Page 106 of Kingdom of Tomorrow
I pressed my lips together, noticed the blood soaking the side of his shirt, and whimpered. “Cyrus, you’re—”
“When we’re alone,” he repeated.
Maybe we were being recorded. Otherwise, he’d be asking a ton of questions. I had a few for him, too, considering I’d received a code I had no idea how to use, viewed more of my book, and conversed with Soal. The god intrigued me.
I’d told myself I wouldn’t focus on the Rock, but I’d done just that. Now, I was emboldened. And curious. What if the structuredidn’tcause the Madness?
“Is your security detail okay?” Surely we could discuss that. Ugh. He was still bleeding all over the tiled floor. I whipped off my shirt and pressed the material into his wound. Cool air kissed my exposed skin.
“They are fine. Happy arrived before you did, and I went looking for you.”
“Thank you.” Had he not been there, well, I shuddered to think of what might have happened. “If it’s okay, I’d like to ask your contact about my mother.”
“Already planned on it.” He gritted the words.
“I hope you sent someone to watch Mykal too.”
“I tried, but I’m not sure where she is.”
Dang. Maybe she was holed up somewhere safe. “Hopefully people are filling the Havens.”
“They are. But those who don’t make it into a room won’t be left unguarded. Archduke Heta is leading multiple units to Bala City. They’ll patrol the night and set up temporary pritis stands.”
Ding.The doors opened to a suite with a comfy couch, two cozy chairs, and a solid-wood coffee table with legs balanced on the backs of golden turtles. My pot rested on the edge. On the walls, holographicimages moved within gilt frames, showcasing a beautiful young woman who resembled Cyrus in many ways. Maybe a sister or his mother.
With a wince, Cyrus led me forward. Three cats sprang from different parts of the living room, prowling toward us. A gray tabby, a black beauty with sprinklings of white, and an orange cutie. I twittered at their preciousness. Must pet and cuddle and kiss!
The felines noticed me and froze before scattering in every direction.
“I’ll win you over,” I called. We passed a pair of glass double doors that led to a balcony overlooking half the city. Even from here, several pieces of the Rock were visible. My longing crested, reaching new heights.
“I know Dr. Korey has taught you how to repair organ damage on a battlefield,” Cyrus said, quickening his pace.
Oh, no, no, no. My heart galloped. “She shared only the basics.” He couldn’t expect me to patch him up. “There’s no way I—”
“The basics are enough. You can patch me up.” He herded me into the kitchen.
A groan escaped. “There must be a medical professional who lives in the building.” One had lived in mine, though the title “professional” was being generous.
“There are several. I’m sure they’re barricading like the rest of us. Besides, we don’t want anyone else locked within our walls.”
“You’re right, but—”
“Stay here.” Off he went, leaving droplets of blood in his wake.
I immediately set to work, opening the light-blue drawers and the cabinets trimmed in gold, rummaging for cloths to soak up blood. The gleaming ivory countertops appeared spotless, so hopefully we wouldn’t have to worry about infection. Small potted plants in varying stages of growth were strategically placed. Nothing I could use as medicine, though.
Cyrus returned with a field MD kit, set it on the counter, and gripped the neckline of his shirt to tug the material over his broad shoulders. My jaw nearly unhinged.
“Look at you.” All that cut strength and that masterpiece of a tattoo. A tree spanned from the base of his spine up his back and over his shoulders, to his collarbone and different parts of his chest, the branches blooming with different things. Flowers and fruits, yes, but also keys, weapons, and coins. Without thought, I reached out and traced my fingertips over a rose.
“As much as I’m enjoying your admiration,” he told me with a wry tone as he bent over the counter, “I’m bleeding out.”
Oh goodness gracious, he was! A gaping wound in his side seeped fresh crimson. I scrambled to the kit, hands trembling as I collected the items I required. “I’ve never done this in real life,” I warned. Never done anything for anyone while shirtless. “I’ll probably make mistakes.”
“I promise to grade you on a curve. And if I survive, you automatically pass.”
“That’s not funny.” I licked my lips and claimed the first tool. “I’m guessing you’d prefer to forgo the painkiller so you can remain clearheaded in case I break.”
