Page 39 of Kingdom of Tomorrow (Book of Arden #1)

Do you not understand the power you wield?

I shifted in my seat. Fiddled with my fork. Shook my head. Nothing changed the trumpet blast inside my head. I want you anyway.

I almost believed him. I yearned to believe him. But I wasn’t the same gullible girl anymore.

I was a woman determined ... who still didn’t know how to play this.

I could pretend to share his interest. Or pretend to pretend.

No, wrong move. The situation was already complex.

Adding in other intimacies might lead to my downfall.

If I’d learned anything from him, it was to know my strengths and weaknesses and work accordingly.

“Let’s be clear. You’re saying you want to date me,” I managed to croak, buying time.

“Yes.” He set his glass aside. “For most of my life, I’ve been focused on preparation to rule Cured , a position I was born for. I know it with every fiber of my being. Then you came along and distracted me.”

“But that’s ridiculous.” This must be some kind of bold new strategy to upend my entire world before he pounced. “I’m no one special.”

His frown contained a gentle rebuke. “Your response is an insult to us both.”

I cringed and tried another route. “You’re seeing Countess Soti’s daughter.”

“I’m not. I dated her casually last year.

Now our parents throw us together whenever possible.

” Lowering his chin toward his sternum, he reminded me of a predator locking on its prey.

“You don’t need to give me excuses or an answer.

In fact, I’d like to provide you with a peek behind the curtain first. Grant you access to places necessary to gain the answers you seek.

Consider it pre-dating that will lead to real dating. ”

He had no idea what answers I truly sought. But dang him, he’d presented me with something I desperately needed. Now, at least, I understood how eager Cyrus was to capture Ember and do whatever else he had planned. There was no other reason to offer me something so valuable.

“You want something in return for this special access, I’m sure,” I stated, tracing a fingertip around the rim of my glass.

“Only your trust.”

I snorted. “My trust doesn’t come easily.” With him, it wouldn’t come at all.

“Believe me, I’m aware,” he replied wryly.

A million thoughts burst through my mind at once, all centered on a “should I / shouldn’t I do this” debate. I mean, yes, I’d planned to use him this way. But now that he’d gift wrapped it with a pretty bow of his own free will, I wasn’t so sure. “Explain how it will work.”

He got more comfortable. “You’ll be tasked with a unique assignment I’ll explain after you accept my proposal.

It will ensure you have a reason to remain by my side even outside of the base.

I can introduce you to anyone you wish to meet and share classified documents.

At the same time, you’ll get to know me. ”

Great for my mission, bad for me personally. I searched his eyes. “You, the emperor’s grandson, are implying you’re willing to help me spy on Cured , the government body he rules. The government body you intend to rule. This is obviously a test. And entrapment!”

He heaved a sigh. “It’s not a test or entrapment.

Not for you. You very obviously lack confidence in Cured but have hope for Soal, which means you’re expendable.

The special assignment facilitates an open door to information.

And because I’m so confident in the one I serve, I’m willing to risk my position and future to allay your doubts. ”

A lie. No one jeopardized their future for a romantic relationship or even sex.

Okay, so, some people did risk everything for relationships and sex. But not the indomitable Cyrus Dolion. “Explain what you’ll be doing while I’m busy allaying.” Besides taking notes, setting traps, and ensuring I discovered only bits of info he approved.

Resignation and amusement dominated his features. “I suspect I’ll be busy cleaning up your messes and keeping you safe.”

Oooh. Great response. Honest and blunt yet also somehow romantic and swoony. “You mentioned my lack of trust, and you’re right. I don’t trust anyone anymore.”

“Let me assure of you one thing, Bubble Gum.” Voice lowering to a rumble, he said, “I crave you. All I require is a chance to prove it.”

My breath caught. He—oh! I wasn’t buying this. I wasn’t! Maybe he was attracted to me. It was possible to desire a target. But I was still just a target to him.

I slid my gaze over his body, as if I inspected him with his proposition in mind.

My heart rate picked up. “There’s a chance I’m not—and won’t be—interested in you romantically.

” I mean, there was always a chance of anything.

If I was going to say yes to his shocking proposal, and I might, I should set boundaries and expectations right at the start.

Cyrus’s lids hooded his eyes, as if his lashes were suddenly too heavy to hold up.

His smile turned indulgent and softened the puckered scar tissue webbing one-half of his face.

“You’re good at many things, Pink, but hiding what you feel isn’t one of them.

