Total pages in book: 123
Estimated words: 114925 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 575(@200wpm)___ 460(@250wpm)___ 383(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 114925 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 575(@200wpm)___ 460(@250wpm)___ 383(@300wpm)
Both denial and protective instincts bristled within me. Cyrus was in danger. I must return to him. Must warn him. Now! But though I tried, I couldn’t exit the librarian.
“We can’t let that happen,” Ember said, and I settled down enough to listen to Domino’s response.
“I know. I’ll guard him with my life, you have my word.”
Always willing to die for the cause. A trait as admirable as it was disconcerting.
“Hold on. I sense . . .” He rubbed the spot between his pectorals. “Arden?”
“Surprise!” I must have spoken inside his head, because the words didn’t come out of his mouth. “I honestly didn’t mean to intrude. I was in spirit form, spying on the emperor, and boom, the next thing I knew, I was here. And before you command me to leave, don’t bother,” I hurried to add. “I’ve tried. Also, you should know the emperor plans to open the force field tomorrow. He’s going to use the only key while distracting glowers with pritis poles.”
A growl vibrated in my ears. “She’s here with us,” he told Ember before conveying my message.
So he could hear me. “Please tell her I appreciate all she’s done on my behalf, and I deeply regret the pain she’s endured. At the first opportunity, I intend to make it up to her.”
“She’s apologetic and thankful,” he said, offering no more.
Men were so frustrating sometimes.
He stood, saying, “I’ll instruct our army to back off the shield and others to hide near the base and wait.”
“Before you go,” Ember replied. “Several of my soldiers believe they spotted Victors in Theirland. As for Mykal, she remains with the exiles, but I think she’s close to accepting her invitation into the Tome Society.”
Excellent news.
Domino strode from the room and entered a heavily guarded hallway, the soldiers bowing their heads in deference. “You did well today, Arden,” he said under his breath.
Did I, though? “Miller is dead. Winslet is fighting for her life.” Speaking of . . . “The emperor told Mr. Vyle she accepted a deal with Astan.”
“She’s as good as dead, then.”
Domino’s flat statement hit like a concrete slab and must have knocked me out of his body. Suddenly I was seated at the table, panting, unable to ask the librarian about the temporary dulling of our connection. Cyrus was in the middle of a speech describing our current course.
“—pan-seared scallops with a harmony of sweet and savory. The golden-brown crust is the perfect complement to the tender, buttery interior. As you’ll notice, the lemon beurre blanc is rich and velvety, adding a creaminess that elevates the flavor profile, while the tangy citrus tinge provides a pleasant contrast. The asparagus is both light and indulgent. Elegant, some might say.”
Honestly, it was the most I’d ever heard him talk in one setting, and I wanted to laugh and hug him. I tucked Domino’s prediction away. Now wasn’t the time to consider Winslet’s fate.
The emperor had returned, and both he and Giselle peered at the high prince with glazed eyes.
“You’ve motivated me to try it,” I interjected, digging in.
Relief flashed over Cyrus’s features, but so did irritation and a promise for retribution. He knew I’d been with Domino; that much was clear. There was nothing I could say to console him while we were in the presence of others.
“I don’t think I’ve heard anyone describe a plate of food so eloquently,” Giselle offered with a genuine smile, revealing a kindness I hadn’t expected from someone so close to the man responsible for today’s massacre.
The meal dragged on with only small talk. Nonsense chatter that meant nothing and revealed less. By the time we were served beef tenderloin with truffle mashed potatoes and roasted root vegetables—my favorite dish of the evening—followed by an assortment of soft cheeses with honey, nuts, and fruit jams, which was then followed by chocolate fondant with vanilla bean ice cream and raspberry coulis, I didn’t want to speak ever again, only groan. So full! At any moment, my stomach might burst.
“I have a surprise for you, Arden.” The emperor folded his napkin and placed it on his empty dessert bowl. “A surprise for all trainees. Tonight, we celebrate your accomplishments with a party.”
Guess it hadn’t been canceled. “How exciting.”
“It is, yes. A true honor.” He motioned to servants, who swooped over to pull out our chairs. “The festivities kick off in an hour, and there are things I must do beforehand.”
A clear dismissal. Good. I hadn’t done what I’d come here to do, but I’d accomplished far more than expected. Now, I wished to have a word in private with Cyrus.
He stood and helped me to my feet. I curtsied to Emperor Dolion and smiled at Giselle and Felix. She smiled in return. To my surprise, he did as well, but with bite. Cyrus and his grandfather hugged again, this one a bit longer than before, with the emperor whispering in Cyrus’s ear.