Page 126 of Unmasked

“Correct.”

“Well, it’s told that the letter was presented to King Vaughn to confirm or deny. He was pretty much surrounded by The Duke of Ironhold aka David Evans, Vaughn’s Captain of the Guard, and even the king’s Royal Chaplain. They confronted him with the letter. When he saw it, he got angry, pulled his sword, and tried to kill them.”

I swallowed hard. “In black and white, yes. Except, that’s not the entire truth. What they didn’t realize was that Vaughn’s son watched it all happen. He said his father denied it. That Vaughn must have realized they were framing him because as he was drawing his sword, the Captain of his Guard was already stabbing him through the heart. It was a coup, and the queen, her eight-year-old son, and even the Harts had been made aware by Vaughn that something might. be coming. He suspected they were turning, but he had no idea what they would do. It got bad really fast. The Duke of Shelton, Theodore Hart, amongst many others, were murdered and their lines lost their titles. That Duke of Shelton was Vaughn’s best friend. He was prepared to go to war with David Evans, and would have, had they not murdered him and the others almost immediately.”

“But you want to tell me something more, Unavowed.”

I nodded, squeezing my eyes shut at the battle to say the words out loud.

“I wear Vaughn’s signet ring. Mr. Prescott… wanted to know that if I wear it, why King Lawrence has one in a glass case in his own underground secret room?” I opened my eyes. “He has the evidence. He has the forged signet ring they used to fake that letter of my ancestor’s treason. It’s right there in his palace, and I’m going to be there for this stupid ball that he’s throwing in my honor. It’s a slap in the face.”

“I see.” Elec got quiet for so long, I wasn’t sure if he was going to continue, but he did. “It’s a big event. It holds a lot of… tension. You, him, in the same place. The Council will most certainly attend.”

“Yes. They will.”

“I think I’d like to attend as well. To… watch. I mean, my own handler has to be good for something. Maybe Bram can get me a ticket so I can attend with him and Everleigh.”

My lids narrowed. “To watch?”

“The drama, of course. Say, I’ve been curious about The Order since I left. Could I stop by as a guest while I’m in town?”

Elec Wexler… at The Order? Hadn’t I been on constant watch while he’d been here before? I didn’t trust him with his odd hypnosis tricks but… if he went… if he perhaps could sway King Lawrence…

“Of course.”

“Perfect. I love costume balls. I’ll be sure to switch ours to the following night. You are free to bring Penelope to The Gardens if you’d like. You’re always welcome here, Vaughn.”

“Thanks. I appreciate it. Speaking of Penelope, I should go check on her. She’s been killing herself in training.”

“For the trials.”

My lips twisted. “Of course you know about that, too.”

“I know everything.”

“I see that.”

He laughed. Take care. I’ll send you that picture and the number on where to get the costume. Hey… can I match you? Not exactly but close. Maybe a few of us? We’d look epic.”

My brows lifted, and I let out a sigh. “Sure.”

“This is going to be amazing. A night we’ll never forget. Take care, Vaughn.”

“You, too.”

I hung up, shaking the buzz from my head. It happened every time I spoke to Elec. I knew he wasn’t messing with my mind. I remembered everything of our conversations, unlike those with Melissa. He was safe. For now…

Standing, I left my office, heading to the training room. What I saw when I opened the door left my blood going cold. Penelope was deflecting blow after blow. They were coming for her so fast and hard I was afraid to move and distract her. Blood was smeared across her face, and a large bruise covered her cheek. Even her right eye appeared swollen making me fight not to surge forward.

My fingers drew in, and I was practically bouncing on the balls of my feet as I took in the three men laying on the mat. I wasn’t sure if they were unconscious or dead.

“Faster.” She ducked, springing up and swinging. Able jerked his head back, barely escaping the punch. Again, she repeated. “Reeve, faster.”

She ducked, weaving and ducking again as Able jabbed. The moment his hand drew back, she stepped in knocking him right on his ass. Blood poured from his nose, and Penelope jumped back as he tried to kick her feet out from under her.

“Fuck. You got me good this time.”

Able groaned, letting her help him to stand. I headed forward at a fast pace, watching our Reeve stiffen at my approach.