That, at least for a moment, we were safe.
Because how else did we keep going when the threat was out there, waiting for its chance to destroy us?
“Kingston, do you think he’s watching us? Do you think?—”
“Pendragon ismyhome, Quinn. He doesn’t have access to install cameras.”
“But Kingston, if there are cameras—I know he shouldn’t have, but if he said that…”
The words wouldn’t come out, because how did I explain it to him? How did I deliver that kind of blow?
“Could he have also had people install them without your knowledge? Merle before he left? Or what about the guy who kicked me out of the room?”
“It’smyhome.” Fury like I’d never seen roared to life in Kingston’s eyes, and he shook his head, refusing to believe it. “The one place I’m supposed to have that’s safe. He?—”
And I saw the truth.
“He knew that.” My voice trembled. “So, he’s waited this whole time, letting you think you were ahead...”
His fierce expression cracked as I held his gaze.
“But he took it from you, too. As soon as you believed it was yours to keep.”
Realization struck us both, and my heart broke as he jumped to his feet, reaching for his clothes and his phone.
As he pulled on his pants, the door to his room flew open.
I screamed.
Kingston stepped in front of me, standing between me and the intruder. His hands came up, and one reached for me on the bed behind him. Pinning me to his back, he held me there out of sight.
My heart thundered in my chest, as a cold, cruel laugh shattered the illusion of peace we’d wrapped around ourselves.
“Well, well, well…I finally get to meetThe King’s Maiden.”
I tightened my grip on Kingston’s arm.
While he faced down the monster who’d finally shown his face in the dark.
“Our very ownGuinevere…foolish enough to think she could simply waltz in and destroy Camelot Court.”
The bedroom door swung on its hinges and slammed shut, trapping us inside the room.
“Let’s have a little chat about that, shall we?”
The Pawn
I’d been expecting the call. I had accepted that I’d have to answer it.
But her shrill voice still drew a wince as it rang in my ear. “Are youtryingto disappoint me?”
I forced my hand still.
“What?”
“The scores for the Courage Challenge were released. Are youtryingto fail me on purpose? Or are you just that worthless?”
I didn’t speak. It only made it worse.