Something changed for you yesterday. I clocked the moment it happened. You’re interested.”

I hated that he read me so well. I also knew the exact moment he referenced. When our gazes met while he stood upon that metal platform and a shock of electricity hit me.

“Give me a chance,” he said, using that husky tone I was beginning to loathe.

I drew in a breath. “I might learn the people you love are doing bad things.”

He didn’t hesitate. “If that’s the case, I’ll help you bring them down.”

Another good answer. Too good. “I’m not saying yes, but I’m not saying no. Tell me about the special assignment first.”

A long while passed in silence before he agreed. “Very well. Do you recall the Theirland berry I sought?”

“As if I will ever forget it.” Or Jericho’s claim.

“I ate it. Now Cured is studying my blood.”

Wait. He just admitted it? Just like that? I spiraled once again. “You told me—”

“That I didn’t make it back with a berry in hand, and I didn’t. As I’m sure you’ve gleaned, information is doled out on a need-to-know basis here.”

“But. You ate it. And it seems like mis information is what’s doled.”

“My mission was to return with a berry, and I did. The eating of it was a choice I made in the field. Had I declined to do it, I would have lost the berry entirely. As the highest ranked soldier at the compound, I was the only one with the security clearance to handle it. I decided to take the chance. For the record, I’ve tested negative for Madness every morning since, I feel fine, and I’ve suffered no ill effects.

You’ll be tasked with monitoring me outside of class. ”

You’ve got to be kidding me. “The assignment is babysitting.”

He hiked his shoulders. “Use whatever label you prefer.”

So reasonable. Let’s see how he did with accusations. “Did you or Cured threaten or kill Jericho because he witnessed your actions?”

My companion didn’t bat an eye. “I was told he interrogated soldiers about my actions, so I called him to my office and demanded he stop. He was alive when he left the compound soon after.”

The lord-in-training must have concluded something damning to send him fleeing.

In the distance, a door opened and shut, and I jolted. Cyrus worked his jaw. Heavy footsteps preceded the arrival of the king. He rounded a corner, saying, “Give me a full report about the glowers.”

Expression blanking, Cyrus stood. “Now isn’t a good time.”

The king halted when he spotted me. He arched a brow at his son, all mystery solved .

I wiped my mouth with my napkin, attempting to mask my discomfort. This man had used my essay as an excuse to have me watched.

“Hello, Arden,” he said, as smooth as his son. “Lovely to see you. My apologies for intruding upon a private dinner. I wasn’t aware Cyrus decided to host a guest this evening.”

“Hello, King Dolion.” Should I salute? “We were just flirting. I mean talking,” I corrected in a rush. My cheeks burned. I would shut up now.

“I gave express orders that I wasn’t to be disturbed,” Cyrus stated.

“My apologies.” The king offered me a quick smile before focusing on his son.

“No one was brave enough to inform me. Since I went to the trouble of realm walking, I’m sure you can guess I come with a matter of importance.

Let’s chat before I go.” He strode off, making it clear he’d delivered an order.

Cyrus tossed his napkin onto the table. “Stay here.”

I batted my lashes at him. “I’m happy to act as your assistant. Consider it a sampling of this special access you’ve been trying so hard to sell me.”

“Nice try.” He gently chucked my chin, his eyes glittering. “All samplings will wait until we’ve negotiated our terms.” A tower of strength, he strode off.

Hearing a door shut, I popped to my feet.

Cyrus had basically put his stamp of approval on all snooping.

As quietly as possible, I snuck around the room, opened drawers, searched under every piece of furniture, and inspected for secret safes.

I discovered absolutely nothing. But then, he’d known I would do this, so he’d probably taken precautions. Smart HP.

Before the Dolions returned, I returned to my seat. Might as well eat. I mean, the food shouldn’t go to waste.

I cleaned my plate, then Cyrus’s, then I finished off our juices.

Eventually, he returned without his father.

He reclaimed the spot beside me, his good humor gone.

He radiated fury, triggering a dozen defenses rigged to blow inside my mind.

And yet, nothing detonated. I didn’t flee as I would’ve done in the past. An odd sense of calm glued me in place.

“You got in trouble for fraternizing with a Soalian’s target, I’m guessing,” I said.

“I consider you an asset. But no, that wasn’t it.”

Ooh la la. Lady Arden Roosa, an asset. “So. Tell this asset about your conversation with your dad.”