Page 112 of Kingdom of Tomorrow
“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 doesEOSstand 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 orCured. “For the next cross-examination, I’ll give thatsmooththing 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.”
It took a moment for my brain to function properly. The head of agriculture was speaking to me. Looking at me. Most likely insulting me, considering those air quotes. She was also frowning as she waited for me to respond. Eek! “Yes,” I rushed out, “that’s me. The trainee. Though gardening is my passion.”
“A worthy pastime,” she said, returning her attention to Cyrus. “What’s this special assignment I keep hearing about, hmm? Rumors suggest it has something to do with your latest capture. Congratulations, by the way. The world is a much safer place with John Victors off the streets.”
He flashed a humorless smile. “I think yesterday’s death toll suggests otherwise.”
“Such a tragedy.” Countess Dills pressed a hand over her heart as her companions twittered their agreement. “I’ll never understand Soalians and their reverence for the source of the Madness.”
