Page 36 of Unmasked

“Vaughn.”

At the look he gave me, I tightened my jaw, following as we headed down the halls to Vaughn’s room. The moment he had us shut inside, I spun to face them both.

“This is uncalled for. It was one moment of dizziness. I don’t even have a fever. I said I am fine. Does anyone know how much work and time I’ve been putting into training? I’m getting maybe four to five hours of sleep a night, if I’m lucky. I dream of tests and answers and fighting. I’m tired. I do not need a doctor for that.” I turned to Lord Oxley. “Thank you for the concern. I appreciate your presence, but I am in no need of your services.”

He stepped forward at Vaughn’s nod, and I turned my glare to Vaughn.

“If he touches me after I have refused consent⁠—”

Multiple expressions crossed Vaughn’s face, and Lord Oxley’s eyes widened as he looked between us. An aggravated sound left Vaughn and he cursed.

“One more dizzy spell. One misstep or sign of a fever⁠—”

My hands lifted in surrender. “Then I will call him myself. I’m fine.” I softened my look at Lord Oxley. “I do appreciate you. I’m not mad at you. I’m just… I’m tired. Maybe I’m getting a virus. You wouldn’t know that this early anyway. I’ve had a big night. I’d just like to sit down and process.”

“Of course, Intended.” He bowed. “If there’s nothing else, Unavowed.”

At Vaughn shaking his head, he turned, leaving the room.

My shoulders dropped, and I walked over, crawling into his bed.

“Don’t be mad at me. Come hold me.”

Concern only grew as he came forward.

“You’re really not feeling well. You choose bed instead of overseeing to Katia?”

I waved my hand, already closing my eyes. “She’s not going anywhere. I just need five minutes.”

Weight registered, and again Vaughn pressed his palm over my forehead. I snuggled into it already feeling myself growing heavier, further from the chaos I’d just been enveloped in. His arms went around me, and I was in heaven… I was out.

Silence.

Stillness.

Something…

The room spun, and before I could process what was happening, I flew up, scrambling from Vaughn’s bed. I looked at the clock, crying out as I searched for my shoes. Hadn’t I been wearing them when I laid down?

It didn’t matter. I couldn’t wear slacks and a shirt for the ritual, and I was already late. Where was Vaughn? Why hadn’t he woke me up?

I went to the adjoining door, bursting into the Queen’s Chamber. I headed for the closet, grabbing the first dress I saw. It was deep red, fitted tightly at the top, down to the waist. It was so dark it was almost black. And it was mine. I knew that, but I’d never worn any of the clothes that Vaughn had bought for me.

Undressing, I quickly put it on. I zipped up the dress, sliding on a pair of black flats. I went to the vanity, pulling the hair tie from my hair. I ran the brush through, watching the dark waves soften under the light. I didn’t wait. I turned, rushing from my chambers. The four guards outside Vaughn’s door turned at my exit, and the moment I passed them, they followed.

“Where is he?”

Hesitation had me slowing.

“The Place of No Return.”

I came to a stop, facing them but taking in Keith. “Is this where they have the agent, Katia?”

“Yes, Intended. We were told to call The Unavowed if you awoke. We will call him now and let him know you wish to see him.”

“I have to go to the Ritual Room. The Magister is waiting for me. Tell Vaughn we’ll be there.”

“I will.”