Page 20 of Kingdom of Today
In appearance, the half siblings shared many similarities. Both men were striking and self-assured, harsh in their intensity, but Felix projected a slightly easier aura, as if you could approach him without permission and not lose your head for it. Well, not right away.
“I’d heard the rumors but didn’t believe them until now. Slumming it with a lady-in-training. Really, Cy?” Summit rolled his eyes. “And at such a critical time.”
“If he wants to blow his chance at ruling the kingdom, let him,” Lolli quipped. “I support his foolishness, and you should too.”
Undeniable digs at me. Though my confidence took a beating, I maintained my polite mask.
“When I’m crowned king,” Cyrus stated, utterly at ease, “I will remind you of these insults, and you will beg for Arden’s forgiveness.”
I mean, I wouldn’t say no to an apology.
While Lolli and Summit bristled, Mallow smiled at me. “I’m pleased to meet you, Lady Roosa. I hope you realize their slights reveal their character flaws, not yours.”
“I’m pleased to meet you as well, High Prince Mallow.” I returned the smile. “And yes, I do.”
“I’ll take your statement, Lady Arden,” Mr. Vyle said, moving the conversation along.
“Of course.”Here goes.“I noticed nothing out of the ordinary during the tour of the treatment ward. We returned to class, began training, and the maddened attacked.” The facts, no elaboration.
“Thank you.” He asked no follow-ups but shifted his attention to Cyrus. “Your presence is required elsewhere.”
My cue to go. “I’ll be on my way.” I looked to Cyrus.
“We’ll talk soon,” he promised.
“Yes, please.” Maybe I’d made a mistake, not telling him about the doom while I’d had the chance. He deserved a warning.
But then, wouldn’t I be giving him a seed of doom? A fear as much of an enemy as CURED.
Cyrus dipped his chin and pressed a soft, swift kiss into my lips before releasing me.
Lolli made a huffing noise. I lifted my head high and strolled from the room, certain CURED and fear weren’t my only enemies.
Chapter Six
For as long as you live, troubles and trials will arise, but understand this: Outside pressures lose their power when they are not allowed to dwell within.
—The Book of Soal2.4.16.33
I didn’t see Cyrus for the remainder of the week, but we did message via my special reader.
Cyrus:Mykal and another patient escaped the base. I’ve got trusted scouts searching.
He meant Victors. Were the “trusted scouts” CURED soldiers as well as Soalians? I certainly hoped so. My friends needed help only we could give them.
I knew better than to ask follow-up questions, even in a roundabout way. Or to inquire if Cyrus had remembered what had occurred in Theirland with his grandfather. Something we absolutely needed to dissect sooner rather than later.
Arden:Thank you for letting me know. PS: I miss you.
Every day, in every way, and I didn’t care who knew.
My heart leaped when his response came seconds later.
Cyrus:Prepare yourself. Soon I won’t settle for another rushed peck.
Anticipation prickled my skin. I craved his kiss more than my next breath. It was necessary, and the longer I went without it, the more I ached for it. Forhim. My brightest light in a world of darkness.
I still hadn’t tended to the Problems for Later section of my memory garden, but I hadn’t had time. If I wasn’t updating Cyrus, I was training. If I wasn’t training, I was studying or observing my teammates, searching for my fellow Soalian.
