Page 31 of Kingdom of Today
In a lobby, we neared a group of royals, and I spotted Cyrus. Relief, so much relief.
Except, he stood off to the side with High Princess Lolli, who laughed at something he said. The exes looked so comfortable together, especially when she angled her body closer to his and whispered.
He didn’t welcome the action, but he didn’t protest it either. I huffed. I’d been a mess of emotions, concerned for his safety, not to mention our future, and he’d spent the time hobnobbing with a former flame?
Okay, so, I knew Cyrus, and my trust in him was absolute. He wasn’t a liar or a cheater. He’d said he wished to be with me, and only me; therefore he wished to be with me, and only me. If ever he changed his mind, he’d tell me. He wouldn’t string me along. He wasn’t a coward.
What’s more, he wouldn’t pretend to desire someone, even to recruit her to our side. His stalwart integrity wouldn’t allow him to cross a line, destroying our relationship right from the start. But then, he might not be himself right now.
The blood rushed from my head. I hadn’t forgotten whathe’dforgotten: Something had happened at the emperor’s palace, but Cyrus couldn’t remember what. What if Astan had gotten to him already?
“Sucks to be you, eh, Ardie?” Miller cackled. He bumped my shoulder with his own. “On and off again.”
Cyrus stiffened and straightened his spine, his gaze zooming to me, as if he’d sensed my presence. Awareness buzzed between us, and Miller shut up.
The high prince left the princess while she was in the middle of a sentence. He closed in on me. Most of my teammates peeled away like layers in an onion, giving us space. Those who didn’t were nudged by my guards.
I didn’t stop, but then, I didn’t need to; Cyrus didn’t miss a beat, keeping pace beside me. Wanting to both kiss him and shake him, I snapped, “You and your Lollipop sure looked cozy.”
Dang it, I instantly hated myself for going there. Either I trusted him, or I didn’t. If I didn’t, I shouldn’t be with him. “Whatever. Never mind. I learned something that concerns you, and you need to hear it as soon as possible.”
“I see.” He said nothing else. We exited the building, entering a sunlit parking lot where a silver bus idled. Before I could board, Cyrus snaked his arm around my waist and hauled me off to the side. He peered down at me, and I peered up at him, tension quickly dissolving into affection.
We linked fingers. The sunlight adored him, paying his beautiful, harsh features perfect tribute. But those bright rays also highlighted deep lines of stress he’d not previously sported. “Cyrus,” I croaked, worried for him.
“There’s no one for me but you,” he told me quietly. Intently. “Lollipop is her given name, and I use it to knock her off balance, not as an endearment. I’m playing a game because I must, but you can rest assured, I’ll never do anything that threatens our relationship. That, I swear. Recall my pledge on the train.”
His words played inside my head, a verbal caress.I’m all in with you, Arden. Whatever happens in the coming days, remember that.
I ran my bottom lip between my teeth, nodded, and stepped closer to whisper, “You’re in danger.” I pressed my palm against the scarred handprint covering the right side of his face, and he leaned into the touch. A privilege reserved solely for me. “At the first opportunity, go to ... where you wanted to take me when you were first assigned to recruit me.” The Rock. “Talk to the ... my new friend.” Domino. “Cancel whatever you must, but go there today. Please. Do it for me.” For us.
He gave a clipped shake of his head. “There’s no need. I’ve already done what you’ve asked, and I know what you’re referencing.” His hold on me tightened. “Please don’t worry, kitten. I’ll never war with you. We’re rock solid.”
A play on words that roused a toothy grin in me while his confidence soothed the worst of my fears. I was obviously misinterpreting the passage. “I believe you.” But. Um. “Why didn’t you respond to my message before today?” I tried not to pout, I really, really did.
“I only returned to the base this morning.”
Okay, so, that wasn’t an explanation because contact could be made between worlds, but I let it slide. “Did you remember anything?”
“No.” His tension cranked up again. “I lost more days.”
Nowthatwas an explanation. One that disturbed me greatly. “There’s a classroom beyond time. Let’s go together. We can stay until you decode those days in your book.”
“There’s a downside to those timeless rooms, and I’d rather avoid it.” A muscle jumped beneath his eye. “About Domino. I don’t want you to see him anymore. Command him to stay away, and he will.”
What?I hadn’t known Domino long, but he’d been nothing but helpful. Not to mention he was a major asset to our team. “I get that he’s not your favorite, but he’s a great resource.”
“I don’t care.”
But I did. “This is a big ask. You gotta give me more than an entreaty. Tell me why.”
“I just need you to trust me.” Cyrus dipped his head to press his brow against mine. “At least promise me you’ll think about it.”
Though the very idea pricked like a thorn, I nodded. Nothing wrong with musing something over. “I will, I promise.” I’d probably think of little else.
His gaze jumped behind me, to the bus, and narrowed. “You better go. Be safe, Pink.”
“You, too, sugar bear. By the way, I miss you already,” I added because I couldn’t not.
