Page 74 of Kingdom of Tomorrow
Sparrow:We’ll find out soon enough. You will recruit Arden Roosa.
Unicorn:Seriously, read my file. The best of the best—in battle. Recruiting isn’t my thing.
Sparrow:Recruiting is every Soalian’s thing. But don’t worry, I’ll take care of introductions.
The next highlight came from the second message.
To: Baracas Heta
From: Tagin Dolion
Subject: re: A potential problem
This is a job for the High Prince. My son lacks charm, but he never fails.
Realization dawned, as horrifying as Shiloh’s letter. This explained so much. Ember’s—or rather, Unicorn’s—interest in me. I even understood why she incriminated herself by sharing her communications with Shiloh. There was no better way to incriminate Cyrus.
I pressed a hand to my mouth. No wonder he and his father had a personal stake in my training.
The betrayal I’d felt about the contest for top soldier paled in comparison to what consumed me now. In an effort to catch Ember, the HP had feigned interest in me. Lavished me with attention and special gifts. Offered me a prize beyond imagining: personal information, secrets, and intimacy. What a fool I’d been. He’d only hoped to use me as bait and catch the Soalians attempting to recruit me.
A shuffle of footsteps jerked me out of my whirling emotions. Mykal entered the cell. She didn’t glance my way, just kicked off her boots and muttered, “Dr. Korey interviewed me today.”
I jolted upright, instantly snared. “Why?”
“She asked about Shiloh.” My roommate climbed into bed. “And you. What you’ve said, what you do during downtime, that kind of thing.”
I gripped my blanket, nearly ripping the fabric. “Did she give a reason for her curiosity?”
“As if the medical czar has to explain herself.” Mykal rolled to the side, facing the wall. “I’m going to break up with my boyfriend. He’s Shiloh’s older brother, Erik. Every time I think about him, I remember what happened and—never mind. Good night.”
“Oh, Mykal,” I whispered, hurting for her. “Please don’t—”
She shook her head and smashed her face into her pillow. Translation: Conversation over.
Very well. Air seeped from between my teeth as I lay back down. I stared up at the concrete ceiling, minutes passing in silence. Eventually, my thoughts returned to Cyrus, and my sense of betrayal magnified. He claimed to value the truth above life, yet he had lied to me again and again. His father had lied to me too. Like the king’s wife had even heard my name, much less read my essay. What else had my illustrious superiors lied about?
I balled my covers in my fists. To my knowledge, Shiloh had never lied to me. Even in his letter, he’d shared what he perceived as reality, despite the potential cost to his life. If I were a good friend, I would investigate his claims. Settle the incongruities he and his sister had raised, once and for all.
Determination forged my bones into steel. I would do it. Investigate Theirland, the Rock, Soal, other gods, and evenCured. From this moment on, I sought the truth, my holy grail. I would dig and dig and dig until I found the treasure. Forget Cyrus and his dinner invitation. Unless ... Hmm.
All night, I considered my options, never sleeping. Wondering how to handle Cyrus. Considering the castle in Theirland and how to sneak there. A place so-called gods might be inclined to rest. A plan began to align.
Mykal didn’t sleep either. We both tossed and turned. When Friday morning arrived, I was all but foaming at the mouth, ready to get started.
Mykal smiled at me, trying to act like her old self, but her eyes lacked their usual sparkle. “You going to Theirland today?”
“I am.” I would seize any opportunity to speak with Cyrus, then come back and wring information from Dr. Korey. On Thursday, I would return to Bala City. Check out the Rock. A dangerous path to walk with possible life-altering consequences. But allow fear to stop me? Not ever again. “You gonna be okay?”
“For sure. I get to rest and relax while the HP is gone. I’ll water your dirt.”
“Thank you.” Though I wanted to hug her, I wouldn’t rush her progress. “I love you, Mykal.”
“Love you too.” She rolled to her side, saying nothing else.
I cleaned up and hustled to the rift room, where I watched Cyrus enter the darkness and vanish. He’d once told me to utilize every weapon in my arsenal. Well, his invitation to question him was a bright, shiny new weapon loaded with special ammunition.
I didn’t care that he hoped to use me to learn more about Unicorn. As long as I guarded my tongue, taking in more info than I gave up, I’d come out ahead.
