Page 56 of Kingdom of Today
“Believe me, I’m aware.” Both his expression and his stance softened the slightest bit. “I’ve seen a snapshot of my future, and you are included in it. I wanted,want, to get there.”
That, I understood as well. Look at everything I’d done topreventa certain future. “Tell me what you saw.”
“No.”
Before I could press, Cyrus spoke up. “You two hammer out the details of whatever this is and let me know where you end up.” He pivoted on his heel and stalked toward the kitchen. “I’ll make dinner.”
I almost ran after him. I longed to. But I remained in the living room, attempting to ground myself in my environment. Pritis stones dangled from a glass ceiling, the lights appearing to fall from the night sky. Polished walls displayed paintings of past gentry and their families. Crystals covered every corner, the uneven edges flecked with gold. Stunning, luxurious, and familiar, but not at all comforting.
“He may not forgive me for this,” I whispered, my voice as ragged as my emotions. “Consuming the Rock was supposed to set me on a different path, not barreling toward the one I read about.”
“It did both. Before, staying away from Cyrus was temporary.”
And now it was permanent? No. Surely not. He must be wrong. “What you’re implying ... You’re wrong. Very wrong.”
“Rarely. And not about this.”
“Victors predicted my marriage to Cyrus.” I would never agree to wed someone hosting Astan.
“Are you certain?” Domino slanted his head. “What did he say, exactly?”
I clung to the memory as if it were a lifeline. “He said, and I quote, ‘Who wouldn’t want to speak with the much-desired wife of the high prince? Though I suppose you are merely his future much-desired wife at this point.’ End quote.”
The librarian’s expression turned pitying. “A much-desired wife doesn’t promise marriage but longing, Arden.”
Oh. Oooh. Talk about a dagger to the gut! “You should have explained better,” I snapped.
“You should havetrustedme.” The gentle rebuke defused the worst of my anger.
He wasn’t wrong. “You told me I was still learning you. That you would earn my trust.”
“Exactly what I attempted to do.” He paused. “Do you wish you’d made a different decision?”
Yes. No. Maybe. Tears singed my eyes and blurred my vision. My chin trembled. “What can I do?” Because I wouldn’t abandon Cyrus.
“Exactly what I must do. We will learn from our mistakes and start fresh.” He stepped closer. “It’s not all bad, Arden.” Extending his arm, he said, “Come. Let me show you a benefit.”
I hesitated only a moment before pressing my solid hand against his misty one. Somehow, he clasped my fingers and tugged me to a stand. I stood but left my body behind. No longer did I smell the base, feelthe brush of air, or contend with the whirl of anxiety. There was only peace and Domino.
“I’m a spirit like you,” I stated, awed.
“Yes.” He maintained his hold on my hand and led me through the foyer.
I cast a glance toward the kitchen, where Cyrus puttered about, before I followed the librarian, curious. Domino ghosted through the door, and though I stutter-stepped, I slipped through it too, right on his heels. A little laugh escaped me as we traversed the hallway, leaving behind the two men guarding my door.
“Where are we going?” I whispered, and yes, okay, I really dug this perk. No denying it.
“You’ll see.” Domino offered me a fleeting smile that lit his entire face, the sight momentarily blipping my brain. “Ready?”
We floated down, down, through the floor and into a bedroom.
Spotting Lolli cuddled up next to a contented Roman, who glistened with sweat as he shifted strands of her hair between his fingers, I wheezed a breath. What! First, only, like, ten minutes had passed since I’d seen her. Which meant she’d come straight here after Cyrus and I passed her upon our return to the palace, and Roman had been waiting.
Second, mere hours ago, this woman had attempted to murder me. She would have succeeded, too, if not for my fellow Soalians. Now she enjoyed herself with my friend?
“—find so fascinating?” she was saying, petting his ripped abs. “I get that she’s understated and pretty, but pretty doesn’t usually inspire such intense devotion.”
“According to the guy who dated her before the high prince, it’s her eyes. When she looked at him, he saw deep wounds and wanted only to heal and protect her. I don’t see it, personally. She’s a handful, that’s for sure.”
