Page 80 of Unmasked

“You’ve been busy.”

“If you know that, why are you calling? I’m obviously in the middle of something.”

A deep chuckle sounded.

“I see that. Lovely, isn’t she?”

I wasn’t surprised by his comment. He managed to find his way into the palace’s system as well. I learned to ignore it long ago.

“Where is he? I know you know.”

“We haven’t talked in months and you’re suddenly going to start demanding things of me?” He tsked. “That’s not wise, Your Highness.”

My jaw tensed.

“I am not the prince anymore. I am king. Are you going to tell me or not? I’m going to find Theodore anyway. I have my men looking into it.”

“How naïve you are. Always so confident. So… assured. You won’t find him if they don’t want you to.”

I paused as I took in his words. Penelope’s fingers drew in, but I managed to focus.

“They? Who are they?”

“You’ve orchestrated the narrative so long, you don’t realize that what you read or what you see isn’t always the truth.”

A growl left me.

“Stop talking in riddles and be blunt. Where’s the fucking barrister?”

More chuckling. “You make winning anything extremely hard.”

“Winning? Are you placing bets on me?”

“Always.”

“I’m hanging up.”

“Oh no.” His tone deepened. “We both know that isn’t wise.”

I squeezed harder into my phone, walking around Penelope’s bed wide.

What was I missing? What… was I missing? He was a barrister. Who the hell would help him? He was a nobody. A duke, yes, but not a real duke.”

“This is what you’re going to do, Your Highness.”

“Stop saying that. You know I hate it.”

“I know.” He let long moments drag out. “Walk to the bed.”

I didn’t take my time, but I didn’t rush.

“Ok?”

“What do you see?”

My head shook. “Penelope.”

“Look closer.”