Page 92 of Uncrowned

“And I want the ritual before the auction, not after. The spilling of virgin blood is meant to be honored. It is the highlight, not what the hell we have on the menu. I will consort with The Judic, but I believe they will agree. From here on out, our focus is tradition. It’s our brotherhood. It’s not the fucking stock.”

He nodded. “Banding together is exactly what the guard needs right now. Those are wise decisions. Will you be making meals mandatory in the Great Hall for the Masters as suggested before?”

“I think I will. All Masters in attendance at The Order will dine with me for each meal. Let’s make that non-negotiable.”

The Reeve wrote down more.

“About dining. Redmond banned certain dishes from the Great Hall. Will that rule still apply?”

I knew exactly what The Reeve was referring to.

“The foundational rules cannot be changed. I can do nothing about the delicacies they choose to eat. Babies—their slaves. My Masters get what they pay for. If they want to eat that amongst their peers, they may.”

His hand wiggled from scribbling.

“Perfect. Is there anything else? If not, I will contact the scouts to bring in more supply.”

“Nothing. I’ll call if I need you.”

The Reeve bowed, turning and leaving the Throne Room. I turned, facing my throne, not able to look at it without remembering Penelope sitting on my lap as I stared down my guard.

Penelope.

I brought up the paper, scanning the headline again.

I was proud of my future queen. She didn’t break. Deep inside, I knew she wouldn’t, but for her to prove it for everyone to see… it made the love I had for her grow to suffocating heights. She remembered who she belonged to.

Ringing had me pausing and reaching for my phone. A hard thump hit into my chest, just as it always did when my phone rang. Penelope didn’t have my number, but maybe someone had seen or come across her.

“Hello.”

My voice was deeper than I intended.

“Hello. This is Theodore Hart. I’m returning a call concerning a message I received.”

The barrister. It took him long enough.

“That’s right. I’m the one who called you, Mr. Hart. I’d very much like to meet with you concerning a friend I have who might be in trouble.”

“In trouble? Have they been arrested?”

I paused. “Sort of. It’s a little complicated. I hear you’re the best, and that’s exactly what I need.”

“Of course. Can I get some details on what this pertains to?”

“I’m afraid it’s best to speak about it in person. My friend is very important, and I’m willing to pay generously to help them.”

“I see.” Papers flipped in the background. “I’m actually available tomorrow at noon. Are you free for lunch? We can meet somewhere.”

A smile stretched across my face, and I lowered to my throne.

“That works perfectly for me, but not in public. I will have you picked up, if that is alright. Discretion is critical in this case.”

Slight hesitation. “Then I will leave my office and walk down half a block. There is a restaurant on the corner—Carmine’s. You can have me picked up there. I will see you then, Mr…”

“Soon.”

I hung up, not giving him a name. I picked up my phone, dialing my directory.