Page 36 of Uncrowned

Betrayal. Fear. It was written all over her face as her eyes welled with tears.

“I had to assess you.”

“So you took off my clothes? You had no right.”

Anger.

“Penelope—”

“No, V. This is my body. Mine. You keep touching me and, and, no. You do not have permission to treat me like some inferior. Like I’m too stupid to have a say. I assure you I’m capable of making decisions over my own body, and what I want is for everyone to leave it alone.”

“You’re upset after what Lord Allford did. It’s understandable.” I kept my tone neutral. “But you were unconscious. You’re hurt, and I needed to make sure the damage wasn’t worse than what it is.”

“I’m not upset—I’m angry—no, pissed.” More tears spilled free as her body shook with fury. “I want my clothes, and I want them now.” Her eyes darted up to mine, and her shoulders curled in. “Please.”

“No.”

Her head jerked up.

“What do you mean, no?”

My shoulders went back. I let all I knew, all I wanted, come barreling to the front. I had her here for a reason. It was time I focused on that.

“Penelope, I didn’t just take you because of what was happening to you. I took you because I’m choosing you. Your time with me once you heal will be grueling. It will be demanding and unpleasant. As of now, your body is mine. If I want it, you will give it to me. I will not take it by force, because you will not let me.” I lifted my hand, pointing against her temple. “I want what’s in here more than this,” I said, pulling back and gesturing over her body. “I know you’re confused and you don’t understand, but it has to be this way.”

Her head slowly went back and forth.

“You’re… not… okay.”

“I’m fine.”

“No.” Her head still shook. “You’re crazy. You… need help.”

My face tightened as my own anger rose. “I assure you I don’t.”

“You do. But that’s okay. I’m going to help you.”

“I’m not crazy, Penelope.”

“If you say so. I⁠—”

“I’m not crazy. Listen to me, this isn’t some game, and I’m done explaining. The facts are simple. You’re here, and I plan to test you. Not just your body but your mind. I want to know everything about you.”

“Do you hear voices?”

“For fucks sake.”

“What? It’s a logical question.”

I reached down, unfastening the cuffs on her feet and moving up to her wrists. When she was free, I turned, grabbing the hospital gown Lord Oxley had left behind.

“Three days. That’s all you get the gown for. When the IV comes out, the gown disappears.”

“You’re not going to let me wear any clothes?”

“During training, yes, but that’s it.”

“And what am I training for?”