Page 164 of Uncrowned

My hand lifted, silencing Drayton as guards stepped from the walls, moving in closer. Marian didn’t speak, but she nodded as tears rolled free.

“I will take his punishment.”

“You are brave,” I breathed out. “To sacrifice yourself for your new husband after you’ve already endured so much. For a husband who loves you as much as he hates you?” Penelope grew even more nervous as she looked up at me. “He’s been planning his revenge for weeks. I know. I’ve looked into it since you’ve been here. Do you have any idea what he planned to do to you?”

Marian swallowed hard, her face turning so that she could look up at Drayton.

“He won’t deny it, Marian. He can’t. He’s had a special space made just for you. Either he’s into some really kinky shit, or he planned to hurt you. From what I hear, maybe he even planned to torture and rape you to show you the difference. His inventory is… rather impressive. Canes, crops, whips, cat-o-nines. Some with razors. Barbed wire. And a cross very similar to the ones I have in the room next door. He was innocent, was he not? You said so to Bastian Allard. We all heard you.”

I gestured around the room, but it was The Judic aligning the wall that I was referring to.

“Drayton never raped me. My mother… influenced me.”

“With her lies? Her manipulations?”

“Yes.”

I nodded. “A victim as well. What it must have been like for you having such a cold mother. Did you remember doing or saying the things you accused him of?”

“Not at first.” Marian’s voice softened. “She drugged me before it happened. Her tricks only worked for so long before I remembered. By then, I was leaving. I was mortified. I… tried to apologize, but the Penningtons wouldn’t take my call. They weren’t taking anyone’s for months. Years. I know; I kept trying on occasion. Maybe they knew it was me.”

“You called?”

She glanced up but continued to stare ahead.

“Of course I did, Drayton. I tried to tell anyone who would listen to the truth. That never went far.”

“Interesting.” I looked between them. “And now here we are… family.” I smiled coldly. “Almost. First, the fun. Then, consummation. You see, I had this elaborate little game planned out. I can be a bit theatrical at times. Masks. The fun, bloody stuff. But then my dear Penelope reminded me how tired you all must be. It’s been a long day. So, I thought, how can I tie these two together? How do I get my fun while also forcing you to understand not to fuck with me!”

I yelled the last inches from Drayton’s face. Straightening, I took a deep breath.

“You see my dilemma. I don’t think you entirely understand how much you screwed yourself by killing under my roof and then making demands of the one person you should have been begging mercy to. And now you have your wife trying to protect you. But she’s guilty too, so…” My arms locked at my lower back as I stared Drayton down. “Now, you’ll both beg for it.”

Marian’s scream had Drayton spinning to come face to face with Elec, who had a gun against the side of his head. Guards were pulling Marian deeper into the room. Drayton surged forward, immediately getting ripped back before he could take two steps.

“Marian! Marian!”

The room split in sections as guards secured Drayton. Marian was drawn further back while the two guards Marian was meant to torture were brought in. The room was turning into chaos as Bram paced not feet away, just as trapped as everyone else.

I kept my voice loud, wrapping my hand around the back of Penelope’s neck, bringing her closer to me.

“You see, the upside-down crown symbolizes something very dear that was stolen. Those who pledge their loyalty know the risks that come with taking the vows. It’s a very lengthy initiation for Master and guard alike. We have rules. We have guidelines. But you’re marrying into this, Mr. Pennington. You haven’t had the chance to see what others sometimes die trying to get. To disrespect me and break my rules… well… it breaks you.”

Tables were pushed out of the way as Marian was pulled off to the side. The rapists were forced to the wall while Drayton kept fighting against his guards.

“If you hurt her any more than she already is. If⁠—”

I let go of Penelope. My fist cracked against Drayton’s mouth, snapping his head back.

“One more threat, I don’t make you suffer, I make her. She doesn’t need her tongue to conceive an heir. She doesn’t need fingers or toes. She doesn’t need arms or legs. I will take a body part from your wife for every time you think to threaten me. If you don’t believe me, try. Threaten and watch me act. The only one who is going to lose here is you.”

“Unavowed, this was not part of the plan. You’re walking a line you really don’t want to cross.”

I turned to look at Bram. “A line?” I shrugged, smiling. “I see no line, only what is my right. I’m breaking no rules. This man killed one of my guards. He wants the death of two others. Do you know the cost of blood? My blood? Those guards are mine. They’ve given their life to me. So… you want a piece of me dead? Fine. But nothing is easy. Mr. Pennington and I made a deal. I’m collecting on it. Mrs. Pennington volunteered to take his place. Ask her. This,” I said, waving my hands around the room to all the guards, “is just for everyone’s safety. See, I’m being nice. I’m being a good host.”

“Penelope.” I turned, cupping her face, wanting nothing more than to kiss her. “You will follow my orders as before. Go to our room and ready yourself for bed. I will be there when we are finished.”

“May I—Can I …” My lids narrowed at her challenging questions. “I didn’t get to spend time with Marian like you said. Can I at least tell her goodbye?”