Page 117 of Uncrowned

“No.” I picked up the landline, pushing in The Reeve’s number. “Send movers to Theodore’s apartment. They’re to retrieve four trunks⁠—”

“In my spare bedroom,” Theo called out.

“Did you get that, Reeve?”

“In the spare bedroom. Got it. We’ll have it here shortly. I’ll put it in the adjoining bedroom to yours.”

“Perfect.” I hung up, finally lifting my cell and going into Penelope’s text.

My Queen: Shit! I guess this is why Marian is calling me to her office. Dammit. I hope you’re ready. They’re going to be pissed. I’ll write you later.

Me: I love you too.

I stood. “I have to make morning rounds.”

Theodore grabbed the plate of cakes, standing. “Where to first?”

“You’re like a pet.”

“I’m bored and intrigued. Where are we going?”

“You cannot walk around The Order with me carrying a plate of sweets. I forbid it.”

“You’re seriously no fun.” He fisted two in one hand, grabbing another to pop in his mouth. “There. Where are we going?”

The edge of my lips tugged back.

“The morning sacrifice. How are you with blood? You seem to work on auction nights. Does killing make you uncomfortable?”

Theodore’s steps slowed, and my head tilted with interest.

“Now we’re getting somewhere.”

“Look.” His expression got serious. “I don’t mind the idea of killing if I have to. Sacrifice?” His face drew in as he exposed his teeth. “I’m not going to pretend that I haven’t heard stories but… yeah… I don’t think that’s me.”

“You want to be my second, do you not?”

His tone lowered as he moved in. “Yes. But⁠—”

“The Crown is heavy, but I carry that weight. And you’re going to help me. Blood is who we are, Theodore. Spilling it is how we show honor. Did our ancestors not bleed for us?”

“They did.”

“Yes… they did. Today, I want you to bleed for them. Honor them. Honor me. Let’s go.”

“I shouldn’t have eaten all those damn cakes.”

I slapped him on the back of the shoulder, leading him out of the study and down the corridor towards the Great Hall. It was still early, but a few Masters were standing around.

“Unavowed. Theodore Hart, is that you?”

Lord Oxley’s face lit up as he and Lord Summerlyn headed in our direction.

“It’s me,” Theodore said, reaching out, shaking his hand. “Lord Summerlyn. It’s nice to see you.” They shook and I placed my hand on Theo’s shoulder, giving a good squeeze.

“Theo and I were just heading down to make the morning sacrifice.”

Both men’s heads snapped over to me. Lord Oxley moved in closer. “Sire, Unavowed, can I come?”