Page 84 of Uncrowned

“I like friends, and I’d very much enjoy being yours. I’ll tell you what, Unavowed. I’d be happy to relay any information I come across about Penelope.” He paused, staying coldly calculated. “All I want is a promise.”

I squeezed into the arm of the chair, keeping the emotion from my face.

“And what’s that?”

“That you don’t forget your friends on your way to higher places. That’s your plan for after you get your queen, right?”

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

I smiled, but it was far from nice.

His face morphed to one of deep contemplation.

“Evidence is the key word, I believe. And if I also hear correctly, you’re in search of it. Perhaps I come across some names or information on that as well.” He stood extending his hand, and I rose, shaking it. “I’ll call soon and let you know. Friend.”

As I watched Mr. Prescott leave my study, I was already picking up the receiver to the landline. What the fuck was the SLB and how the hell did I find a way to get Penelope out of it?

A ring sounded, and The Reeve’s deep voice answered.

“Unavowed.”

“I need you to come to the study.”

“I’m on my way.”

I hung up, shuffling through the papers of contacts on my desk. I needed someone that could help me with Penelope. Someone who had reach in places I didn’t.

Trailing my finger down, I focused on occupations linked to anyone who might have access on information concerning the SLB. There had to be someone. Elite wouldn’t help. I wasn’t even sure King Lawrence, himself, could retrieve Penelope if he wanted.

“Barrister—Lawyer, specializing in criminal law. Yes...” I followed the information over, letting out a deep breath. Theodore Hart—untitled Duke—The Duke of Shelton. Once his line had been our closest ally. Sadly, the friendship ended with the death of both King Vaughn and his namesake. Theodore didn’t have a clue who I was. I hadn’t reached out to him yet, despite already deciding to reestablish the title as per my plans.

Knocking sounded, and I stood.

“Come in.”

The Reeve entered, shutting the door behind him. He was wearing his standard blue uniform with white upside-down crowns on the collar signifying his rank as the guard leader. He held a tablet, stopping before my desk.

“Unavowed.”

“Any news from your sources on Penelope?”

“Yes. I was about to bring it to you. I have video, Sire. We were able to track her after leaving your home.” He pulled it up, handing the tablet to me. At seeing her running through the street in the slave dress, my stomach dropped. “I’ve increased the speed so you can see the track she took. She headed for her parent’s townhome. As you can see, she makes it to the front door, only to get apprehended by two women before she can enter. From there, they take her to a building in Westminster. I looked into what could be in that building. It’s filled with different law and consulting firms. We’re currently going through the footage to see if she leaves. So far, she doesn’t.”

I grabbed my keys, halting and squeezing them in my fist. All I could see was Penelope…barefoot… scared. I did this. I had hurt her again.

“Sire, I can step in while you go.”

“I’ve been given assurance that Main Master Draper has already left London, but I don’t trust him or those two men he was with.”

“You mean the former Main Master of Whitlock, Bram Whitlock.”

“That’s right. And his pesky cousin, who, if I heard correctly, is the New Main Master of The Garden of the Gods, which should be up and running in no time. This could be a trap. Maybe it’s all connected. I can’t be sure.”

“Would you like me to send in a team?”

“Not yet. When we go in, we have to be sure. We can’t afford any mistakes, and I don’t want them to know we’re aware of the possible location. Delete the footage from wherever you got it. I don’t want anyone tracking her back to my house.” My brows drew in as I lowered to my chair. “What do you know about the Sovereign Liaison Bureau, Reeve? It’s referred to as the SLB.”

A seriousness hardened his face.