Page 85 of Uncrowned

“I’ve only heard of it once. It was concerning a slave a few years back. She’d been en route with scouts when she was… rescued. A woman who went by the name Jane took her and killed our scouts. We were never able to find either of them. Later, one of my contacts mentioned the SLB in association with this Jane. From what I hear, they’re all named Jane. Jane Doe.”

I cursed under my breath.

“That’s because Jane Doe is SLB as well as the FBI in America. At least, a department of the FBI. They’re agents, assassins, spies. They’re whatever the hell they need to be.”

“For what… or who?”

I shrugged. “Whoever’s pulling the strings. I’m sure they work with the Collective High Council, but possibly others as well. Mr. Prescott says they’re untouchable, and they have Penelope. I’m betting if she went into the building, not only is she not there anymore, but they didn’t take her out of the front door.”

The Reeve shook his head. “I have a bad feeling about this. Our reach is unlike most, and when I tell you I’ve never hit so many walls like I did with the SLB… they’re ghosts. Mr. Prescott was right. They’re dangerous, and we’re going to have to dig deep if we’re going to get Penelope back. I’ll reach out to my sources. We’ll bring her home.”

Emotion got trapped in my throat. “We will. Thank you, Reeve.”

The door shut behind him, and I closed my lids, leaning forward to rest my elbow on the desk and fist my hair.

Penelope had no idea what she was getting into once she left her room. If I wanted to be honest, neither the hell did I. I expected threats because of my title and association to The Order, but this went beyond that. Those women were already waiting. And Mr. Prescott pretty much already told me it was about me. They wanted Penelope, and they wanted her for a reason. If I didn’t find her fast, that reason could very well trigger a war I wasn’t ready for.

CHAPTER 28

King Lawrence

By five-thirty, footsteps already echoed through the corridor beyond my chambers. Staff went through their routines. The curtains were opened precisely halfway. Coffee arrived black. The morning briefing sat beside my untouched breakfast exactly where it always did. Everything was set. Controlled. Absolutely boring.

I stood at the same window overlooking the illuminated gardens just as I always did this early. Rain was more of a mist as it fell to the hedges below, and deeper into the palace, clocks chimed.

Time. Yes… Everything ran on time.

Everything but my mind.

“Today’s first engagement begins at eight, Your Majesty.” Dominique moved behind me, but I didn’t turn around. “Followed by the Heritage charity luncheon, and then of course the diplomatic dinner with⁠—”

“Cancel the luncheon.”

A pause.

“But the press reacted favorably to your attendance last year.”

I turned, slowly, watching his eyes quickly jerk down.

“I don’t believe I was asking your opinion.”

“Of course not, Your Majesty.”

“Cancel it. I’m not in the mood today.”

“I will cancel.”

I headed over, stopping to look down at the food laid out. I picked up the coffee, taking a sip as thoughts wanted to steal me away again. I couldn’t go back there. Not so early. Not yet.

“What is my schedule leading up to the dinner?”

Dominique scrolled through his phone. “Hospital⁠—”

My hand shot up, cutting him off from what I already knew.

Cameras would follow me through the wings while newspapers praised my composure. They’d all speak of generosity and strength, and I’d promise miracles I couldn’t deliver. No one would mention the fact that I barely slept anymore. Or that every woman with blue eyes still made my pulse spike before disappointment and anger would suck me down.

“Should I cancel, Your Majesty?”