Page 177 of Unmasked

“What?”

“Don’t leave me.”

The fear in my tone stopped Lawrence in his tracks. He turned, his forehead crinkling as he took me in.

“I’m not leaving. I promise.”

Suspicion flickered and he headed forward, cracking the door open.

“What?”

“Sire, I’ve given you a lot of time, but I’m afraid there are things we must discuss.”

“I’m making progress. What could be so important that we need to discuss it now?”

“The news⁠—”

“What did I tell you about that?” The king’s voice was clipped. “The palace will handle anything that’s circulating.”

“But Sire, you don’t understand. The palace is under attack.”

“What?”

“Someone set your bed on fire. The news is saying it was an isolated event and could have possibly been caused from old wiring, but we both know that’s not true. Somehow, he set that fire, Your Majesty, and the warning is clear.”

A laugh left King Lawrence. “Why should I be afraid of that? I have Penelope, not him. Let him throw his fit. He got into the palace. So what. That means nothing. My best men are here. I’m not worried and neither should you.”

“To dismiss this would be a mistake.”

“Fine.” Anger thickened his tone. “What do you suggest we do?”

“We need to move. Staying in one spot too long makes it easier for him to find us.”

A pause. “And you don’t think a large group of vehicles traveling aren’t going to throw red flags?”

“We can split up⁠—”

“Because that’s smart.”

“Your Majesty, we can’t stay here indefinitely. Not another day if you don’t want him to find you. I saw The Order. This Council that runs it is dangerous.”

“Not more dangerous than me. We’re finished talking about it. I’m giving Penelope a shower. If I see you again it better be because you have my food.” He paused. “Where’s Dr. Ayden?”

“No.”

King Lawrence turned to look at me.

“I don’t want him to see me… like this. After. You… help me.”

His lips twisted but he nodded.

“Food.”

He slammed the door, turning to come back to me.

“I need to call Dr. Ayden so he can unhook you like before.”

“It’s easy. You already watched… him do it a few times now when you… took me to the restroom.”