Page 38 of Kingdom of Tomorrow
“Agreed.”
“If you have access to soil and seed, I’m happy to grow them for you.” I made the offer and experienced instant speaker’s remorse. I did not need to be shut inside his office with him on the daily.
“I called you here for a reason, Bubble Gum.” He acted as if I hadn’t spoken, a specialty of all higher-ups, and I didn’t know whether I should be relieved or offended. “Let’s get to it.”
Right. I inwardly cringed. “Go ahead. I’m ready to do my penance.”
The corners of his mouth twitched, and the sight confused me. “Your prize is there.” He pointed to a platter of desserts on the table, near a large jug with the wordLemonadescripted on a label.
So lemonade was a drink! And oh, my mouth watered. But, um, did the HP know about the code word I shared with Shiloh?
“Why give me a prize and not—oooh!” Because I’d smacked him in the face. Giddy, I bobbed up and down on my heels. “What about my punishment? Aren’t I supposed to shed fear?”
“The loss of free time is the punishment, not the shedding of fear. That is a mercy on my part and something you should value.” He strode past me to lift the plate of desserts, each seeming to feature apples and figs. “Which one will you sample first?”
Nibbling on my bottom lip, I examined the offerings with a sharper eye. “This one, please.” Yes, I slurred my words. No, I didn’t care.
I plucked the creation from obscurity. Anticipation spiked into enthusiasm as I popped the little morsel into my mouth. Oh, my goodness. The sweetness! Juice ran over my taste buds, and I moaned. “I knew I’d love these.” Live without them? Never again.
“They have become a favorite of mine as well,” the HP said, his voice low and thick. “A prize worthy of a throbbing lip.”
Tingles slipped over my spine, and I jerked my gaze to him. Surely he hadn’t meant to sound socarnal. Or maybe he had. Daaaang. He looked carnal, too, his eyes hooded.
I swallowed and dabbed my tongue to the corners of my mouth.
He pulled his gaze from me, set the plate on the table, and busied himself with a stack of papers. I hurried to refocus as well, choosing a second pastry. My eyelids slid shut as new flavors exploded on my tongue. I could do nothing but savor the honey-dipped heaven.
When I remembered where I was, why I was there, and who I was with, I inwardly cringed. Oops. Should I, perhaps, attempt to converse while I stuffed my face?
No need. He took over. “Use the supplies to list your fears. All of them,” he commanded. “I don’t care if the list is a thousand pages long, leave nothing out.” He was back to using his firmest tone. “Do not leave this office until you finish.” He strode off without another word.
Oookay. He definitely hadn’t flirted with me earlier, even for a millisecond. Anyway. The urge to snoop around proved strong, but Ididn’t give in. For my “punishment,” I must only list my fears? What, did he think the length would humiliate me?
Joke’s on you, HP.
Whistling under my breath, I poured myself some lemonade and got comfortable at the table. The first sip of the yellow liquid proved as world changing as the sweet treats. Tart yet sugary and my new favorite beverage. I drained the rest and nearly overflowed my cup with my next pour. In between guzzling, I finished off the remaining treats, loving every bite but the last. I admit, I pouted.
I heaved a sigh, snatched up a pen and a piece of paper and scribbled a single word. There. Done with my assignment.
After securing the page to the high prince’s desk, I strode into the hall, surprised to find Mykal just outside the door, barring Dr. Korey’s entrance.
“—did he go?” the doctor was saying, irritation dripping from every syllable.
“He didn’t tell me. Nor did he mention when he planned to return,” Mykal responded, unafraid to go toe to toe with the other woman. Good for her!
Dr. Korey noticed me and slitted her eyes. “Why are you in High Prince Dolion’s office without supervision? That isn’t allowed.”
“I was only doing what I was told,” I said, high on apples, figs, and lemonade.
Mykal nodded her support. “The next time I see the HP, I can let him know you disapproved of his orders to Lady Roosa and that you’d like to speak with him.”
“No, I’ll find him on my own.” The doctor gave me a final glare before stomping away.
“You realize she has a crush on the high prince and now hates you for getting special treatment, yes?” Mykal deadpanned.
“She hates everyone, I think.”
“Yeah. Accurate.” My friend clutched my hand. “Tell me you’re done. I’m cleared for rest and relaxation as soon as you are.”
