Page 80 of Kingdom of Tomorrow
He got more comfortable. “You’ll be tasked with a unique assignment I’ll explain after you accept my proposal. It will ensure you have a reason to remain by my side even outside of the base. I can introduce you to anyone you wish to meet and share classified documents. At the same time, you’ll get to know me.”
Great for my mission, bad for me personally. I searched his eyes. “You, the emperor’s grandson, are implying you’re willing to help me spy onCured, the government body he rules. The government body you intend to rule. This is obviously a test. And entrapment!”
He heaved a sigh. “It’s not a test or entrapment. Not for you. You very obviously lack confidence inCuredbut have hope for Soal, which means you’re expendable. The special assignment facilitates an open door to information. And because I’m so confident in the one I serve, I’m willing to risk my position and future to allay your doubts.”
A lie. No one jeopardized their future for a romantic relationship or even sex.
Okay, so, some people did risk everything for relationships and sex. But not the indomitable Cyrus Dolion. “Explain whatyou’llbe doing while I’m busy allaying.” Besides taking notes, setting traps, and ensuring I discovered only bits of info he approved.
Resignation and amusement dominated his features. “I suspect I’ll be busy cleaning up your messes and keeping you safe.”
Oooh. Great response. Honest and blunt yet also somehow romantic and swoony. “You mentioned my lack of trust, and you’re right. I don’t trust anyone anymore.”
“Let me assure of you one thing, Bubble Gum.” Voice lowering to a rumble, he said, “I crave you. All I require is a chance to prove it.”
My breath caught. He—oh! I wasn’t buying this. I wasn’t! Maybe he was attracted to me. It was possible to desire a target. But I was still just a target to him.
I slid my gaze over his body, as if I inspected him with his proposition in mind. My heart rate picked up. “There’s a chance I’m not—and won’t be—interested in you romantically.” I mean, there was always a chance of anything. If I was going to say yes to his shocking proposal, and I might, I should set boundaries and expectations right at the start.
Cyrus’s lids hooded his eyes, as if his lashes were suddenly too heavy to hold up. His smile turned indulgent and softened the puckered scar tissue webbing one-half of his face. “You’re good at many things, Pink, but hiding what you feel isn’t one of them.Something changed for you yesterday. I clocked the moment it happened. You’re interested.”
I hated that he read me so well. I also knew the exact moment he referenced. When our gazes met while he stood upon that metal platform and a shock of electricity hit me.
“Give me a chance,” he said, using that husky tone I was beginning to loathe.
I drew in a breath. “I might learn the people you love are doing bad things.”
He didn’t hesitate. “If that’s the case, I’ll help you bring them down.”
Another good answer. Too good. “I’m not saying yes, but I’m not saying no. Tell me about the special assignment first.”
A long while passed in silence before he agreed. “Very well. Do you recall the Theirland berry I sought?”
“As if I will ever forget it.” Or Jericho’s claim.
“I ate it. NowCuredis studying my blood.”
Wait. He just admitted it? Just like that? I spiraled once again. “You told me—”
“That I didn’t make it back with a berry in hand, and I didn’t. As I’m sure you’ve gleaned, information is doled out on a need-to-know basis here.”
“But. You ate it. And it seems likemisinformation is what’s doled.”
“My mission was to return with a berry, and I did. The eating of it was a choice I made in the field. Had I declined to do it, I would have lost the berry entirely. As the highest ranked soldier at the compound, I was the only one with the security clearance to handle it. I decided to take the chance. For the record, I’ve tested negative for Madness every morning since, I feel fine, and I’ve suffered no ill effects. You’ll be tasked with monitoring me outside of class.”
You’ve got to be kidding me.“The assignment is babysitting.”
He hiked his shoulders. “Use whatever label you prefer.”
So reasonable. Let’s see how he did with accusations. “Did you orCuredthreaten or kill Jericho because he witnessed your actions?”
My companion didn’t bat an eye. “I was told he interrogated soldiers about my actions, so I called him to my office and demanded he stop. He was alive when he left the compound soon after.”
The lord-in-training must have concluded something damning to send him fleeing.
In the distance, a door opened and shut, and I jolted. Cyrus worked his jaw. Heavy footsteps preceded the arrival of the king. He rounded a corner, saying, “Give me a full report about the glowers.”
Expression blanking, Cyrus stood. “Now isn’t a good time.”
