Page 20 of Kingdom of Tomorrow
My cauldron of frustration threatened to boil over. “Do you think we’ll ever get our stuff back?” Those seeds cost every cent I’d saved since junior high. To have something I’d worked and paid for taken away for no good reason was an injustice I resented with every fiber of my being.
I bit my tongue until I tasted blood. I would get those seeds back. Somehow.
“I really hope so. Oh!” Brightening, Mykal clapped. “Want to know what else Shiloh asked me to do for you?” She didn’t give me a chance to reply. “Teach you how to do hand-on-hand signals so you can communicate silently with him whenever you’re sent to medical.”
My brow furrowed. “Why do we need to communicate silently?”
Nibbling on her bottom lip, she held up one finger, asking for a moment. With quick steps, she went to the door and leaned out to look both ways. After returning to me, she whispered, “We’re not supposed to know this, but in exam rooms all conversations are recorded.”
I stiffened. The thought of being recorded put a foul taste in my mouth. Worse than the meal bar!
“Roman’s dad is an earl, and he demanded the people living in his building, on his floor, learn certain protocols. Nonverbal, in-contact communication is one of them and somethingCuredwon’t teach until we reach second tier.”
Well, score one for Team Arden! I’d never turn down such a precious seed of knowledge. The more we practiced, a.k.a. watered the skill, the stronger it would grow. “I’d love to learn those signals.” Top lady, here I come!
A smirking Roman stuck his head inside our room. “I came to collect my thanks.”
“Your thanks?” Mykal snorted. “Not happening, bud.”
“Even though I made sure we were both placed on Dolion’s team?”
“Your dad made sure, not you.”
Roman’s expression saidYou are making my point for me.“He did it only because I asked him. So. Where’s my thanks?”
“Fine. Thanks, I guess,” she grumbled.
“You have my thanks too,” I piped up. “I’m glad Mykal is on my team.”
Roman grinned at me. “You’re gonna be fine, Ardie. When the HP says he’ll make winners out of us, believe him. He’s the youngest elite officer inCuredhistory. To this day, he holds the record for the most captures in a day, week, month, and year.”
No wonder the guy had such little respect for me. But, um, I kinda hoped the nicknameArdiecaught on. Anything was better thanLady Pink.
“I heard he got the handprint brand while fighting John Victors,” Mykal said, digging into another bar. “The Soalian caught flame and marked him.”
I scowled. John Victors was the most well-known Soalian, as well as the leader of the Tome Society. He and his minions stole pritis poles, defaced buildings, and burnedCuredfacilities year round.
“I wouldn’t mention the brand. Word is, the HP is super sensitive about it.” Roman glanced over his shoulder. “The team is heading to the commons. We intend to set the record for swiftest arrival. And yes, I expect both of you to vote for me. I’ll be an amazing second-in-command. We’ll celebrate my win after.” He was gone a moment later.
Mind tumbling with the tidbits about my instructor, I looked to Mykal. “You ready?”
“Yeah. And just so you know, I’ll be cheering for Roman, but only on the outside,” she whispered. “Beat him.Please.If he wins, he’ll never stop crowing. A crowing Roman is annoying.”
There was no way I could beat Roman in a contest of strength, but endurance was another story. As a long-distance runner, I possessed stamina in spades. But ... “I’m not sure I want to be team leader. I have enough stress on my plate with the top-soldier competition.”
“Well, keep in mind, the top lady—or lord—is usually chosen from among the team leaders,” she offered, batting her eyes.
My back went ramrod straight. “On the other hand, Roman has enough of an advantage already. Plus, High Prince Dolion called meBubble GumandLady Pink, and he expects me to die quick. I’ve got a lot to prove. So. I will destroy him,” I announced, and I wasn’t sure if I was referencing Roman, the HP, or both.
Mykal bounced while clapping. “I knew you were made of determination, drive, and the smarts to thrive!”
I really hoped so, because I was tired of being made of failure, fear, and many tears.
Chapter Six
Some solutions cannot be worked out in your mind: they must come from an enlightened heart.
—The Book of Soal1.20.3.5
