Page 106 of Unmasked

My lids were practically slits as I took him in. “It will not come to that.”

“But I know where you stand if it does. You will not let King Lawrence have her.”

“Has he not taken everything else?” My fist slammed against the table. “Penelope is mine. She will remain mine. That is the end of it.”

“I guess we’ll see.”

His smile never wavered.

“We will.” My tone was final. “Tell me about this costume ball. King Lawrence mentioned it, but what are the rules? The expectations? I have no doubts The Council will be in attendance. After all, how can you all condemn me to death if you’re not there to witness whatever downfall King Lawrence has planned for me?”

“You’re trust in us is sorely lacking, Unavowed. I have to say, I’m a bit offended.”

“You’re not a fool. Don’t pretend to be. This ball is not for me, it’s for my enemy. He’s up to something. If it’s not my death he’s after, it’s my ruination. Now that he knows I’m alive and a threat, he’s coming after me, and you can bet your ass I’ll be ready and waiting.”

Mr. Prescott nodded. “There’s nothing wrong with being prepared. I would be, too, if I were you. But I have it from a very reliable source, the king’s own handler, that he means no harm against you. He wants Penelope, yes, but he’s not going to be stupid enough to jeopardize that before he has her. If anything happens to you, he’ll lose her before he ever has a chance to win her over. You’re safe concerning the ball. I can assure you of that.”

“Pardon me if I don’t take your word for it. My uncle and family had The Council’s assurances that they were safe as well. Little good it did them. They’re dead.”

“A tragedy, but that was the older generation. We are not the same.”

“If you say so. Rules,” I ground out. “I take it full-face masks are out. Weapons are out. Are⁠—”

“Actually,” Mr. Prescott sat up straighter, leaning more in my direction. “There is only one rule for you, Vaughn, and that is… there are no rules. You are free to wear whatever you’d like. Carry whatever weapon you feel you need to.”

My finger shot up, pointing right at him. “That sounds like a trap or an invitation to be killed.”

“The rule only applies to you. King Lawrence feared you wouldn’t come if you didn’t feel safe. This is a one-time rule to show you he means well and is ready to bury the hatchet.”

“In my back. Just like his ancestors did. What of my family’s signet ring he harbors? The fake one. What of me exposing the past? I am the rightful king. The proof needs to come to light.”

“All in good time.”

I glared. “Is there a better time than now?”

“I guess that depends.”

“On?”

Mr. Prescott stood.

“On whether or not it’s the right decision for you.”

Slowly, I rose, pressing my fingers more into the table.

“I am the rightful king. My blood is the only blood that matters, and it deserves to be free of the black title it holds. I will not be hidden underground anymore.” I pointed to the ceiling. “She does not deserve that. Penelope will not be held back because of me a moment longer. The truth will come out one way or another. You either help me make it happen, or I do this on my own. I’m finished playing The Council’s game. Either help me or send someone who will.”

For seconds he kept my stare.

“We will talk soon.”

He bowed, turning for the door. The moment it shut, I took out my phone from my pocket, seeing Penelope’s missed calls. I turned, heading for my study. When I entered and shut the door behind me, I could barely step forward from what I saw. Penelope was sitting at a dining room table. The room was surrounded by mirrors, giving me view of both her and King Lawrence from the reflections. She looked breathtaking in a deep wine-colored silk dress. Her hair was pinned up high on her head, and the diamond earrings she wore matched the heart necklace with the hidden camera that I’d bought her.

“I am so proud of you, Penelope. I wasn’t sure what to expect before we got here, but you took to all of this as if you’d truly grown up at Rosemoor. I had no idea how well-schooled you were in horses. In business. Here, I thought it would take you weeks to just learn the breeds, but…” The awe built on his face. “You amaze me. By the end of the tour, it was like you were right at home.”

“I am home,” she laughed. “Lawrence…” My lips peeled back at how comfortable she said his name. “My father literally beat those breeds into my memory. There wasn’t a decision you made that didn’t escape him, and he made me know it as well. At least up until a few years ago. I think he lost hope after my scandal.” Her head lowered. “I really let him down. I guess… I let down a lot of people.”

King Lawrence’s face flickered with a softness that had me wanting to smash my fist into it.