Total pages in book: 123
Estimated words: 114925 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 575(@200wpm)___ 460(@250wpm)___ 383(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 114925 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 575(@200wpm)___ 460(@250wpm)___ 383(@300wpm)
A sense of abandonment spiced my growing dismay, creating a toxic brew of anxiety. Perhaps a little anger too. Had I been forgotten? Was I unwanted?
What was I supposed to do? How was I supposed to warn Cyrus about Astan if I couldn’t speak to him?
Finally, on the morning I was to travel to Theirland, I received a response.
I’ll make arrangements.
Relief and anticipation pummeled my other emotions. I expected a summons at any second. Before I reached transport, at the very least. Except, I never made it to transport.
“No need for a chain or partner today,” Roman called. “Report to classroom three.”
Questions sprinkled the air, all revolving around why.
“I don’t know,” he groused. “I just know what I was commanded to tell you.”
Everyone switched direction. We made our way to the appropriate classroom, where we each claimed a seat. I waited, hoping against hope this had something to do with my meeting with Cyrus.
Before long, Heta strode into the room and announced, “You’re not going to Theirland today. You’re not ready. Instead, you’re taking a surprise field trip to Bala City. Line up at the door and follow the baron to the bus.”
Curiosity and dread colored the expression of my fellow trainees. No one protested, though. We jumped to our feet and hustled out the door. Roman and Merlot took the lead, the cast on her wrist not disqualifying her from service, while Winslet and Miller flanked me, and my guards remained glued to my heels.
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 what he’d forgotten: 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.