Page 84 of Kingdom of Today
Domino’s flat statement hit like a concrete slab and must have knocked me out of his body. Suddenly I was seated at the table, panting, unable to ask the librarian about the temporary dulling of our connection. Cyrus was in the middle of a speech describing our current course.
“—pan-seared scallops with a harmony of sweet and savory. The golden-brown crust is the perfect complement to the tender, buttery interior. As you’ll notice, the lemon beurre blanc is rich and velvety, adding a creaminess that elevates the flavor profile, while the tangy citrus tinge provides a pleasant contrast. The asparagus is both light and indulgent. Elegant, some might say.”
Honestly, it was the most I’d ever heard him talk in one setting, and I wanted to laugh and hug him. I tucked Domino’s prediction away. Now wasn’t the time to consider Winslet’s fate.
The emperor had returned, and both he and Giselle peered at the high prince with glazed eyes.
“You’ve motivated me to try it,” I interjected, digging in.
Relief flashed over Cyrus’s features, but so did irritation and a promise for retribution. He knew I’d been with Domino; that much was clear. There was nothing I could say to console him while we were in the presence of others.
“I don’t think I’ve heard anyone describe a plate of food so eloquently,” Giselle offered with a genuine smile, revealing a kindness I hadn’t expected from someone so close to the man responsible for today’s massacre.
The meal dragged on with only small talk. Nonsense chatter that meant nothing and revealed less. By the time we were served beef tenderloin with truffle mashed potatoes and roasted root vegetables—my favorite dish of the evening—followed by an assortment of soft cheeses with honey, nuts, and fruit jams, which was then followed by chocolate fondant with vanilla bean ice cream and raspberry coulis, I didn’t want to speak ever again, only groan. So full! At any moment, my stomach might burst.
“I have a surprise for you, Arden.” The emperor folded his napkin and placed it on his empty dessert bowl. “A surprise for all trainees. Tonight, we celebrate your accomplishments with a party.”
Guess it hadn’t been canceled. “How exciting.”
“It is, yes. A true honor.” He motioned to servants, who swooped over to pull out our chairs. “The festivities kick off in an hour, and there are things I must do beforehand.”
A clear dismissal. Good. I hadn’t done what I’d come here to do, but I’d accomplished far more than expected. Now, I wished to have a word in private with Cyrus.
He stood and helped me to my feet. I curtsied to Emperor Dolion and smiled at Giselle and Felix. She smiled in return. To my surprise, he did as well, but with bite. Cyrus and his grandfather hugged again, this one a bit longer than before, with the emperor whispering in Cyrus’s ear.
They parted but peered at each other for several heartbeats before Cyrus nodded and stalked to me, clearly fuming. “Felix,” he acknowledged in lieu of a goodbye.
“Cy-rus,” his brother replied, overarticulating the syllables of his name.
We linked fingers as a masked servant led us to our room. Still no guards or dogs present. Once we were sealed inside the chamber, Cyrus stalked to the couch, sat, and bowed his head with his elbows resting on his knees, a picture of frustration, concern, and dwindling hope.
He didn’t ask me what happened with Domino, as I expected, but said, “My grandfather offered me his blessing for our relationship. And the title of king.”
My heart soared. It was everything we’d hoped for, served on a silver platter. “Then why are you—”
“I must first accept Astan. If I refuse, he vows to award the title—and you—to Felix.”
Whoa, whoa, whoa. “He can’t just award me to another man,” I sputtered.
“I assure you, he can do anything he desires.”
“Not to this Soalian. And honestly, sugar, that isn’t even the most pressing issue.” I replayed the conversation between Ember and Domino. The rogue Soalians plotting the execution of the man I loved.
Blink. I did. I loved him. I’d loved him from the beginning, but fear had cloaked the vibrancy of my feelings. Now, the knowledge sang within every cell.
“Whatever you learned from Domino,” he intoned, “just tell me.”
I strolled over and lifted his chin with two fingers, bringing his gaze to mine. The resolve in his heartbreaking eyes nearly broke me.
“I learned Mykal is well, and Victors might be in Theirland. Rogue Soalians suspect you are Astan’s chosen, and they hope to kill you, but Domino guards you with his life.” I opted not to mention the field trip. Not right now. It could wait as the other info sank in. My next confession couldn’t.
He flinched ever so slightly.
“Most importantly, I realized I love you. I love you, Cyrus,” I confessed, my voice a low, husky promise. Our entire relationship had been a whirlwind of training, battles, interrealm trips, tragedies, and triumphs. But this eclipsed everything. I traced the handprint brand, my favorite privilege. “Every part of me loves every part of you.”
He bolted to his feet, a mere whisper away, towering over me. At first, neither of us did more than study the other. In the heels, I was taller than usual. Still not at eye level, but my lips were closer to his. Each of his heated breaths acted as a caress, igniting new flutters in my belly.
When I’d first met him, I’d grown nervous any time he’d neared. Now, he inspired so much more. Warmth and aches and desires and need. So much need.
