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)
The knight shook his head. “My apologies, sir. Dr. Korey couldn’t find them.”
No reason to wonder what documents they were discussing. Shiloh’s records. I gave Cyrus a look as I claimed the pot, my message clear. The doctor was lying.
“I’ll get them,” Cyrus vowed before refocusing on the soldier. “Has the train arrived?”
The man checked the tiny screen on his wristband. “Yes, sir. Your guards are securing the area now.”
“Since when do you need guards?” I asked.
A muscle jumped in his jaw. He dismissed the soldier before focusing on me. “They activate with heightened threats.”
“Okay, I demand more information.”
“There’s been a sudden spike of breaks in Lucrea.”
Worry gripped me by the throat. “My mom.” She was so weak. No way she could withstand an attack.
Cyrus clasped my hand. “You’re the emperor’s grandson’s babysitter. The position comes with benefits. I’ve assigned a knight to your mother. He’s with her now, and they haven’t encountered any problems.”
Tears of relief welled, my surroundings blurring. “Thank you, Cyrus. You really are a sugar bear.”
He snorted. With his warm palm on my lower back, he steered me to the door. Officers and knights hurried through the bustling hallways. Strain electrified the air and infused every conversation, but I remained surprisingly steady, if distracted.
What had caused multiple, sudden breaks?
The deeper we traveled through the base, the fewer people we encountered, yet the strain remained. I resisted its familiar allure, doing my best to capture every worried thought, imagining tossing it out of my ears, then replacing it with facts. Mom was protected. I would soon face the Rock and might even meet Soal. I wasn’t alone. I had Cyrus.
We descended the stairs, the area shockingly empty of potential passengers. Within minutes, we were situated within a private cart, with an entire contingent of soldiers at the ready around us. An intimidating sight to be sure.
Cyrus guided me to the farthest bench. I sat, and he situated himself at my side, his intoxicating scent enveloping me. His usual mask slipped, revealing raw sadness and the heavy weight of responsibility. No doubt he’d gotten used to being inside this train alone and finally unwinding.
I reached over and pressed my palm against his. He curved an arm around my waist, clinging to me. Let rumors about us keep spreading. I didn’t care anymore.
“I’m almost ready to tell you my secrets,” I admitted quietly. “What I’ve learned, what I suspect. What I plan.”
His fingers flexed on me as he searched my gaze. “I’ll help you, whatever it is.”
And I’d probably fall deeper in like with him.
He smiled, as if he’d heard my thoughts. “Now might be a good time to tell you I have three cats.”
I sputtered for a moment. “Excuse me, but did you say three hats? Or tats?” Oooh. I rubbed against him and pretended to paw at his chest. “Do you have tattoos, Cyrus?”
His smile brightened. “I do, and I’m eager to discuss this tattoo fetish of yours,” he replied, brimming with amusement. “But I did say cats.”
Who? What? Me? “I don’t have a fetish.”
“You can hardly contain yourself, Roosa.”
Maybe. “But three cats?” Due to the price of food and care, I’d never allowed myself to entertain the possibility of having a solo pet, much less an entire trio.
“I rescued a pregnant feral, and she gave birth to two little girls.”
How was he getting more interesting and beautiful by the second? “What are their names?”
“Iris, Daisy, and Poppy,” he admitted, ducking his head.
I laughed and snickered in equal measure. “You have a bouquet of cats. This might be my new favorite thing about you.”
“Just wait until you see the tats.”
I admit, I shivered.
Wheels squealed as the train slowed, reminding me of our audience. I eased from him, and we both stood. No one watched us overtly, I realized, but the level of interest was palpable.
The cart stopped, and the doors slid open. An older, decorated baron-elite stepped forward and saluted Cyrus. “New orders came in during transport, sir.”
He stiffened. “Arden, this is Baron-Elite Rita Harper. BE Harper, Lady Roosa. Tell me,” he commanded, his mask firmly in place. “What are we dealing with?”
I collected my pot, all ears.
Tone brusque, the BE explained, “Reports came in. Breaks have begun happening within each surrounding province. It’s only a matter of time before Bala City experiences the same. Your father demands we take no chances. We are to escort you and your companion to the Lux as quickly as possible. Citizens have been commanded to return home, and the roadways are clogged. We’ll have to walk.”
It wasn’t fear that hit me but determination. I held out my free hand. “I need two daggers, a netter, and extra clips of ammunition.”
The BE darted her gaze to Cyrus.
He narrowed his eyes. “You heard her.”
She nodded and waved to different barons. They handed over the required weapons. Seconds later, we strode from the train, ready for anything.