Page 57 of Unmasked

The corner of my mouth lifted slightly. “Nothing to cause alarm.”

“That’s reassuring.”

I glanced back at him again, taking him in more fully in his dark green and gold-trimmed jacket. He wasn’t cautious… but he wasn’t entirely comfortable either.

“You handled that well.”

“Handled?”

“The announcement.”

I looked towards King Lawrence, seeing that he was watching us. I turned to Lord Carver, lowering my voice.

“You should have seen me in the hallway before he brought me in here. I assure you, my reaction was not so composed.”

He smiled and I returned it, growing quiet again as I took small bites of my food.

Time passed, and with it, more dishes came and went. I spoke with King Lawrence and Lord Carver, offering polite smiles to Lord Summerlyn. By the time we finished, the intimidation was gone. I began looking around the dining room. My dining room.

The size. The elegance.

Was this truly happening?

The king stood, drawing me from my thoughts.

“I thank you all for joining this evening. Please, enjoy the rest of your night.”

He stepped back from the table. Where I thought he was going to depart, he stopped next to me, holding out his arm. My eyes lifted to his, and I bit the insides of my cheeks as I stepped in and held onto his arm. I only met Lord Summerlyn’s eyes for a moment before we exited the room. Rowan stepped from the wall, moving in behind us as we began to stroll back towards our suites.

“You were made for this life. Do you realize that?”

I kept my stare ahead. “I’ve been trained, yes.”

“It’s more than that. This comes naturally to you. Your parents did well preparing you, but what you have isn’t training, it’s instinct.” He paused. “I watched you over dinner. For someone who went through what you did, you don’t cower. You’re not timid. You took charge of the conversation with Lord Carver. You met every person’s gaze in that room as if you were every ounce of their equal. To lead is within your blood. I’m impressed.”

I didn’t smile. I still wasn’t sure how I felt about having a title again.

“Thank you, Your Majesty. I’m deeply appreciative of you for clearing my family’s name.”

“I only wish I would have done it sooner.”

We slowed as we approached my door, and I quickly eased my hand down, stopping and moving closer to my entrance.

“Again, thank you. I believe I’ll be settling in for the night. I’m afraid I am getting a little tired again.”

“And I’m sure you want to give your boyfriend the good news.” His tone was flat. “As for Theodore Hart.” King Lawrence paused as his stare darkened. “Should your feelings for him change… I am always a call or a knock away. Goodnight, Penelope.”

My mouth parted, and the king turned, heading for his room. I turned for Rowan, widening my eyes with every ounce of fire inside of me. The gall of that man.

I opened the door, walking in, but keeping the door cracked as I lowered my voice.

“I will not be staying the four days. We are not safe here. We’ll talk over my plan tomorrow.”

A flash of relief registered in The Reeve’s gaze, and he nodded, turning his back to the door as I began to shut the barrier. I headed to my purse, pulling out my phone to turn on. I didn’t trust talking to Vaughn outright, but I knew how to play this game. Hitting Vaughn’s number, I breathed through the adrenaline that kept me shaking.

“Your Grace.”

My lips parted at Vaughn’s rich tone. He was angry. Beyond angry.