Page 10 of Uncrowned

“We’ll be ready for you when the time comes.”

I nodded, stepping back and turning for the door.

The walk to the exit that led to my penthouse would be a last as well. At least for a while. I did need to move. I never stayed in one place for too long. It wasn’t safe. I’d learned that from my family’s history. Even though I hoped most thought me dead, I was still the hunted—the threat.

As I passed the guards and headed up the stairs, I brought out my phone. It was still early. As I entered the parking garage, I didn’t head for the elevator. I turned, making my way to my car when I shouldn’t. I had research to do. I had plans to make. And I’d work on them after—after I saw her. After I learned more.

Secondhand stories only went so far. I lived for facts. For ones I could see. Hear. Feel. Who was Penelope? What sort of life did she truly live outside of the rumors? What all had made her into the woman she was now? I had so much to learn, and although I could research until my fingers were bloody, this wasn’t something to investigate. Chemistry was key. Love was a liability, but I did need loyalty. I had to feel that from Penelope. I had to know she was the right choice. Our future wouldn’t be easy, especially hers, but it could be worth it if I chose correctly. There was no room for mistakes.

Starting my car, I headed out of the garage and into the city. The Taylors didn’t live far. I managed to park a few townhomes away from theirs, checking my watch as I kept my stare on the second-story window just left of the front door. When I picked up my phone and hit Penelope’s number, I could feel my fingers tighten around my cell. With every ring, my pulse hit harder.

“Hello?” A pause. “Hello?” Another pause. “Are we doing this again? I told you yesterday, you’ve got the wrong number.”

I kept quiet, knowing she had no idea who was calling. She wouldn’t have even seen a number as mine was private. It didn’t stop her from continuing, which spoke volumes to me.

“If you’re not going to talk, I will. I’ll talk so much I’ll bore you half to death. You’ll regret ever calling me.” Silence. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

A smile wanted to come, but my concern kept my face tight. Redmond’s words came rushing back.

“I’m reading a book. It’s quite fascinating. It’s about an explorer. Her name is Poppy Marlow. She travels the world in search of adventures. Last night, she traveled all the way to New York just to find the best pizza. I guess there’s a debate between New York, Chicago, and Detroit, but I’m going to have to take Poppy’s word for it as I’ve never been to any of those places.” She paused. “Have you been?” A laugh echoed through the receiver after a few seconds. “I bet you have. I’m going to pretend you’re an explorer, too.”

I did smile then, but it turned into a scowl just as fast.

“I wonder where Poppy will go tonight. The book is The Thirty Adventures of Poppy Marlow. Last night was the tenth, and it was about food. A few days back, she was climbing mountains for the best view. I bet she does something daring next. She seems a bit spontaneous to me. I’m not even sure she put enough planning into her adventures. I mean, on day three she almost didn’t even get a hotel. There was a festival in the city she knew nothing about. Does that not sound like she was unprepared?”

A sigh echoed through, and I found myself resting my head against my window as I stared up to where I knew her room was. She sounded so young. So… carefree and yet… starved for conversation. Sad…

“Daring. Yes. If anyone would be daring it would be Poppy Marlow. She’s⁠—”

“Go to your window.”

A small gasp sounded followed by silence. I was sure she’d hang up, but lace fluttered, pulling back to display big eyes as they searched the area.

“Do you see me?”

“I do.”

“…Who are you?”

I didn’t speak. I stayed silent, soaking in every second that blue eyes scanned the surroundings. Intrigue. Fear. Both flickered, coming and going. When I didn’t continue, lace was pulled over completely. Penelope sat on what I knew was a window seat, staring into the gray sky instead of the quiet neighborhood below.

“I like books. Do you like to read? You don’t have to answer that. It doesn’t matter. Reading is my life. It’s my window, like this, here. Someday, I won’t need one. I mean, I’ll always read, but I’ll explore like Poppy. I’ll go to different countries, trying new foods. I’ll hike and climb the tallest mountains. And I’m going to dance like no one is watching. I’ll sing and—” She stopped, growing silent for so long, had she not still had the phone to her ear, I would have thought she hung up.

“It’s a lie. All of it. I’m being forced to marry. Did you know that? Of course you didn’t.” Hesitation. “I shouldn’t say such things. I’m lucky to find such a good match. Lucky, can you believe that? As if I have no worth.” The last was so quiet I barely heard. “I do, you know. I am worthy. I am… worth something. More than him. More than anyone. I am worthy.”

“Are you trying to convince me or yourself?”

Full lips pouted even more, and her eyes lowered straight to the ground in front of her house.

“Both?”

“You are worthy, Penelope.”

A sniffle sounded, and she wiped away a tear.

“Have you ever wanted to run away or disappear?”

“No.”