Page 102 of Unmasked

“You’re off to a strong start. I don’t think I’ve met anyone like you.” His head shook. “So, it wasn’t me that drove you away. It was you.” A small laugh. “I’m right, then.”

“What do you mean?”

“Nothing is as it appears. Is it, Penelope? You can play soft all day long, but we both know that’s not you anymore. I met the version your parents created. She only comes out now as your defense.” His hand came up to stop whatever she was about to say. “I’m not saying it as an insult. The woman who’s been reborn captivates me. She’s strong. She’s smart. She still has compassion. That’s important. But I feel you misplace it just like you’ve done in the past. And it’s not your fault. You’ve had to grow up so fast, you don’t know who you are anymore. But I know who you are.”

Seconds passed.

“Who am I, Your Majesty?”

“Who I’ve known you were all along. My queen.” His hand came back up again. “You may think I’m crazy. Maybe you even think I’m dead wrong.” He paused. “I’m not. You can’t see it through your love for Vaughn, but I do, because I see you. You were meant to be a queen, Penelope. Before it’s over with, you will be mine.”

CHAPTER 32

Penelope

His queen?

Never.

Damn, he was a smooth talker. How much of what he said was real? How much were lies?

I didn’t know.

The responses made sense. I could almost even believe what he said. If it weren’t for the grief that ruled me, maybe I would have. As it was, all I could feel was the emptiness at knowing nothing was the same as it was a week ago. Not with me. Not Vaughn. Maybe not even with King Lawrence. It had me going over his words while I tried to focus on what they even meant.

Katia had been right on the contract, but what if it hadn’t unfolded like we thought? The king did have a point. His words could have easily been misconstrued. And if those closest to him wanted him to get what he wanted—me—perhaps they would have taken matters into their own hands like his physician had. Some people’s lives revolved around the Crown. It was no secret morality became blurred the closer one got to the king. But maybe the truth was as simple as it appeared. Perhaps King Lawrence was a bad man.

But… bad…

Wasn’t I bad?

Wasn’t Vaughn bad?

What was good and bad anymore?

Did I even know?

“Penelope… are you alright?”

I glanced over, realizing I was wringing my hands. I quickly stopped, turning to face him.

“I’m fine. Thank you.”

“I didn’t mean to upset you. I feel bluntness leaves no room for speculation. I can’t afford to leave things unspoken between us anymore. I know I already stated them at Glenbrae, but you must know they haven’t changed. I want to choose you, Penelope.”

My hands squeezed into each other.

“Your Majesty⁠—”

His hands lifted for me to stop. It was something he did often.

“Privately, just Lawrence.”

My lips separated, and I swallowed hard, nodding.

“Lawrence. I told you once I loved another. That has not changed.”

“Vaughn Masterson.”