Page 122 of Uncrowned

“For what, Agent Marchase? Protection? Yeah, I was taken. You’re making no sense to me. Get to the point.”

She smiled. “Once upon a time, there was a king. He was betrayed and killed for treason, and over time, his blood line couldn’t accept that they’d lost everything. They came up with a plan to retake the throne. But only as a force more powerful than who he already was, so not to be contested. Two worthy bloodlines, merged into one. His… and yours. Is this story sounding familiar?”

I returned her smile, keeping mine soft and sweet.

“I think I’ve read this in a book. What’s the title again?”

“The tragic tale of Masterson and Taylor.” Her face hardened. “And don’t for a second play stupid and deny it. I’m telling you right now, you are between two forces on a collision course. King Lawrence wants you. Vaughn knows that. If you put yourself in position to come between them, it’ll be the biggest mistake of your life. When this all comes to light, and the truth becomes exposed, one way or another, you will die. Do you understand me? A bloodbath is coming, and I would hate for a sweet woman like you to be caught in the middle of it. Do not mistake yourself for a queen. We both know deep down, you’re not capable. You are a pawn in this game. That is the truth.”

Her hand flew up as my mouth opened. “Maybe Vaughn Masterson fell in love with you. Maybe. But what I know of him is, he only loves The Order. If it comes to losing you or it, he will not choose you. He is not allowed.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Vaughn Masterson is my job, Penelope. That is never-ending. There is no expiration date on this case. Why do you think you’re still here? I’ve spent years tracking him. Watching his every move. Reporting his choices and decisions. Do you really think you’re the first person he’s considered as a wife? That he’s gotten close to? That he’s taken? Vaughn does this, Penelope. He finds someone, he isolates and breaks them, and they either die during the trials, or he ends their life when he feels they’re not good enough. The only reason he still keeps you is because of his hatred to the king. Face it. You are not queen material. I know a dead woman when I see her. If you buy into whatever he’s told you, you’ll die just like they did.”

Sickness swarmed through the anger. Defensiveness rose, but the pain of the possibility that she was telling the truth hurt so much worse than any brutality I’d experienced so far. She knew a lot. Too much to be lying.

I couldn’t breathe. I couldn’t outrun the crushing force inside my chest.

Vaughn said he loved me. That he wanted to marry me. Had he told the other women that as well? Was he just using me in this game with King Lawrence because he knew the king’s interest? Did I really mean nothing? I was strong. I wasn’t weak anymore. But… Katia thought I was weak, and if she did… so would he.

“Go back to work, Penelope, and do us both a favor. Keep your head down and your mouth shut. The faster you lose communication with Vaughn, the faster I can convince my puppets you’re not a threat to their game, and I can set you free.”

I took a step back, finally able to force myself to turn around. I didn’t look at Marian as I passed. I did what Katia said. I kept my head down. I kept my mouth shut. And I went back to my office, reaching down and pulling out my phone.

I had spent months building myself up for a war I wouldn’t win.

Pawn.

Queen.

I couldn’t get used, hurt, or killed if I wasn’t either.

I reached in, grabbing my phone and pulling up the one new text message.

My Love: What happened?

I stared down, knowing if I didn’t text back, Vaughn would fear I was hurt. He’d try to come for me. As much as I wanted him to hurt like I did, he needed to know the truth.

Me: You lied to me. You played me by pretending I was the only one you ever felt this way about. How many others did you lead on before they died? Before you killed them? Were they just pawns too? Or maybe they weren’t wanted by the king. It’s the only reason you’ve kept me so long. I can’t believe I fell for it. I won’t have this phone on me anymore. I’m getting rid of it, so don’t bother calling or texting back. My vow remains, but not to you. Find someone new to marry. We’re done.

I hit send, letting it go through. I immediately hit the power button, holding to shut down the phone. Standing, I headed back to Marian’s office, not even bothering to knock as I barged in. They both stopped talking as I headed up to Katia, pushing my phone into her hand. My heart was shattering, but I held strong—not weak.

“You wanted control. Here it is. Don’t come back and see me unless you’re setting me free.” I turned to Marian. “I’m taking the rest of the day off. I’ll be in my room if you need me.”

CHAPTER 41

King Lawrence

“You? You’re the one in charge of Penelope’s isolation?”

No matter how much control I tried to hold to, it was impossible to keep the rage from my words. My patience had died months ago. And even though I’d finally tracked down Penelope’s location, it didn’t do me any good. Every request. Every call. Every fucking letter I sent either got rejected or declined. And it was all because of her. Because of this American bitch sitting before me.

I didn’t need to know her to read the woman like an open book. Her entitlement—her power over Penelope went beyond mine, and she knew it.

“Agent Katia Marchase,” she stated. “I do believe you’ve been searching for me for quite some time. I was told by my superiors to come meet with you. What can I do for you, King Lawrence?”

“If you knew I was searching for you, why didn’t you come sooner?”