Page 54 of Kingdom of Tomorrow (Book of Arden #1)

Don’t you know you are a gateway into the eternal?

I rode inside an elevator with Cyrus, headed for his father’s penthouse apartment.

My steps were confident, and not just because I wore the prettiest, frilliest, pinkest garment I’d ever seen, with a scooped bodice and a tiered hem that reached midthigh.

A seamstress who lived in the building had measured me, made alterations, and added embellishments with each new cycle of on, off.

Soft slippers adorned my feet, anchored in place by ribbons that crisscrossed up my calves. I also wore a pair of thin pink gloves.

A stylist tamed my hair into a sleek bun, to make me “the epitome of sexy sophistication.” Flawless, barely there makeup gave me a delightful, dewy freshness.

I even wore special pieces of jewelry that doubled as weapons.

Things Cyrus just happened to have on hand for reasons he’d refused to explain.

The only trinket that didn’t double as an armament was a silver bracelet he insisted I wear for reasons he refused to explain.

“By the way. You can speak freely.” He traced a fingertip along the chain around my neck. “You’re wearing a device that prevents voice recordings.”

Nice! “Well, I meant what I said earlier. I am Arden Unleashed.” I’d floundered around for answers long enough.

Tonight, I would bypass boundaries. Make waves.

Speak up. Put myself in danger, if necessary.

“I may not get another opportunity like this, and I intend to make the most of it,” I vowed.

Not just for my loved ones but for the world.

This wasn’t a game between gods but life and death, and it was time I treated it that way.

Time to go all in, whatever the consequences.

“I’m ready for anything,” he replied, confident. “Do what you must.”

His unwavering support meant everything.

I chewed on my lower lip and glanced at him.

Mistake! The sight of him set my heart into a pounding race.

“For starters, I’m going to stop looking at you.

The sight of you fries circuits in my brain.

” He wore black slacks and a white dress shirt with the sleeves partially rolled, revealing the world’s hottest forearms. Multiple rings adorned his fingers.

“Now you go too far,” Cyrus replied with pretend outrage.

The elevator stopped, and I drew in a deep breath. We were about to enter the lion’s den and converse with some of the world’s most influential people. Those running Cured . Maybe Astan himself would make an appearance. Did a god walk among us, or did he sleep? Had I actually met him?

Before the doors slid open, Cyrus jammed his finger into a button and gave me a slow once-over. His eyes heated. Burned. I felt the warmth in every cell of my body, any defenses against his appeal torched in the flames. “Have I told you how beautiful you are?”

“Only twice, so not nearly enough.”

He snickered, and I chuckled. Somewhere along the way, this man had become synonymous with security, laughter, and desire. I was falling in love with him. Yearned for a future with him. Beginning tonight.

I nibbled on my bottom lip. Perhaps we should ditch the party and—

“See!” I burst out. “I’m thinking about cuddling you instead of unearthing deadly secrets.”

He pressed the sweetest kiss onto my lips. “Do what you must tonight,” he repeated, “but know I’ll do the same.”

In the beginning of our relationship, I would’ve taken those words as a threat. Today, I understood him better. “You’re going to treat me like a girlfriend.” A statement, not a question. His way of providing an added layer of protection. “You want everyone to think we’re dating.”

He arched a brow. “Aren’t we?”

“Yes, dang it. You won me over. I’m not sure how it will change things on base, but I’m with you, okay,” I grumbled. “Happy now?”

“Very. We can hammer out the semantics after the party.” He released the button, and the elevator doors slid open.

Cyrus wrapped his arm around my waist and led me forward. We entered a foyer with a handful of other partygoers and armed viscounts checking names in front of an open door. People glanced our way and performed double takes.

He maintained a blank expression. “Good evening,” he said as we bypassed the line.

The main soldier bobbed his head as we approached and granted us immediate access into the apartment.

I took in the large space, momentarily awestruck.

A breathtakingly high dome broke the room into two levels, one overlooking the other.

Floor-to-ceiling-windows revealed an empty, sun-drenched city.

Waitstaff carried silver trays, offering an array of foods and drinks.

Groups of varying sizes congregated here, there, everywhere.

Most faces were unfamiliar to me, but some I recognized.

King Tagin Dolion, of course, and a smattering of others I’d seen on newsfeeds.

The head of education and the woman who managed our water supply.

Where was Count Van Folley, the former head of all things medical?

