Page 43 of Uncrowned

“Yes.” Penelope let out a deep breath. “His son, who took his place, refused to honor his father’s word, so, here we are, untitled. Although, King Lawrence did hint⁠—”

“Hint? You’ve met King Lawrence?”

Her mouth opened only to shut.

“I have. On three separate occasions.”

“Three?” I couldn’t keep the surprise out of my tone, and I hated it. “Three,” I continued. “Tell me about your meetings.”

Penelope swallowed hard, and I could sense her hesitation.

“The first time was by accident. It was when I was at the university. My class took a trip to the palace. I went despite I shouldn’t have. I was running a fever and was so dreadfully sick. I had no business attending, but I was already so far behind in my lessons that I didn’t want to miss anything.

“I was weak, and we were walking so far. I sat down to rest, determined to catch up after a quick break. It was only maybe ten to fifteen minutes later when I got up and tried to find them. I was lost, and one of the guards had left his post. I had no idea I wasn’t allowed to go in that part of the palace. Needless to say, I was detained. King Lawrence just happened to be passing by when he saw me. He stopped, gave me an odd look, and headed over to us. I begged his forgiveness, trying to explain. He didn’t even address me at first. I guess my face was really red. He walked up, lifted his hand to my forehead and said, ‘you’re most definitely sick. Take her to the Charlton Suite.’”

“To say I was shocked was an understatement. Before I could tell him I was fine and beg him to let me find my class so I could leave, he said, ‘so nice meeting you Ms. Penelope Taylor,’ and he walked away.” She smiled softly. “He knew who I had been all along.”

Heat poured from me as I seethed. Of course he already knew who she was. The planning for a wife would have already been in the works for years. Hell, it was still going on. Once you saw Penelope, there was no forgetting her.

“Did he come to check on you while you were in the suite?”

The smile was gone.

“He did.”

“And how did that go?”

“I don’t know if I want to tell you. You’re clearly angry.”

My brow drew in.

“I’m not angry⁠—”

“Jealous, then?”

“Jealous? Don’t be absurd. Answer.”

Seconds passed. “Yes. A doctor came in and checked me out. King Lawrence showed up as the doctor was finishing up. It was a virus, no surprise. King Lawrence insisted I stay until it passed and I was better, but I declined. Finals were coming up and I wanted to be in my room where I could study.”

Something in me shifted and lightened.

“The king offered to let you stay for days if that’s what it took and you told him no?”

“Yes. I told him it was probably the flu and I was fine. I appreciated his hospitality, but I couldn’t stay.”

I laughed, not able to help it.

“And how did your parents take that?”

“Are you insane? I most certainly did not tell them. I would be dead right now if my father knew.”

“You had the perfect opportunity to spend more time with the king and you rejected him.”

“I rejected his offer, not him. Not that it matters.”

Anger spiked but faded as she patted around the comforter searching the bed for my hand. I didn’t give it as I watched her.

“You said three times.”