Page 141 of Unmasked

“Your answer is satisfactory. Scenario one.”

I almost cried out in relief.

“The Masterson line did not die, it became known as The Black Line because of its association with the fallen Crown and a disputed claim. While some view it as legacy, others view it as a threat.”

The Magister leaned forward the smallest amount.

“If the public begins to fear the return of The Black Line, and instability erupts, do you distance the Crown from history… or do you embrace it?”

I rubbed the sweat from my palms down my pants.

“Distancing the Crown from the title, The Black Line, weakens our entire stance. It makes it less legitimate. To reject the title is to reject the very foundation of restoring the Crown.” I paused. “I embrace it. Instead of focusing on it as a threat, I would present it as history. As survival, and the beauty that will become of it. It is legacy, not shame, and because we brand it as that, the people will accept it.” I shrugged. “Besides, a queen does not hide her bloodline or the one she marries into. She defines it. She makes it better.”

Moments passed as papers were passed up. I flexed my shoulders, wincing as pain branched out.

“Satisfactory. We will take a five-minute break and move on to the second trial.”

I sniffled, nodding and turning to face Vaughn. He was standing, shifting on his feet as he held a bottled water in his hand. I didn’t make it halfway before he closed the distance, turning me so that he could look at my back.

“You’re doing great, love. Perfect, actually.” He winced. “Fuck.” He pushed opened the tear in my shirt. I quickly took a drink. I was shaking so badly, I almost choked on it.

“This is hard.” I sniffled again. “I don’t know if I’m right or wrong. I’m just answering as best as I can.”

“You’re setting the bar. They’re truly perfect answers.” He straightened, cupping my face. “Just because they flogged you doesn’t mean you were wrong.” He pressed his lips gently to mine. “They have to shed blood. It just is.” His eyes flickered with fear. “Dammit. One of those lacerations are deep. Lord Oxley is on standby. I need to get him⁠—”

“No. That’ll just delay it. It’ll take too long. We’ll let him look after the second trial. Before the fight.”

Vaughn paused, his brow creasing as he nodded.

“You’re sure you’re okay? Do you need me to get you anything?”

I took in a deep breath, doing everything I could to try to calm the damn adrenaline that left me in a constant state of feeling frazzled.

“I’m okay. I just want this part over with.”

“It’s already going by fast. Just keep answering honestly and go with your gut. That is the best thing you can do. Don’t overthink it. And I’m right here. You can ask them for a break or time if you need it.”

“Alright.”

Vaughn turned me again, moving my shirt to examine my back.

“I’m going to have Lord Oxley come in for when you’re ready. You’re bleeding pretty badly. I want him here for when this is over.”

I didn’t answer. I handed him back the water as he pulled out his phone. The Magister and Judic were already taking their places. Vaughn looked up, kissing my cheek as his eyes bore into mine.

“You’ve got this.”

I nodded.

“I love you, Penelope.” He gave me a weak smile, and I couldn’t help but mirror it.

“I love you, too.”

I stepped back, turning to face the dais as I walked forward. With every step, my back itched and burned. I licked my lips, forcing control to come back over me.

I was queen.

I was queen.