Page 13 of Kingdom of Tomorrow
He paused, scanning us. “After the Fall of Nations, when the Madness spread through civilization like wildfire, our forebears had to rebuild our great provinces from the ground up. Today, we’re better and stronger than ever, and I will happily die defending Ourland.”
Cheers resounded from the gentry. The second the archduke raised his hand, they quieted.
“I have no idea who any of you are, but I’m certain you’ve never ventured into the night. You think you comprehend what’s waiting for you out there. Let me assure you, you don’t.” Grim confidence emanated from him. “Most of you have never encountered glowers, the most insidious of the maddened. Worse than the newly broken, who rampage. Seemingly calm and rational. Stronger. Faster. Impervious to pritis stones. Fordecades,Curedhas kept them from infiltrating public spaces, ensuring your safety. Now, it’s your honor and duty to protectCuredin return.”
No one uttered a word. Roman was too busy grinning. But me? I was spinning.
The archduke wasn’t done. “I didn’t pursue leadership, but the Madness called, and I answered. Now, you have done the same. For that, I commend you. But are you worthy to bear our name? We will find out.”
To ward off sickness, I pressed my palm against my midsection.
“At the end of your training, we’ll award the top lord or lady with a rare prize.” He stepped to the edge of the dais. “No taxes for the rest of your life.”
I blinked. In an instant, every fiber of my being craved that prize. I could supplement my mother’s income, ensuring she didn’t need to work from sunup to sundown, babysitting a monster child she no longer had the strength to corral. I would never again have to worry she’d end up in Gradon, prey for predators. But I wasn’t the only one bubbling over with sudden excitement. Everyone else wanted the prize too.
Didn’t matter. “I will be the top lady,” I whispered to myself. Though I had no idea what constituted such a title. The most captures or kills, probably. And loyalty. Strategy too. But it still didn’t matter. I would stop at nothing.
Roman heard my personal pep talk. “Shoot for most improved,” he advised me softly. “Top lord is the reason I’m here.”
I recognized a warning when I heard it and gulped. So competition was fierce? So what?
“Today,” Archduke Heta continued, “you’ll undergo a full medical examination. For the good of us all, you will consent to whatever tests and medications we feel you require.”
“Sir, yes, sir,” Roman boomed, and the rest of us echoed him.
Two soldiers motioned us to follow, and I picked up my bag. The pair led us up the hill, toward the palace/prison. I didn’t mean to, but I cast a final glance at the high prince as I neared his platform.
Our gazes collided, and my eyes widened. He was glaring so forcefully, his brand pulled taut. I must have done something to offend. Or maybe I resembled someone he despised. Ugh. No. It was my outfit. I’d probably violated sixteen different regulations.
“I didn’t get the what-to-wear memo, all right?” I muttered.
Perhaps he read my lips. Perhaps not. Either way, he blinked with surprise.
I was so flustered by the interaction, I tripped on my own foot. Cheeks on fire, I gripped my bag closer. Finally, I passed the leaders, putting the foursome in my rearview.
“So, this might not be the time and place, but I used to date Shiloh,” Mykal said from in front of me. “Thought you should know.”
I recognized a distraction when I heard it. “Go on.” Please.
“As you probably guessed, it didn’t last long and it didn’t work out, but I want him happy. You returned a smile I’ve missed seeing ever since his sister—never mind,” she mumbled, and said no more.
Oh, no. I could guess what had happened to his sister. The Madness. But she must have survived, since he’d mentioned having fun with her. Still. I knew the horrors of treatment, and my chest constricted with sympathy.
Grains of sand flung in every direction as I climbed the hill. “Why didn’t it work between you guys? You both seem pretty wonderful.”
“She fell inlurvewith someone else. Mr. Mystery.” Roman tossed a toothy grin over his shoulder and wiggled his brows. “If you can get her to name names, please share with the rest of us. She’s so secretive.”
“Do you try to be the most annoying person on the planet, Roman, or does it come naturally?” Mykal grumbled.
Another toothy grin made an appearance. “It comes naturally, thank you for asking.”
Their easy banter helped ground me, keeping my usual panic at bay. I mean, I was in a strange place, with strange people, expected to fight an enemy I’d feared my entire life and, and, and—Breathe, just breathe.
A commotion up ahead yanked my attention outward. I forgot my problems as the trainee at the head of the line collapsed. Wait, thesecond and third collapsed too. Down went several others, one after the other. What the—Roman’s knees buckled. Mykal went down. My blood flashed cold. Did I detect a sickeningly sweet odor in the air?
Run!
I braced for launch, planning to go anywhere else as fast as my feet could carry me. But a thick fog blanketed my mind, and strength abandoned me in a rush. I wobbled, fighting to remain aware, internally screaming.Sleep. Vulnerable. No!
