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)
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.”
Oh, thank goodness. “Start relaxing, baby, because my assignment is completed.”
“Life is worth living again!” Cheering, she threw her arms around me. As we hustled down the hall, she told me, “I have had a day. All I want to do is go to our room and teach you hand signals.” She lowered her volume and leaned into me. “There’s so much I wanna tell you but can’t. Not out loud. Just know you won’t believe half the things I’ve overheard and seen.”
Oooh, I must find out! We made the journey to our room without incident. The only teammate we encountered was Jericho, who lounged inside the cell beside ours, tossing a ball at the ceiling. He was too absorbed in his task to notice us. The other soldiers must be in the commons, socializing. How they found the energy I might never know.
As Mykal regaled me with stories she wasn’t afraid to voice, tales of fetching and carrying, and the snobbiness of the boss’s maybe, maybe-not girlfriend, Nova Soti, she taught me signs for each letter in the alphabet, as well as two key signals I “must know.” Help me and kiss me.
I snorted. “I’m not asking Shiloh to kiss me while he’s on duty.” But I was excited to tell him about the lemonade.
“Are you sure? Because I heard about your upcoming date. And I couldn’t be happier for you.” She hooked a lock of hair behind her ear. “He’s an amazing guy.”
Agreed. “So, tell me about your guy,” I said, shining the spotlight on her. “Mr. Mystery.”
Her expression turned dreamy. “He’s absolutely, utterly perfect.” She threw herself flat upon the mattress, giggling like a schoolgirl. “He’s in the military too. A knight. Like you and Shiloh, we have Thursday off. I’ll get to see him.”
“How did you meet?”
“He lives in my building. But don’t tell Shiloh. Or Roman. Or anyone!”
“Your secrets are safe with me.” I meant that. I was a vault.
The automated voice sounded over the PA system, announcing the approach of curfew. Our conversation ended as teammates returned, filing into their rooms. Mykal yawned, spurring me to yawn as I trudged to my bed. We secured our shackles as the cell door closed, and she was snoring softly only seconds later.
The trials of the day caught up with me. From the magnitude of what I’d learned about the Madness to the enormity of the expectations assigned to me. Plus, my knuckles throbbed, thanks to my incredible bravery with the high prince. Hey, a girl had to take her victories where she could. But I couldn’t sleep. I merely tossed and turned.
Again and again, my thoughts veered to the HP, three descriptions coming to mind: enigmatic, unwavering, and smart. Okay, so, a fourth word attempted to assert itself. Sexy. I disregarded it, considering it had no bearing on the situation.
How would he react to my “list” of fears? Predicting his responses wasn’t in my wheelhouse. What if he regretted his leniency with me?
By the time the morning alarm went off, I’d worked myself into a lather. I lumbered to my feet with a series of groans. My eyes burned, and my muscles screamed in protest. But with Mykal as my cheerleader, I made it to the locker room, where I showered and dressed in clean fatigues.
In the gym, Shiloh waited at the side with another medic. He glared at the floor, angry. Oh, no. Had he gotten in trouble for aiding me yesterday?
Determined to find out, I moved toward him, only to halt when High Prince Dolion marched in. My nervous system kicked into hyperdrive at the sight of him. He hadn’t shaved, and his clothes were torn and wrinkled.