is she okay? What happened? Where are her guards?”