Page 23 of Kingdom of Tomorrow (Book of Arden #1)

“I’ve had worse, and so have you.” Look away from this man? Impossible. His intensity held me captive with a stronger force than his gentle grip. He was just so beautiful.

Beautiful. Yes. The perfect word to describe a man whose usually harsh features were softened like this. And his lashes! So long they curled at the ends.

He released me to lift my hand into the light, examining for any bruising. “You did well today,” he said, and he sounded 100 percent serious.

I double blinked. “I lost in the second round. To my knowledge, I’m the only bleeder in the group. I did anything but well.”

“You kept moving and utilized the skills you’ve gained. Fear didn’t stop you. You did well,” he repeated, tracing the pad of his thumb over my knuckles.

I didn’t mean to, and couldn’t explain why, but I turned my hand, offering my palm. He gave a soft stroke across the center that I felt in my bones. A gesture born of concern, nothing more. Only concern.

Noticing the discoloration on my wrist, he glowered. His gaze snapped up to mine, and his stance hardened. “The bed chain?”

“Yeah, no big deal.”

He tightened his grip before releasing me. “Tell me about Shiloh, Arden.”

Persistent HP! He must mean business. He’d used my first name. “I met Shiloh the day before I came to Fort Bala, which means I’ve known him one day longer than I’ve known you. In what way do I qualify as an expert witness for either of you? Cyrus,” I added, because why not? Fair was fair.

I expected a rebuke. He merely stuffed his fingers into his pocket. “Very well. We’ll try this another way.” When he withdrew his hand, he held a plastic baggie containing a dozen—

“My seeds!” I exclaimed, clapping.

He passed the baggie to me. “I’m not your enemy. But I’d like to be your friend.”

I clutched the treasure close to my chest and disregarded the wild pounding of my heart. “You are my instructor. Ourland royalty. We can’t be friends?” A question that should have been a statement. Maybe. Probably. I had let him stroke my palm.

“Usually,” he said, his tone drier than sand, “ thank you is the correct response to such a kind gesture.” He reached into his other pocket and withdrew ... something.

“What are those?” Two flat, pupil-size disks a little darker than my flesh waited in a small ivory container.

A moment passed, as if he carefully considered his next words. “You’re going to wear these.”

“And these are?” I insisted. If you couldn’t get to a finish line one way, try another.

“You’ll learn the answer if your heart rate reaches a certain threshold.”

Hold up. I clasped his wrist when he reached for my face, stopping him before he made contact. “I’m almost certain I’ve reached the threshold, whatever it is, nine hundred times today alone.”

His expression gentled. “Your imagination can be an asset if you use it properly. Until then, trust me not to hurt you.”

I ran my bottom lip between my teeth and pried my fingers loose. “All right. Yes.”

With a slow, gentle stroke, he smoothed my hair to one side, raising a new tide of goose bumps.

He tilted my head the direction he wanted it and adhered the first disk behind my ear.

He repeated the action with my other ear, so steady.

So strong and capable. I loved the rich hues in his skin as light bathed him.

Uh-oh. Look away!

But I didn’t.

My heart thudded against my ribs as he straightened. “We were discussing the medic,” he prompted.

Inner shake. “Shiloh isn’t maddened, if that’s what worries you. As you’ve probably been informed, he is now tested every morning.”

Cyrus—whoa. I couldn’t afford to accidentally refer to him by his given name in public. So, rephrase. The HP gave me another humorless smile. “Did he speak with a Soalian while you were in town together?”

Heat drained from my entire being. “No.” I cleared my throat. “He didn’t.” Did the high prince suspect that I had?

“Very well,” he repeated and turned to go.

Thank goodness, a reprieve. “What’s going to happen to him?” I croaked.

Cyrus—argh! The HP paused to glance over his shoulder. “You don’t know him well enough to receive an update about his well-being. Correct?”

Busted. “He’s a good guy. I’m certain of that .”

“Then neither of you have anything to worry about.” The HP took a step forward, only to pause again.

“The next two days will be tough. Though we’re leaving a day late, we’re remaining in Theirland forty-eight hours.

But you’ll be pleased to know these interrealm trips carry more weight for top lady than anything else, even the title of team leader. ”

Something about his demeanor ... as if he knew something about my upcoming assignments I didn’t. “Are you saying I still have a shot?”

He ignored the question. “You will be discharged within the hour. Spend the evening in your room, recovering. That’s an order you will obey. And whatever you do, stay calm.” Voice going low and husky, he added, “Or not. As always, that part is up to you.”

I thought I detected ... anticipation? But that couldn’t be right. There was no reason he would welcome a freak-out.

He walked away before I could question him further. Oh, yeah. He clearly knew several somethings I didn’t, and I didn’t think I was gonna like what I learned.