Page 100 of Kingdom of Tomorrow
Usual scowl in place, she approached me. “Let’s get this done. I’m needed elsewhere.”
A cold sweat glazed my nape. If I protested, I could be painted as a traitor toCured. If I didn’t, I’d lose my ability to communicate in secret with Soalians. Maybe even Soal himself.
She cleaned my bicep and picked up the syringe. Protests tangled on my tongue as she uncapped the needle. Finally, one escaped.
“No.” I jumped up, avoiding the barons, and shook my head. “No.”
“Miss Roosa,” she snapped. “You will sit back down, or I will—”
“Thank you, Dr. Korey, but you and the others are dismissed.” Cyrus’s command echoed in the room. He entered in his usual manner, as if he owned the place, then held out his hand and stared at her, expectant. “I’ll take it from here.”
Relief dulled the burn inside me as the guards left without a word. I remained silent, aware of being recorded.
Shock flashed over the doctor’s features. “Your father requested I personally administer this dose.”
“My apologies for not being clear.” Cyrus spoke with firm patience and staunch purpose. “The dismissal wasn’t a request.”
“I’m under strict orders.” Fury simmered under her skin. “I must bear witness.”
“Very well. That, I’ll allow.” He waved his fingers, silently demanding the syringe.
She handed it over but misjudged the distance, and the serum fell to the floor.
“Dispose of that.” He stepped over it. “I’ll prepare a new one.”
With his back to us, he did as promised. Dr. Korey observed him with narrowed eyes, while my attention jumped between them. I didn’t panic when Cyrus marched over and stuck me with the needle. The sharp sting barely registered. A cold sensation spread through my arm.
“I’ll inform the king what transpired,” the doctor said, her tone flat.
“Please do. I will, as well.”
She paused only a beat more before striding from the room.
He adhered a bandage to the injection site and murmured, “Thank you for trusting me.”
“Thank you for showing up on time.”
We exchanged smiles, and my world brightened.
“I have unscheduled meetings today,” he said, “so evaluations are postponed. I won’t see you again until drills.” He winked and strolled away, calling, “Miss me, Pink. Because I’ll be missing you.”
The day passed both at warp speed and with agonizing slowness. I didn’t mean to, but I did miss Cyrus. The fact that I suffered no ill effects from the shot—so far—helped convince me of his sincerity. I thought I might be able to trust him with my suspicions and plans. Talk about a game changer. No longer would I be forced to undertake my investigation alone. I’d have a partner.
I really, really wanted a partner.
When we reunited for drills, I wanted only to snuggle up to him and talk. Somehow, I quashed the urge. Then he gave his first order, and I wished only to kick him. Cyrus pushed the entire team to the max. Me especially. I don’t think anyone in history had ever exercised so much.He pitted me against Roman, Lark, Miller, and Titus in practice rounds and ensured multiple holograms glommed me at once.
When class ended, the team poured out of the gym, eager to enjoy their free time. Panting and sweating, I crawled to a bench. I had to muster the strength to accept a jug of water Cyrus extended my way.
“I quit as your babysitter,” I wheezed after draining the contents.
“Do you want my kisses—I meanaccess—or not?” he asked with a teasing tone.
“Fine. I just tore up my mental resignation letter.” Shivers rushed through me at the soft, husky undercurrent in his chuckle. “Since we’re such solid business partners, maybe you’ll tell me what’s going on?” He’d spent all of drills divided between running me ragged and speaking privately with Roman, as well as various viscounts who’d stormed in and out.
Cyrus’s amusement vaporized. “There’s a possibility for a ... situation.”
Oookay. “I require more information.”
