Page 14 of Uncrowned

My shaky voice had her nodding and leaving. John was already cutting into his roast, and I knew there was no way I was going to stomach mine.

“Where were we. Yes, our marriage.”

The side of my lips pulled back in a weak smile.

“We were speaking over where we would go.”

“We were.”

He motioned to my plate, continuing to eat. I picked up my fork, hesitantly bringing it up as I took in the way the order came so natural to him.

“I have an assignment for you, Penelope. Think of it as a clock. A beginning to this new adventure you seek.”

I pierced a potato, pausing just outside of my lips.

“Alright. What would you like me to do?”

I took a bite, taking in the way his stare kept hovering over my neck and chest. He licked his lips, dabbing them with a napkin before easing his gaze up.

“You will research locations. Write down as many as you like. Only choose your top three. You will give me a detailed summary of each one, listing the reasons why you chose them. I don’t want generic answers. I want to see that you’ve given true thought to these destinations. Look into the cultures, the food, and what each place has to offer.” He took a bite, studying my face with such curiosity as he chewed that I felt my fear temporarily vanish. When he swallowed, he nodded. “Look at your choices not as a tourist—but as a resident.”

“A resident?”

He smiled, reaching over to grab my free hand again. His fingers traced over my knuckles, moving over the surface repeatedly before he spoke.

“I know this decision wasn’t easy for you, or even up to you. But I do wish to make you happy, Penelope. I can make you happy.” He brought my hand up, placing a quick kiss over my ring finger. “Make a list, and I will choose one of the three. I want to buy you a gift—a home just for us when we want to get away. One, that’s special from the very first night that we arrive.”

A gasp left me, and I couldn’t help it.

“You want to buy me a vacation home as a wedding gift?”

His smile broadened. “Is it not a grand beginning to our adventure?”

“I… Yes, yes, of course. I’m sorry. I fear I’m at a loss of words. You want to buy me a home away from London?”

Was that giddiness mixed in with my shock? I shouldn’t feel giddy. I should feel appalled. I should feel guilty. How was my desperation for freedom so diluted by extravagances? A house… away from my father? Away from this life? Was I so easily bought?

“It’s only the beginning, my pet. Just wait until you see what I’m capable of. You won’t regret this. I’ll prove it.”

He dropped my hand, reaching into the inside of his jacket pocket. At the small black box, I felt the chair drop out from beneath me. But not because I fell… I was standing. I was standing and by the sheer will of God, I wasn’t running. I wanted to. I wanted to scream. To shake my head and cry, no.

“My dearest Penelope.” He opened the top of the box, displaying a large rectangular diamond with a band encased in smaller diamonds. “You can’t wear this out yet, but while you’re here, inside, I want you to keep this ring on. See it and know that soon, both of our lives will change forever.”

The chair scooted back, and he lowered to one knee, reaching up for my hand. I was shaking so badly, I could see myself trembling as he lifted my hand and withdrew the ring, sliding it on my finger.

“Marry me. Say yes and seal our deal. Tell me that it’s the two of us as soon as we’re able.”

“I…”

My mouth stayed parted and air cramped in my chest. Was I breathing? Should I keep the air from returning? I didn’t deserve life if it meant being engaged to a dying woman’s husband. This felt so wrong. So detestable. My mouth even tasted of this decision—metallic, immoral. Downright criminal. But it was my way out. Maybe the only way out of here alive. It would at least give me time.

I would endure. I would plan. I would wait.

“Yes. I accept.”

CHAPTER 6

Vaughn