Page 139 of Unmasked

Penelope laughed, kissing my hand again. Just seeing her mood shift, I knew it had to be done.

“This is great. It buys us time.”

“That’s right. Get your stuff.”

My stare lowered, lifting back to meet with hers. There was so many things that I wanted to say. Threats. So many reassurances.

I said nothing.

King Lawrence wanted me dead. Well, two could play that game.

My family had been hunted.

Murdered.

It was time I turned the tables.

Maybe, this time, Death would be on my side.

CHAPTER 44

Penelope

Whispers.

They echoed from stone as The Judic and new Magister took their place in The Court. At the far back stood a dais. It tiered up almost like a pyramid, marking the ranks of the veiled men who took their place with the Magister at the top.

I could barely slow my breathing enough to appear calm. I kept my hands fisted at my sides just so they wouldn’t shake. What if I wasn’t ready for this? What if I didn’t make it past the first trial? I felt confident in my knowledge, but that didn’t mean anything. History wasn’t the same as having intelligence enough to strategize.

Should I have waited like Vaughn suggested?

Why was I so impatient?

A long exhale left me as I tried to slow my breathing. We hadn’t even started, and I was already beginning to sweat. The lightweight fabric of the black, long sleeve button up and matching tactical cargo pants did nothing to cool me off. Heat was pouring from me through the anxiety, and nothing I did calmed my nerves.

The Judic sat down while the Magister remained standing at the top of the elevated seat, staring ahead right at me. His veil seemed darker than normal, and his voice was unfamiliar as he began.

“The trials you embark on were forged when betrayal split our kingdom. Loyalty was uncertain, and blood alone was no longer sufficient in determining who should stand beside a ruler. Queens were always chosen by birth. That’s not enough. At The Order, they’re chosen by strength. By intelligence. And sometimes, most importantly, by sacrifice.”

My head lifted higher as I kept my stare ahead. I didn’t dare turn around to look at Vaughn.

“The trials exist not just to test your value as a queen, but your worth as an equal. The Queen of The Order must understand our history, our enemies, and the delicate balance that keeps this kingdom from tearing itself apart. These trials are not about love. Love cannot keep this place safe. What the trials ensure is our survival.”

The Magister paused.

“Penelope Taylor, Duchess of Rosemoor, do you have any questions before we start?”

“No, Magister.”

He nodded.

“Let us begin.” He looked down, only to look up. “The first trial you will face is The Trial of Knowledge. You will answer a mix of questions and scenarios.”

The Magister raised his hands, and two guards for The Order stepped in, taking their place to each of my sides. They held long floggers with thin leather strands that swung from their movements.

“If your answers are unsatisfactory, missing key detail, or not elaborate enough, you will be struck however many times we deem necessary. Know this, you will not come out of this unscathed. No queen ever has. You will bleed, and you will do so for The Order. Do you understand?”

“Yes, Magister.”