My heart skipped a beat when I spotted Countess Jade Dills, head of agriculture. At forty-seven, she was the youngest aristocrat in office and someone I’d admired for years.

“Oh, that you gazed at me the way you’re gazing at Countess Dills,” Cyrus muttered with wry amusement.

“Well, I mean, she increased Cured ’s produce yield by six percent her first year in office, which is double any of her predecessors.” I forced myself to look away and studied the remaining guests. Hmm. Everyone but me wore black and white.

I curbed the urge to squirm. “This is the last time I let you pick my outfit,” I huffed, smoothing the pink fabric. “I don’t exactly blend in.”

“Trust me on this. I know what I’m doing.” He led me forward. “Who would you like to speak with first?”

“Count Folley, please.” Might as well kick off my mission with a bang. “Though I don’t see him.”

“I do.” He led me through the crowd, ignoring everyone who attempted to solicit his attention with a wave. “Try to introduce your questions as smoothly as possible.”

“Smooth. Got it.” Laughter rang out nearby. The fact that no one seemed bothered by what happened last night, well, bothered me.

Finally I spotted my first target, and I had no idea how I’d missed him. Even at seventysomething years old, he presented a powerful picture in a slick black tux. He held court in front of a smiling multitude, relaying what must be an amusing story.

“Hello, Van,” Cyrus greeted when he paused for breath.

“Cyrus.” He shook the HP’s hand. “I hate that it took such awful circumstances to bring us together, but I must admit I’m happy to see you.”

“Awful circumstances indeed.” He leaned into me. “I’d like you to meet Arden Roosa, my girlfriend.”

Count Folley’s attention shifted to me, his eyes widening. “Girlfriend, hmm? You must be the lady-in-training everyone is whispering about.”

Whether it was a barb or a simple observation of fact, I gave no reaction. “I, too, hate these awful circumstances. Cyrus mentioned Soalians caused this outbreak, which made me wonder what caused mass breakouts in the past.”

He blinked at me, his good humor fading slightly. “The Rock ... altered frequencies ... a complicated subject to explain.” He pressed his lips together, going quiet.

Frequencies. Something my sister had highlighted as well. “How do these frequencies cause an individual to break, then?” So much for smooth. “Surely that’s a little easier to explain.”

Those around us either stiffened or gasped, as if I’d entered taboo territory. I hadn’t. Not yet.

“That is something you should have learned in school,” the count said. “We should fire your teachers.”

“Oh, they taught me. But you’re the expert of experts. I’d like to hear it from you.”

When Count Folley glanced at Cyrus, he nodded, encouraging the other man to go on.

Stiff, the medical czar said, “Well, the Rock releases different sound waves. Certain frequencies activate only when an individual focuses on the stone. If that person has prolonged contact, EOS is birthed inside their mind.”

An echo of nearly every other explanation I’d heard. “Interesting. What does EOS stand for?”

The count laughed without humor. “This isn’t a topic fit for a party.”

Obstructed again. I pivoted the conversation. “The cure is a welcome topic for any occasion. Tell us about recent advances in its development.”

“We’re closer than ever.” He signaled for a drink. “I hear you’re doing well at the academy, Cyrus. Training a new batch to excel.”

“Yes,” my companion—boyfriend—responded, not helping with the subject change.

I kept going. “I’ve always wondered how we’re able to study the Rock and get any answers at all without scientists breaking left and right.”

“We take precautions.” Count Folley flashed a brittle smile. “I’d be careful if I were you, Lady Roosa. Curiosity is not your friend. Excuse me.”

As he walked away, the others made excuses, leaving as if I’d begun leaking toxic waste.

“Learn anything?” Cyrus asked, casually sipping his champagne.

“Yes. Innocent questions are considered dangerous, and discussions are shut down out of fear, not logic.” I wasn’t sure what Count Folley feared, however. The disease he’d spent decades studying or Cured . “For the next cross-examination, I’ll give that smooth thing you mentioned a try.”

“Come on,” he said, his eyes glittering as he led me to another group. “Hello, Jade. I’d like you to meet Arden Roosa, my girlfriend.”

I floundered for words. Jade Dills!

“Cy. How wonderful to see you again.” Countess Dills hugged him and acknowledged me by looking me up and down. “You’re the trainee helping our beloved high prince.” She gave an airy chuckle. “Sorry. ‘The Lady.’” She even used air quotes. “And now you’re dating. What a surprise no one saw coming.”