Page 151 of Uncrowned

“Yes, Unavowed.”

I hung up, turning as we entered the adjoining hall. I went down a few doors, swinging the barrier open. The Reeve followed me in, shutting it behind him. I took a seat behind the desk, placing my phone in front of me so I could see it in case Penelope tried to call.

It was still almost impossible to leave her. I feared someone would try to take her. That she would leave and get hurt again. I knew she couldn’t stay locked in her room for the rest of her time here, but I was torn between having her home, or here, where I could keep her close. Outside places were a risk. At least here, she had The Order to protect her. And they knew her now. Unless they wanted to die, they wouldn’t risk even accidentally touching her.

Unless…

No.

Dammit.

Why did Theodore have to leave for his grandfather’s estate at the most crucial time? I needed him here to watch over Penelope when I couldn’t. Traitors were always a danger. Betrayal came just as naturally as breathing to some. I prayed that wouldn’t be the case for us at The Order, but I had to trust. I just wouldn’t let my guard down.

“Sire, before we start, I just want to let you know, I’ve gotten word that Mr. Pennington is in London at the Raldalgo. Top floor.”

“Good to know. Keep watching him. Now… Marian LaRoe.” I grabbed my pen tapping it against the desk. For a long moment I couldn’t speak. All I could hear was Penelope crying out for mercy. No matter what I did, I couldn’t make it stop. Her pleas battled the king I was groomed to be. The one who had survived horrors no one knew about. The one who’d been taught to get what he wanted out of the most impossible situation. I couldn’t fold. I couldn’t go easy. That would be my downfall.

“Beat the guard who allowed her to escape. Have four men teach her what happens when you don’t follow orders. Do it repeatedly. Anything goes, but you make sure they don’t seriously injure or kill her. Is that clear?”

“Anything?”

I dropped the pen, looking up. I deadened the emotion in my eyes, letting the darkness take me over.

“She’s to be taught a lesson she never forgets. Starve her for a day or two and then begin. Let it last for days. Put her through the auction process and make her believe she’s up for sale. I want her on Severance. I want her so broken that when Drayton Pennington finally sees what he’s getting back, he never forgets it.”

“It will be done.”

“Good. I have to make some calls.” The Reeve went to stand when I lifted my hand. “If she is seriously injured⁠—”

“She won’t be. I will be clear.”

The moment The Reeve left, I let out a deep sigh. I picked up the phone, dialing Mr. Prescott’s number.

“Your guards shot a woman at a hotel.”

I smiled. “No hello?”

“Hello. Your guards shot a woman.”

“To be fair, she pulled the gun on us first. She was part of a kidnapping I foiled. They were taking Marian. I couldn’t allow that.”

“Indeed. How is it going?”

“It’s fine. I’ll be starting my revenge shortly. What is the word at The Council?”

He laughed. “There are lots of words, Unavowed. Elec Wexler’s are the loudest. He is on his way to London as we speak. Maybe he’s already there. I don’t know. Bram Whitlock will be meeting with him and Drayton Pennington.”

“Which in turn means they’ll be wanting to meet with me.”

“Naturally.”

“I don’t like them. Not Elec and not Bram Whitlock.”

“Unavowed, Bram is part of The Collective High Council now and will be representing us when he faces you. You remember that. You cross him and that is bad news, my friend. Redmond had it coming. You know that. Let it go. He brought it on himself.”

My fist clenched. I didn’t want to remember those first few weeks after Redmond’s death. I lost a man who’d been a mentor, a loyal friend… one who I couldn’t help but look at like a father. And then there was losing Penelope the same time. It was too much.

“Stall them as best as you can. I need a few days. At least three to four.”