Page 127 of Unmasked

“Who did that to her face?”

Penelope turned in my direction, lifting her head even higher as she answered me.

“It’s hard to say. I’m not sure they even knew. I took on all three. They held their own, but I won.”

“I can see that.” I angled her face from side to side, shaking my head and gritting my teeth through the anger. “You’re going to have to cancel everything until the ball. You can’t go out looking like this.”

“Is it that bad?”

I wrapped my arm around her waist, carrying her to the full-length mirror. Penelope gasped, only to smile.

“They sure did some damage.”

“You don’t say.”

She glanced over at my angry tone. It was for nothing. I knew this was technically great news for the trials, but the man who loved her couldn’t stand to see her hurt.

“I think I’m ready. Who will I fight?”

“We won’t know until the time comes.”

“I stand a chance.”

I stared at our reflection and how small she was next to me. And she’d be fighting someone. Some man twice her size. But I couldn’t tell her the truth of my fears. Not yet. Not until after… or maybe at all. I did have faith in her abilities, but the past only fed terror at the possibilities of one wrong move. One misstep.

“I’d say you stand more than that. I feel sorry for whoever has to face you.”

“Is it really to the death?”

Penelope’s expression saddened, and I let her down, turning her to face me.

“It is an honor to die for the queen.”

“And if I’m the one who dies?”

My head shook, and I felt sick.

“Don’t say that. You won’t die. I won’t let you.”

“You can’t stop it. If I die, I’m not worthy.”

Silence rested between us.

“You are worthy.”

“Not if I die.”

My eyes burned as I stared into blue.

“You’re not going to die. If you’re not ready, we could delay another few months.”

Her head shook. “No. It’s time. We need an heir. That is the upmost importance. The line must go on no matter what. We need it. I’m doing it in two days.”

“Penelope—”

“Vaughn,” she countered, grabbing around my finger.

I cursed, pulling her in to hold.