Page 21 of Uncrowned
“Did you think I couldn’t see what the two of you were doing?” A rumble left him. “Kissing is fine. If I catch you allowing him such liberties again, I’ll show you what disrespect truly looks like. If he pushes you, push back. If he doesn’t listen, make him. Until you say I do”—whack!— “you don’t.”
CHAPTER 8
Vaughn
Authority did not have to announce itself, and a king did not have to proclaim his presence. Silent obedience did that while men lowered their eyes to the weight of power. To rule, one had to differentiate currency and Crown…
As I walked into the chamber, I could see the difference. Heads bowed in unison. Robed Masters knelt at my approach. Torches flickered, bowing to their future king as well. With each step closer to my throne, muffled cries grew.
“Mmmph. Mmm-Mmm.”
Echoes bounced from the stone wall, hesitating as John’s head jerked towards me. Eyes widened. The cries that left him turned into sobs as his head shook back and forth violently. Not once did I avert my gaze. I let my presence grow so thick, he was nearly hyperventilating behind the linen gag that was stuffed into his mouth.
Where I was in an all-black suit, the Lord who was known for his expensive style was completely stripped of his finery. He cowered on his knees, nude, huddled in chains between two bowing guards in navy uniforms.
I stopped, standing before iron. Before the same throne that had once rested in my family’s castle. For seconds, I let the Lord plead to me with his eyes. Slowly, I lifted my hand. Hooded heads from my Masters rose. I curled my fingers into a fist as my voice boomed through the large room.
“We are—”
“The shadows above kings!”
“We are—”
“In the blood that silence brings!”
“We are—”
“The truth they fear to find!”
“We are—”
“The wrath they left behind!”
I narrowed my eyes at John. “Once again—”
“Born to rise!”
“Forever more—”
“The kingdom in disguise!”
I lowered my hand as hooded figures took me in. Footsteps approached, and John grew even smaller as veiled figures advanced from the dark hall, carrying even more torches. The black cloaks they wore swayed, and the veils that covered their heads were kept in place by the upside-down crowns they wore. It wasn’t a replica of my own iron crown, more a thin band with points casting downward, but it was enough.
I was The Unavowed.
They were The Judic.
Together, we were The Order.
I motioned for the guards, taking in the way the larger man pulled the gag free from John.
“P-Please. Please. I didn’t do anything. I—”
The shorter of the two gripped John’s hair, jerking his head back so that he looked up to face me. Brightness grew as The Judic surrounded the Lord, leaving me at the top to close the circle.
“Lord Allford.” I paused, letting the silence stretch out. “Everyone knows who you are. You’ve walked comfortably into rooms your entire life. Tonight, you stand in one that does not belong to you. You should feel honored. You’re in a place few are granted to see. And a room where fewer are permitted to remain. The Order does not summon without purpose. Do you know why you’re here?”
John’s mouth opened, only to close. “I-I saw you. Earlier today. I walked out in front of your car. I didn’t s-see you pulling out. I apologize.”
