Page 115 of The King's Maiden

Landon had never believed he deserved to hold power over another. He couldn’t see how beautifully he wielded it. He wouldn’t.

But I had always seen it, and a shiver ran through me when he commanded her again.

“Undress me.”

The rustling of clothes and clink of his belt followed the command. Then, he ordered the same with her attire. And laid out what he’d planned for her next.

Shibariwas an art form. Not simply tying someone up.

As Landon cast the ropes around her wrists, I couldn’t help but glance back at the screen. His focus, care, and efficiency made it seem like he’d studied the process for years.

But all of it was because ofher.

She received the ropes eagerly, her posture slowly reflecting the change within her. Her spine straightened as her confidence bolstered. It grew stronger as Landon spoke, explaining as he went. Teaching her to find the bight of the rope. Wrapping it twice around her wrist.

Praising her for doing so well.

He touched her with respect, but something more…treating her as if she were precious. Responding to her slightest reaction. Staring at her with a hunger in his eyes I hadn’t seen in…

It had been a very long time since the last time.

When he finished, he led her to the cross at the back of the room, securing the ropes on a hook above her head. Cuffing her ankles in the shackles at the bottom—a medieval touch the founding members had insisted on adding. I panned the camera up to study his face.

I searched for something I wanted to find, but somehow, couldn’t bear to see.

He deserved it. Of everyone in this place, he deserved it most. But I might not be able to give him everything he wanted.

It was better if he stayed detached.

The rumors, recirculating after the dance, continued to force my hand. A choice loomed that I didn’t want to make. One I wouldn’t have to consider, if he didn’t cross the line.

So far, he made no move to kiss her.

He showed no obvious signs of swaying in his resolve. But I believed Quinn Everly could change everything at Camelot Court. Even my most loyal Knight.

Even my best friend.

The only person I trusted to guide her to the end, the one I needed by my side, but who I claimed I’d committed to sacrificing, if needed to reach the end.

As I watched them together, a different plan formed in my mind, until I couldn’t bear witness anymore. I muted the sound and angled the screen away, waiting for the darkness to signal the end. Then, I would erase the recording before it could upload.

And, alone, I would leave the Round Tableau.

Chapter Thirty-Two

QUINN

Everything was dark.

The thick blindfold secured over my eyes blocked out even the slightest hint of light. The headphones blocked out every sound. I couldn’t even orient myself to where I was in the room.

Or more importantly, wherehewas.

All I could do was feel.

Pressure at my back urged my feet forward. My hands lifted from where they’d been bound in front of me. His hand wrapped around my throat, and the wordtrustresonated in my head like a mantra—one I cursed myself for choosing but had chosen nonetheless.

I dropped my arms and kept walking, breathing easier when his grip loosened. With slow shuffling steps, I paid attention to every sensation until a slight tug halted my progress. Breathing in the scent of cedar and rich leather, my pulse quickened.

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