Page 162 of Uncrowned

“I’ve got to go.” The Reeve picked up the tablet. “The Unavowed will come back for you soon.” He paused. “You’re upset about your friend, but The Unavowed knows what he’s doing. You know that which is why you stayed silent. You don’t like it, but you understand. You understand us, and that’s what matters. That is how I know that you’re going to pass the trials. And that you’re going to be queen.”

CHAPTER 55

Vaughn

“He what?”

Penelope slowed, her hand tightening in mine as I led her to the ceremony. From the time Marian left the Throne Room from receiving The Council’s decision to getting dressed for her wedding, Drayton had not only killed one of the guards who attacked Marian, but he was demanding I provide him two more that participated in her rapes.

“You heard me right. The guard that went to get them for the wedding, he was one of her attackers. I guess the guard made it obvious, smiling at Marian as she stood there in fear. Drayton fucking lost it.”

“Good.” Penelope’s outburst had my eyes widening. “I’m glad he killed him. Give him the other two.”

“You’re okay with me sacrificing my men?”

My anger was thick in my words.

“Your men need to learn restraint. Your men,” Penelope said, leaning towards me as her voice deepened, “need an example on how to behave. Do you know how quickly they raped me? They didn’t ask questions. They wouldn’t listen to what I had to say. They still haunt my nightmares.”

Tears were about to spill. I lifted my hands in a surrender, easing them down to her shoulders.

“I know, and I’m sorry. They died for what they did.”

“Marian’s need to die as well. It helped me knowing mine would never breathe again. Allow her the same so it may help her heal. You want her strong.”

“I do. Which is why I already told them yes. I’m far ahead of you, love. They will marry as soon as we arrive, they will be branded with our mark, and if I’m right, Marian will get her revenge. Just… not for you to see.”

“You’re not letting me stay?”

We turned down the hall, keeping our pace slow.

“No. Marian doesn’t need you there. She needs to do this on her own.”

“Maybe.”

Penelope got quiet as we approached. She lowered her head, going back into slave mode as we headed into an old Chapel that was barely used anymore. The few pews that existed had been moved out of the way to where the only thing that remained was the alter. Masters from The Order stood to each side of the aisle, curiously watching while others stood deeper into the room. Some were even wearing their robes to hide their identity.

I looked at the fire burning to the side of the room. I lifted my hand, giving the Magister permission to start the ceremony. Penelope and I took our place off to the side, in the front, having perfect view of the couple as they faced each other.

“She looks… beautiful. Did you get her that dress?”

Penelope’s words were quiet, and the tears were back in her eyes as she glanced up to me. I leaned down, keeping my volume low.

“A few months back.”

Stunned silence had her mouth parting and something flashing on her face that I couldn’t read.

Anger?

Fear?

Both?

“I’ve been preparing this for months. It was always going to be like this, Penelope. A king plans long before he acts.”

Seconds passed. “Do you have my dress, too?”

I smiled when I knew I shouldn’t. I couldn’t stop. This was going just as I had planned.