Page 97 of Kingdom of Tomorrow
“You’re wrong,” he said, stopping me with ease. He spun me around and shoved me against the wall, locking my arm and the blade over my head. “I’m irresistible. There’s a difference. By the way, a student usually improves with practice. Why haven’t you?”
The taunt did its job. I bared my teeth. “Ask my instructor.”
“I did. He says you didn’t listen.”
Further annoyed, I executed a countermove, breaking free of his hold. We grappled throughout the living room, rolling over the fallen coffee table, kicking at each other, punching and blocking. He still didn’t land a blow, but it wasn’t because he lacked opportunity.
In the end, I wound up right where I’d started: pinned. My spine pressed against the wall. One of his hands trapped my arm and the blade, while the other gripped my waist.
“Do you surrender?” he asked with a grin. He was barely winded.
“No. Consider this an extended time-out.”
He chuckled, his warm breath fanning my face. “When we return to Fort Bala,” he said, releasing me, “do whatever you feel is necessary to find what you’re searching for, and I’ll continue to clean up where I can. I just hope my babysitter does a better job of hiding her activities while attending upcoming functions with me.”
Me too. I couldn’t not spy on the powers that be in their natural habitat. But, as much as I desired to be at his side for every function, I couldn’t waste an opportunity to bargain. “Hold up. Event attendance wasn’t part of our original negotiation.”
“It was, though I concede it wasn’t mentioned specifically. Therefore, I’m willing to renegotiate.” He crossed his arms over his chest. “Demand compensation, and I’ll supply it.”
No need to ponder. “Let me move into your place in Bala City.” There was no faster route to reach the Rock. Tomorrow, I would speak with Soal, or die trying.
A half smile played at the corners of Cyrus’s mouth. “You want to spend more time with me. You enjoy being with me. Admit it.”
“I enjoy access to restricted areas,” I hedged.
“Lady Pink, you enjoy both.” He reached out to lightly bop the end of my nose. “I agree to your demand. Now go get some rest.” The smile widened, making a spectacular debut. “Dream of me.”
Chapter Twenty-Four
The only power Astan can wield against you is the power you give him.
—The Book of Soal1.23.54.17
Despite another sleepless, dreamless night, I dressed and bounded to the kitchen early with extra energy, determined to make breakfast for Cyrus. But no, he’d beaten me there. He stood at the counter, gripping the edge, with his head bowed.
The somberness of his posture struck me, and I skidded to a halt. A terrible jumble of emotions created a force field around him. I recognized the sting of guilt, the prick of shame, and the siren’s call of fear. But. This made no sense. He was the intractable, unflappable Cyrus. A warrior as unbending as steel. Had the berry finally caught up with him?
Sensing my presence, he stiffened and straightened but didn’t face me. In a heartbeat, the emotional cloud evaporated. Tone upbeat, he said, “Good morning, Pink.”
A staggering change. Had I not seen him seconds before, I would have had no idea he was anything but eager. “Tell me what’s wrong.”
“I’m not looking forward to going back. Something I’ve never said before,” he added with a wry smile. “I despise Theirland. But I despise the dangers to come more.”
Not the full truth, I’d bet, but at least he hadn’t attempted to deny a problem. I didn’t like his reluctance to share, but I did understand it. Until I gave him my trust, he couldn’t give me his.
Before I thought better of it, I strode over and hugged him from behind. An offer of comfort. A gesture of thanks for all the times he’d comforted me. A show of affection I couldn’t contain. “I promise to be as careful as possible. Does that help?”
“It does.” He spun, wrapping his arms around me too. “What’s this for?” he asked, resting his chin atop my head.
“I don’t know, so don’t ruin it with questions.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Snorting, I snuggled closer. We stayed like that a long while before I eased away. “We should go.”
“We still have minutes, and I refuse to relinquish a single second alone with you.” He passed me a glass brimming with his signature drink. “Once again, you didn’t rest,” he stated, his disappointment clear.
“I could’ve gotten an abundance of beauty z’s,” I stated with mock affront. But yes, I’d tossed and turned, but it was for an entirely different reason than usual. Thanks to our kiss, Istillached. I’d be smart to maintain my distance from him today. And yet, I didn’t stop myself from leaning into him as I drained my breakfast. Mmm, that was good. The best yet.
