Total pages in book: 124
Estimated words: 117246 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 586(@200wpm)___ 469(@250wpm)___ 391(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 117246 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 586(@200wpm)___ 469(@250wpm)___ 391(@300wpm)
Frequencies. Something my sister had highlighted as well. “How do these frequencies cause an individual to break, then?” So much for smooth. “Surely that’s a little easier to explain.”
Those around us either stiffened or gasped, as if I’d entered taboo territory. I hadn’t. Not yet.
“That is something you should have learned in school,” the count said. “We should fire your teachers.”
“Oh, they taught me. But you’re the expert of experts. I’d like to hear it from you.”
When Count Folley glanced at Cyrus, he nodded, encouraging the other man to go on. Stiff, the medical czar said, “Well, the Rock releases different sound waves. Certain frequencies activate only when an individual focuses on the stone. If that person has prolonged contact, EOS is birthed inside their mind.”
An echo of nearly every other explanation I’d heard. “Interesting. What does EOS stand for?”
The count laughed without humor. “This isn’t a topic fit for a party.”
Obstructed again. I pivoted the conversation. “The cure is a welcome topic for any occasion. Tell us about recent advances in its development.”
“We’re closer than ever.” He signaled for a drink. “I hear you’re doing well at the academy, Cyrus. Training a new batch to excel.”
“Yes,” my companion—boyfriend—responded, not helping with the subject change.
I kept going. “I’ve always wondered how we’re able to study the Rock and get any answers at all without scientists breaking left and right.”
“We take precautions.” Count Folley flashed a brittle smile. “I’d be careful if I were you, Lady Roosa. Curiosity is not your friend. Excuse me.”
As he walked away, the others made excuses, leaving as if I’d begun leaking toxic waste.
“Learn anything?” Cyrus asked, casually sipping his champagne.
“Yes. Innocent questions are considered dangerous, and discussions are shut down out of fear, not logic.” I wasn’t sure what Count Folley feared, however. The disease he’d spent decades studying or Cured. “For the next cross-examination, I’ll give that smooth thing you mentioned a try.”
“Come on,” he said, his eyes glittering as he led me to another group. “Hello, Jade. I’d like you to meet Arden Roosa, my girlfriend.”
I floundered for words. Jade Dills!
“Cy. How wonderful to see you again.” Countess Dills hugged him and acknowledged me by looking me up and down. “You’re the trainee helping our beloved high prince.” She gave an airy chuckle. “Sorry. ‘The Lady.’” She even used air quotes. “And now you’re dating. What a surprise no one saw coming.”
It took a moment for my brain to function properly. The head of agriculture was speaking to me. Looking at me. Most likely insulting me, considering those air quotes. She was also frowning as she waited for me to respond. Eek! “Yes,” I rushed out, “that’s me. The trainee. Though gardening is my passion.”
“A worthy pastime,” she said, returning her attention to Cyrus. “What’s this special assignment I keep hearing about, hmm? Rumors suggest it has something to do with your latest capture. Congratulations, by the way. The world is a much safer place with John Victors off the streets.”
He flashed a humorless smile. “I think yesterday’s death toll suggests otherwise.”
“Such a tragedy.” Countess Dills pressed a hand over her heart as her companions twittered their agreement. “I’ll never understand Soalians and their reverence for the source of the Madness.”
Here goes. “Speaking of the Rock, I’ve always wondered how it grows flowers without soil.” Not even Countess Dills was safe from my probing.
Like Count Folley, she blinked at me. “That isn’t something we’ve figured out yet.” A slight inflection of strain infiltrated her voice. “As you probably know, testing is limited for the safety of all mankind.”
“I’m sure you’ve considered propagating the buds in a contained area.”
“Yes, but it’s an impossible endeavor, considering the buds die as soon as they’re plucked,” she said, stumbling over her words. Not used to being grilled about her job after hours? “If you’ll excuse me, I see Cloward Bosworth.” Off she went, leaving me stewing in a fresh cauldron of frustration.
“Perfect timing,” Cyrus muttered. “I’ve been summoned.” He navigated the throng, bringing us to his father, who stood beside a stunning thirtysomething woman with a killer smile. “Arden, you know my father, Tagin. This is Madison, his wife.”
The woman who’d supposedly read my paper. “Hello. So wonderful to meet you,” I said.
“Wonderful to meet you, as well,” she replied with a welcoming grin.
“I’m told we have something in common,” I began, gearing up to grill her about soil and seeds.
“Oh?” Her brows furrowed together, a line forming between them.
“Madison wishes to know how you rate Cyrus as an instructor,” the king—Tagin—interjected with ease.
Talk about smooth. “He’s harsh but fair. Kind of dreamy.” The words slipped out before I could stop them, and I winced. “But. I mean. He is.” We were officially dating now, and I didn’t really care what anyone thought about the matter.
Madison laughed, while Tagin maintained a neutral expression.