Page 25 of Unmasked

She…Heleena Charlotte Masterson. Or, Helen, to those closest to her, did this. Heleena. Helen. Why? Why water down such a beautiful name? I was suddenly fascinated by her, when I’d always been so focused on the male line of my blood. I was a fool. Maybe the biggest one in all of the history of Mastersons. Why was I only appreciating her significance now?

Ego.

Priorities.

Everything was misaligned.

“Sire?”

My eyes lifted from the papers on my desk. The Reeve was half in the door, half out.

“I was knocking. Did you not hear me?”

“I didn’t. Please, come in.”

He eased in the rest of the way, shutting the door behind him.

“I didn’t mean to bother you⁠—”

“No, it’s fine. I was just thinking. Is everything okay?”

There was a pause. Even confusion as he lowered to sit on the chair before me.

“We had a meeting, Sire. You and Ms. Penelope came up with a plan to catch Katia Marchase. You wished to go over the details with me.”

“Of course.” My arm came up as I looked at my watch. Was it already three? “Shit. Right.” I looked back at my watch. “Where is Theodore? He was supposed to be here?”

The Reeve’s brow drew in. “I’m not sure. I can send⁠—”

The door flew open and Theo paused, seeming to catch himself as he quickly knocked.

“I’m not late. Excellent.” He looked to my desk where I usually kept my sweets. His face fell in disappointment. “Great. I’m going to have to call the kitchen. You wouldn’t believe the day I’ve had.”

He shut the door, continuing as if he’d not barged into my study like the devil, himself, were chasing him.

“It all started when⁠—”

“Theodore, hold on.” I gave him a look, knowing this story might go on and on. I picked up my phone, calling the kitchen.

“Unavowed, how may I help you?”

“Bring sweets to my study.” I hung up, turning my attention back to him. “Alright, continue.”

“My day—” My hand lifted, cutting Theodore off again.

“I’ve changed my mind. Tell me after the planning. Once you start, it’ll take you an hour to get to the point.”

“I’m offended. Fine.” Theodore’s face hardened but held a hint of playful defiance. “I guess you don’t want to hear how I spent the day with Penelope instead of at court. That’s fine by me. I didn’t care to tell you anyway.”

“For fuck’s sake. Out with it.”

He smiled.

“It all started with my phone ringing. I was already running late for court. Normally, I wouldn’t answer the phone during such a pressing time, but something just… nagged at me, you know? Like… I needed to answer the phone. It was my private line. It could be important.”

“So, let me guess.” I paused. “You answered it.”

“I did.” His smile got bigger. “And do you know who it was?”