Page 40 of Kingdom of Today
Just as it had done every time before, the foundation crumbled under my feet. I tumbled into an endless void, yet the agony never came. I experienced not even one flicker of pain. Didn’t feel as though my limbs were being ripped from their sockets and used to beat me over the head.
I marveled, unsure what to make of the change. Although, the reason for it struck me as obvious. I was a Soalian now. A glower. Did travel only hurt the CURED?
In a blink, the foundation returned, and the gloom fled, replaced by a large gymnasium like the one I’d just left. This one came with a magnificent view. Out of habit, I glanced up, drinking in the glass ceiling that revealed a star-studded night sky. Something I’d never seen until joining the military.
“You’re good?” Roman asked, confused as he looked me over. Sweat trickled from his brow, and he panted.
I had zero perspiration and normal breathing. Uh-oh. That might be a problem. A dead giveaway. My temperature cooled fast, and I trembled. “Y-yeah. I’m okay.”
Thankfully, he moved on without further comment.
My gaze shifted to Miller, who helped a pale Merlot to her feet, careful of her healing wrist. He evinced few signs of distress, but he didn’t appear unaffected. Actually, no one appeared unaffected.
I forced myself to turn and help the soldier who exited the seam after me. Like Merlot, he collapsed. I eased his fall to the best of my ability and helped him to his feet.
“Let’s go,” Cyrus called from somewhere in the room.
Ah, there he was. He and the other royals stood with Heta and Mimidae. Honestly, as happy as I was to have him near, I wished he’d stayed in Ourland. He kept losing his memories in Theirland.
Clearly seething beneath the surface, he snapped something at his half brother, High Prince Felix, who laughed and patted his shoulder, defusing the situation.
Each of the royals wore a camouflage jacket, the left breast decorated with the CURED emblem.
As if he’d been attuned to my presence despite the chaos of the crowd, Cyrus caught my gaze with his own. The noise around me faded until only he existed. He raised an eyebrow, his question clear:Are you all right?
A shiver rocked me, and I nodded.You?
He returned the nod.
As soon as Mr. Vyle joined them, the royals led us into a larger room, where we shuffled from one booth to another, collecting armor and weapons. Netter guns, whips, daggers, and swords. My nerve endings buzzed. As usual, we were going to dive into combat without taking a break. Now, though, I understood why we’d always done so. In emergencies, there was no time to prepare.
“Line up and listen,” Heta called, and the room went silent. “There’s a field twelve miles from the base. Numerous toxic berries are growing there. Troops are attempting to torch the fields, but glowers are stopping them. Feeders are arriving in droves.”
Berries like the one Cyrus had eaten and the emperor lamented? The reason the emperor might have sent Mr. Vyle to Fort Bala?
Each breath became a blade, each exhale a wound. We were going to be sent into the fray, weren’t we?
Worry lines branched from Heta’s eyes. “Our forces need all the help they can get, even from trainees. I know you’re scared, but you won’t be alone. We have paired you with a high-ranking officer.”
Anticipation infiltrated the barrage of other emotions swimming through me. Knowing Cyrus, he’d arranged for us to do this mission together. If I made a mistake, revealing my true allegiance, he’d cover for me. And together, we could help our fellow glowers save the berries without drawing unwanted suspicion.
“Everyone will go out together but arrive at the field from different points. When I call your name, step forward,” Heta commanded. “Roman Alexander, you’re with High Prince Summit.”
Summit kissed his middle finger and blew it at the rest of us as Roman joined him, pumping a fist into the air. The HP led him from the chamber.
“Merlot Doogle, you’re with High Prince Mallow. Arden Roosa.”
I snapped to attention, my excitement on par with Roman’s.
“You’re with High Princess Lolli Dolion.”
What? My steps faltered, and so did my heartbeat. With sheer will alone, I restarted, stalking through the door on the heels of Cyrus’s ex-girlfriend.
Don’t panic, don’t panic.But.
But.
Really?
