Page 8 of Unmasked

Ringing had the monitor flashing as the call was patched through. The dimness of the Ritual Room appeared, and the Judic were standing at the back. Their black veils concealed their faces, and the upside-down crowns kept the dark cloth in place. Black robes were loose around them, hiding their hands. The Magister was just as menacing looking, hidden from us. Next to him, centered, was Vaughn in his dark suit. He looked more handsome than ever, and The Reeve was at his side, sitting at the big table. Vaughn’s face softened, and I knew it was for me.

“Unavowed. Magister. Judic. Reeve.” Able bowed his head, moving back to stand next to me. “It is a pleasure to see all of you.”

“Are you taking care of my Intended?”

Vaughn’s voice was deep. Slightly threatening.

“I am, Sire.”

“Penelope.”

“Sire.” I kept my eyes on Vaughn as I gave him a deep curtsey. I didn’t miss the way he bit against his bottom lip before he caught himself. “Magister. Judic. Reeve,” I continued. “I hope all is well.”

“As expected,” The Magister started. “Let us hear about your transition. Able, tell us of the Intended’s progress and where she stands as of now.”

“Thank you, Magister.” Able stared steadily ahead, his voice never wavering. “When it comes to the first trial, The Trial of Knowledge, I would say Ms. Penelope’s understanding of the history section is basic at best. She’s aware of the fundamentals concerning the events that took place, but as for the roles of each family connected to the Crown, she has learning to do. It’s expected with her upbringing and what she’s had access to, but she will need to study.

As for the second, The Trial of Loyalty, I would say she has a firm grasp on understanding what it entails. The politics side of the trials is one she’ll have to brush up on, but I’m confident in her abilities.

For the third, The Trial of the Blade…” Able’s head bowed, and my brow creased in confusion. I lowered, witnessing the smile he tried to hide. He couldn’t. He lifted his head to face them, and his teeth became exposed as the smile only grew. Before I could process what it meant, a blur of color shot right out towards me. I swung up, deflecting the powerful hit and curling my arm to lock around his as I twisted the limb back. His body bowed, but he was still smiling. My other hand was already up, ready to smash into his face.

My heart was racing. The sound of a chair scraping sounded from the monitor, but I didn’t take my eyes off the man who was still smiling at me.

“Ms. Penelope stands a good chance in The Trial of the Blade. Stand down.”

The last was for me, and I let go of him, only then turning back to the monitor. Vaughn’s eyes were round, and he was standing. I wasn’t sure what to think as he took me in. It almost appeared as if he were half angry, half surprised.

As he lowered back to his chair, I focused back on Able.

“I’m afraid we won’t know how the fourth trial will go until we get there, Magister. That one is a wild card.”

“Indeed.”

The Magister nodded. The Reeve looked over, picking up as they stayed quiet.

“I was told Ms. Penelope had her first outing. How did that go?”

Vaughn’s brow creased, and I knew it was the first time he was hearing about it. More anger.

“It went well. The Intended did just as we rehearsed.”

“What about threats?”

Able nodded at The Reeve’s question.

“Nothing outright. Intuition was another matter. We all felt something. We’re reviewing the footage now.”

“Report your findings to me when you have it.”

“I will.”

“Where did she…” Vaughn stopped, instead addressing me. “Where did you go, Penelope?”

“To the bakery down the road. I got some muffins and biscuits for me and the guards.”

Vaughn nodded. “And the reporters were there?”

“They were. They asked a lot of questions. I only answered the most basic ones, and my response was very short.”