Page 108 of Unmasked

“So sorry. I’m headed downstairs. Vaughn is coming. He’ll be here soon.”

I knew there was no way Vaughn would arrive at Rosemoor at exactly an hour. He had to get men together, pack, explain to Able what he was doing so our new Reeve could take over, but… I couldn’t help myself.

My pace stayed fast but steady down the hall, and even faster the moment I left the stairs. By the time I was walking through the foyer, I knew I had to calm.

What was I doing?

I couldn’t wait on the porch like some homesick child. I had only been gone for the day. I hadn’t even been away for more than twenty-four hours. My heart didn’t care. It only recognized the absence, not the time.

The guards sat in their chairs by the stairs. I stopped a few feet from the front door, smoothing out my dress, looking around the large, opened entry area for where to go. The office was further down the hall to my left. The dining and kitchen area was to the right. I hadn’t got to explore Rosemoor much, but it had to have a library or study. And if it did, wouldn’t it be this way?

A door stood open, not far from the office’s hallway. I headed over, flipping on the light. I smiled at the large room, full of shelves and books.

“Library. I knew it.”

But I didn’t look at the books like a huge part of me wanted to. I raced to the large window that lined the front of the house, pulling back the thick, silk curtains so I could hide in the darkness and see the main drive.

My heart was racing. My excitement was soaring and yet twisting with these sickening emotions at having to constantly pretend as I played this stupid game. But I could barely think of that.

Was Vaughn really coming? To Rosemoor? With King Lawrence here? Should I have told him King Lawrence was still under the same roof as me? What if he thought the king had left? I didn’t think to tell him. Or the king… should I have had a note sent to him to prepare him?

Anxiety quickly left me debating what I should do. A voice cut off my thoughts.

“What do you mean, it’s impossible?” The king paused. “Try again. Surely, you’re wrong.”

Seconds passed as I tried to ignore the grunts and sounds of disapproval behind me.

“You’ve got to be joking.”

“I hope this isn’t a private conversation.”

My voice had the room going quiet.

“… Hello?”

I tried not to laugh.

“Not you. I swear … I think…” Footsteps sounded, but they seemed to be getting further away. I squinted as I stared into the darkness.

Time passed.

One minute.

Two.

Five?

“Guards but… I must be losing my mind. No, dammit.” More footsteps. I barely heard them.

Three sets of headlights turned onto the driveway in the distance. I jumped in excitement, throwing the curtain back and nearly causing King Lawrence to drop his phone. I felt like a kid again. Like I wasn’t pulled between trying to play stupid for the king or be a queen for Vaughn.

“What the devil are you doing, Penelope? You nearly gave me a heart attack.”

“He’s here.” I smiled, racing past him as best I could in heels.

“He? He, who?”

“Him! Vaughn, of course.”