Page 26 of Kingdom of Tomorrow
As if he sensed my scrutiny—or had clocked it from moment one—he slid his gaze to mine.Zing.A frisson of awareness pierced me, and my breath hitched. My pulse sped into an erratic dance.
Nerves. Only nerves.
We stared at each other for an eternity, wild thoughts tumbling through my mind.What’s happening? Why won’t he look away? Why won’t I?
Ultimately, he narrowed his lids and snapped, “Assistant.” An obvious summons. But still he didn’t look away from me.
Mykal puffed with irritation and muttered, “He’s already forgotten my name, guaranteed.” Off she raced, momentarily blocking the HP from my view and ending the staring contest.
Oh, thank goodness!
He thrust a digital reader in my friend’s direction. “I expect everything on this list to be delivered on time to each specified location.”
The color leached from her face as she scanned the screen. “I don’t know what an RVM corrector is.”
He showed no mercy. “Don’t say ‘I don’t know.’ Say ‘I’ll find out.’”
“I’ll find out,” she squeaked.
He wasn’t satisfied. “If you are unable to do the job assigned to you, I’ll give the opportunity to someone else.”
She jumped to attention and saluted him. “I can do it, sir. Thank you, sir.” Wide eyed, she mouthed “Help me” in my direction and darted from the gym, a girl on a mission.
For a moment—only a moment!—I longed to give chase. To escape. Instead, I lined up with the other soldiers.
A bell rang, signaling the start of class. The guard next to the HP stepped forward and placed his hand over his heart. A stance we mimicked. I knew what came next.
“I pledge allegiance toCured,” he called, leading us into the same oath I’d recited every day of school, “and the life for which it gives. One world, unified, with protection and respect for all.”
The HP marched in front of us. “Yesterday, you were given an opportunity to learn about each other. Before I begin your evaluations, I will gift you with two facts about me and a statement as to why I feel I am qualified to command you.” He gave us a moment to absorb his words. “One, I value truth more than I value your lives, and if you dare to lie to me, I will find out, I will punish you, and I’ll make it public. Two, I believe excuses are merely lipstick on fear. Finally, I’m the only thing standing between you and certain death.”
He didnotcast a pointed glance at me when he said that. Because he stared. Hard.
“I’ll meet with you one on one throughout class.” He motioned to someone in back. “I’ll start with you. Join me in the office and explain your actions at the vote. The rest of you, run laps.”
“Sir, yes, sir,” we proclaimed, not quite in sync.
The HP took a seat inside the small glass chamber, facing us, and the officer who’d led us in the pledge stomped a booted foot.
“You heard High Prince Dolion. Go!”
We jolted into action. Meanwhile, the targeted soldier trudged inside the office. Oh. I recognized him as the first lord to be eliminated in the game. Named Cash, maybe. He sank into the chair on the other side of the desk, his back to us.
The meeting lasted eleven minutes, and from what I was able to observe, it didn’t go well for Cash. Every time I rounded the mat, I gained a perfect view of the HP’s face. He reclined, almost at ease, his expression unchanging as his student talked. And talked. But his grip on a digipen continued to tighten until his knuckles bleached of color. He was big mad and only getting madder the more the lord spoke.
“Faster,” our temporary instructor commanded.
I picked up the pace, beads of sweat wetting my skin. Though others tired quickly, I never lagged. Jogging was my thing. I could go for hours.
Finally, Cash exited the office, radiating anger. “Miller, you’re up. Leave your pride at the door, or it’ll be too brutal to bear.”
We were going in order of elimination. Good to know. I should be good and soaked by the time my turn arrived.
As lords and ladies entered and emerged from the enclosure, a pattern evolved, and nervousness almost got the best of me. No matter the actions taken the day before, whether the soldier had used their pain darts, opted out of the competition, or given it their all, they shuffled away, head bowed in shame. Some even cried.
Soon, only the two finalists remained. My pulse picked up speed, as if I’d just run an extra ten miles at a record pace.
“Did the HP tell you to walk or run?” the officer demanded of the girl I thought might be Juniper.
