Page 160 of Unmasked

“Mm-hmm. My thoughts exactly.” Penelope paused, the tears disappearing as she gave me a cautious look. “Which is the reason you’re going with Mr. Prescott and Mr. Wexler.”

“What?”

“I still feel I should go, but since I’m not… Don’t worry, I took care of everything.”

I opened my mouth to argue, not able to say anything as I spotted Mr. Prescott in his armor and robe waving as he entered.

“Penelope.” Her name came out as a low growl, but she was already throwing me an apologetic shrug, walking forward to meet our handler.

“Mr. Prescott. It’s so good to see you again.”

Elec headed into the room, and I couldn’t help but smile as he came forward, another fallen knight to my dead king. We were all wearing dark armor with fitted black robes. But where there’s was all black, mine had gold trim and accents. Although I didn’t have the metal skeleton mask or gold crown on, I would by the time we arrived. Even Mr. Prescott and Elec held their skeleton masks in hand.

“Battle brothers.” Elec beamed. “I like it. What did I tell you? I knew these costumes would come out great.” He pointed to the sword I had holstered at my side, his mouth parting. “Badass. Can I see it?”

I pulled the sword free, and Elec let out a low whistle.

“It belonged to ‘The’ Vaughn. Beauty, isn’t it?”

“Oh yes.” The blade cut through the air as he tested the weight, bringing his blue eyes up to mine with enthusiasm. “Definitely a beauty. Do you know how to use it?”

“I am King. Of course I do. Guns and knives aren’t the only weapons I’m trained in. I excel at all.”

“So, you’re good?”

I laughed. “Better than good.”

“I love it.”

He handed the sword back to me, and I slid it home, glancing at Penelope. She was trying to appear okay, but she couldn’t hide her pain or her anxiety. It had me pausing as I turned to Elec and Mr. Prescott.

“We’re just waiting on Theodore to arrive. He’s going to keep Penelope company while I’m gone.”

Before I could finish, Theo headed into the room, a plate of sweets in hand. His steps faltered as he took in me, Elec, and Mr. Prescott.

“Not fair. Not fair at all. I want to dress up, too. What the hell?”

I smiled. “You like it? It was all Elec’s idea. The design came out great.”

“Great?” Theodore’s head reared back. “More like legendary. King Lawrence’s head is going to explode. How many of you are dressing up like this?”

Elec’s smile grew wider. “I got my cousin, Bram, onboard, too. It wasn’t hard. My costume was superior to his, and he knew it.”

“Nothing can beat this.” Theo smiled, turning his attention to me. “Put on the crown and hood. Let me see what King Lawrence will.”

I put on the metal skeleton mask letting it cover from just below my eyes, lifting the oversized black hood into place. When I slid the gold spiked crown on, Theodore’s eyes widened. Elec smiled broadly, and even Penelope and Mr. Prescott stopped talking.

“Holy… fuck.” Theodore made an aghast sound. “What I wouldn’t give to see the king shit himself when he has to introduce you like this.” He turned to Elec. “You’re a genius. Like… there couldn’t be a more symbolic costume than this one.” Theodore’s smile faded. “Symbolic,” he murmured. “No. This is prophecy. A banished bloodline—a dead king, ready for war, and returning to collect what was stolen.”

Chills crept up my spine, and I nodded, not able to speak through the truth of it. For a long moment I wondered what my ancestors would think. How would they feel knowing how far our line had come?

We were so damn close.

And yet, so far away.

Elec began talking to Theodore, and Penelope excused herself from Mr. Prescott, coming to me.

“You’re thinking.” She paused. “Take off the mask for a moment. I want to say goodbye.”