Page 150 of Unmasked

He took a small black box from his pocket, lowering to one knee as he opened it. The large oval diamond rested above a diamond band. My mouth parted, and I gasped as I lifted my gaze to his.

“Marry me. Make this the happiest night of my life. I want you to be more than just The Queen of The Order. I want you as my fiancée. My wife. I don’t want to live another day without being able to say to the world that you’re mine. I want them to see. I want everyone to know. Penelope… I love you with everything in me. I am not me without you. Please. … Say yes.”

I wiped the tears that refused to stay inside. My hand was shaking as I placed it out before him.

“Forever, yes.”

Vaughn slid the ring on my finger, standing and cradling my face as he kissed me. He pulled back, and for a long moment, he didn’t move. He kept his forehead against mine, holding to my wrists as he kissed just below the ring.

“Fiancée. Finally.”

“I’ve always been yours. I will always be yours.”

He pulled back, nodding and looking down at the ring on my finger again. “I’m ready to keep you to myself. First, we celebrate. Slip on your shoes, love. It’s time.”

I smiled, walking over and sliding on the heels. He was waiting by the door, and I took the arm he offered. The moment he opened the barrier, the buzz of voices in the far distance registered. Guards kneeled, and pain punched a hole in my chest for Keith. Emotion sucked me in, and I held in the grief as we made our way down the hall. Vaughn glanced down at me, slowing just outside of the entrance to the Throne Room.

“Are you okay?”

“I’m good. It was Keith. I…” I looked up, trying to hold in the tears. “He’ll never be at my door again. I’m going to miss him.”

“I’m sorry. You’ve lost a lot tonight.”

My head shook. “I’ve gained more. I’m not complaining. I’m just processing.” I stood taller. “This is a happy night. Let’s do this. I’m ready.”

Vaughn signaled to the guards, who opened the doors. The loud hum of voices died out, and only when there was complete silence did Vaughn lead us forward. The cheers as we entered were deafening. Everyone lowered, and Vaughn led me to stand in front of my throne. He headed forward, lifting his hands for everyone to rise.

“Twenty-eight years.” His words were quiet but powerful. “It’s been almost three decades since this Order has stood beside a queen.” He paused. “Since my mother.”

Tears burned my eyes as he swallowed hard.

“In that time, we have survived. We have adapted.” His voice grew deeper as it hardened. “You could say we endured. But we have not been whole.” Vaughn’s stare came to me. “Tonight, that changes. Not because Penelope was given a title… but because she earned it.”

His jaw tightened as he headed back in my direction.

“Penelope has bled for her position. Fought for it.” He reached for my hand, holding to it. “She has sacrificed for it. Tonight, she stands before you not as a duchess… not as the Intended.” He looked back at the crowd. “But as Queen of The Order. Penelope is mine to honor. And I am hers to defend. And soon, she will stand beside me not just in power… but in name.” He drew me in closer to him. “Recognize your queen.”

CHAPTER 48

King Lawrence

I had paced for hours. I almost had given up. It was late. Too late, which had me lunging for my phone when it started ringing. I hit the button, bringing it to my ear.

“Sultan?”

A pause. “No, it’s Penelope.”

My breath caught, coming out ragged.

“You’re alive.”

“I am.”

“Did… you pass the trials?”

A long pause.

“I did, which is why I’m calling. You were kind to reinstate my family’s title… but… I’m going to have to relinquish it.”