Page 54 of Unmasked

Not only that, if I couldn’t sleep next to her, I’d at least have peace of mind. It was better than nothing, and I needed visual. It was the only reason I’d let her go. Sanity demanded it. I was barely holding on.

Looking down at the schedule, I knew the guests were arriving at the estate. They’d be getting their rooms assigned to them while others mingled. Then, tonight, they’d have a formal ‘welcome’ dinner.

To say I wasn’t nervous for Penelope was a lie. Her and food was hit or miss. It either made her sick or it didn’t. He had felt her head… Did he believe she was unwell? She had been sick the first time they’d met. If he believed her ill again, it might work in her favor. Then again, it might be too telling.

A buzz of voices sounded in the distance, and I could see Penelope from Rowan’s camera. She’d made him wait at her door while she gathered information from the aid at the beginning of the hall. Whatever she was discovering, she didn’t like.

Penelope turned, stalking in The Reeve’s direction. She tried to hide her anger, but she didn’t succeed. When she got to him, her voice lowered.

“I was right. This is too bold. I don’t like it. What will people think? What are his intentions?”

“It has to be more for statement and less for intention. It’s the control we spoke about. But if… all you have to do is call out. We will be right there.”

“That I even have to worry about it is ridiculous.” She paused, looking over. Rowan followed her gaze, turning to show two of King Lawrence’s guards not a few doors down, at the end of the hall.

I took in her anger, in her words, feeling my blood heat at what I could only assume they were talking about. … If he had access to come into her room without bypassing her guard…

Red. All I saw was red.

“I’m going to take a small nap. I can’t call… him yet. I don’t know what they’re monitoring, and I want to be careful. If you talk to him, tell him I’m okay. And I love him.”

“He knows. But I’ll tell him next time we talk.”

“Thanks, Rowan.”

The sound of the door opening filled the speakers, and I watched Penelope head inside her room. She paused at the lit fireplace, shrugging off her coat to place on the back of a cream chair at the sitting area. As she approached the four-poster bed, her lids were already growing heavy. She crawled up, pulling the pillow over to hug around.

I wanted to smile, but all I could do was continue to watch. She didn’t lay there long, maybe half an hour. A groan followed her up, and she headed to the closet where her things had already been put away. She walked out with a long sleeve black dress with a high neckline. It looked to be velvet, and there was a black sheer cape that flowed from the back. In the other hand was a pair of closed-toe black stilettos. The outfit was elegant, but not attention-seeking. Yet, I knew even trying to blend in, Penelope would turn every head the moment she walked through the door.

The shower started in the distance, and she disappeared into the bathroom. Time passed, and I watched through The Reeve’s camera, seeing as staff came and went. The more time ticked on, the more chaos seemed to calm.

Knocking had me looking over. I stood, heading to my door.

“Sire, all is ready for you as you requested.”

“Thank you, Able.”

He paused. “Mr. Hart arrived not that long ago. He’s in the Great Hall ordering his dinner. He asked about you. I think he will be coming to see you soon. If you are too busy, I can let him know you’re not to be disturbed.”

“It’s okay, Able. Theodore is always welcome.” I paused, taking in his slightly stiff shoulders. “You’re doing great as Reeve.”

“Thank you, Sire.”

“Go eat dinner. I’m sure you haven’t sat down since you took over.”

He nodded, turning. I didn’t have the door closed before I heard Theodore’s voice down the hall. He was holding his drink and plate, headed right for me. I tried not to smile but I failed as my lips tugged back the smallest amount.

“Are you coming here with your dinner? Did you bring mine? It seems we both missed mealtime in the Hall today.”

Theodore slowed. “I only have two hands. You’ll have to call in your own. Ooh. Get dessert when you do.” He lifted his hands as to show emphasis.

“You and your sweets, Theodore.” I widened the door, letting him in. He jolted to a stop causing me to nearly run into him.

“Now… doesn’t she look absolutely stunning. That is a dress. Wow. Does she know you’re spying on her?”

“Sit down and be quiet. She doesn’t need to know; she needs to be protected.”

“I won’t argue there. I told you how my meeting with King Lawrence went. Insufferable bastard. How is she doing so far? Have they faced each other?”