Page 156 of Uncrowned

Pressure constricted in my chest.

“You don’t want to see her like that. It’s best⁠—”

“I deserve to witness what I’ve done. You say you would have done it anyway, but I’m complicit… I have to see.”

“Penelope, the nightmares are already getting worse.”

“Worse? They never stopped, Vaughn. Who do you think has helped me through the worst of them this last year? It wasn’t you; it was her. Now, she’ll have them too, all thanks to what we’ve done. Yeah… I want to see what we’re creating. If future me gets her at her best, I want to see what the hell we’ve done to create her.”

I pulled her back to my chest, holding around her tightly.

“Don’t hate me.”

My words came out barely audible. I didn’t fear anything, but losing Penelope terrified me.

Penelope’s head tilted back as she looked up at me.

“I’ve tried hating you. It didn’t work. She’s that bad?”

I nodded, letting what The Reeve had told me about her time on Severance filter through. Then… what happened after. It was degrading enough for her to be locked onto the contraption and measured like stock. But he said when they inserted the spreader and opened her to test the tightness, she had started dripping blood all over the floor. He assumed they were from the previous rapes, but then even more rape followed… The number of guards… I couldn’t stomach it. I sure as hell didn’t want to tell Penelope the details.

“I’m going to do my best to set Marian up for a good life. She deserves it after what she’s been through here. Just… try your best to hold it together when you see her. You won’t be able to. I know you. But. Fuck.” Tighter, I held her to me. “Just don’t hate me.”

“You’re scaring me.”

“If you expect the worse—Expect that it’s even worse than that. It’s bad.”

And I hadn’t lied.

I dreaded this day from the moment I’d met Marian in the Great Hall and heard Penelope scream for her friend’s mercy. I had wanted her to pay for keeping Penelope away from me, but this was extreme. It was the only way. I knew it in my bones. My training reassured me my decision was right. With each hour that passed, I knew to trust in what I’d been taught. There was no room for doubt.

Breakfast.

Lunch.

They went by in a blur.

I watched my Intended—my future queen. I saw the fear keep her eyes round. She jumped at every sound. The anticipation had her walking the edge of a cliff of emotions, and worrying about her was the only thing that kept me grounded. Even as I led her to the Throne Room, and I took my seat with her on the floor at my feet, I was still more worried about her than the men who’d be here at any moment.

How would she react when she saw Marian? Would she be able to stay composed or would she break even more? I knew it was going to be bad, I just hoped it wasn’t a mistake letting her come.

“Unavowed, they’re here.”

“Let them in.”

Seconds passed, and I immediately recognized Bram and Elec. As I took in Drayton, it had my head cocking to the side. I didn’t get to think on it as Bram’s deep voice cut through the room.

“We’re here for Marian LaRoe. You need to collect her and bring her to us.”

My lids narrowed.

“I told you. Marian is indebted to me in lieu of her mother. She must do her time.”

“Bullshit.” Drayton cut in, shaking his head. “If Melissa owed you, I’ll make the payment, but you’re not going to take it out on what’s mine. You’ve already had her long enough.”

I sat straighter, easing to stand as I headed closer to them. I took in his height. In the way his shoulders were wide.

“You hoped I’d come.” He lifted one of his eyebrows at me. “Well, here I am.”