Prodigy by Marie Lu Read Free Book Online Page A

Until now. “How does the
     organization work?” I ask.
    “We keep an eye out for people who have the talents and skills we need, and then we
     try to recruit them,” Razor says. “
Usually
we’re good at getting people on board, although some people take longer than others.”
     He pauses to tip his glass in Day’s direction. “I am considered a Leader in the Patriots—there
     are only a few of us, working from the inside and architecting the rebels’ missions.
     Kaede here is a Pilot.” Kaede waves a hand around as she continues to inhale her food.
     “She joined us after she was expelled from an Airship Academy in the Colonies. Day’s
     surgeon is a Medic, and young Tess here is a Medic in training. We also have Fighters,
     Runners, Scouts, Hackers, Escorts, and so on. I would place you as a Fighter, June,
     although your abilities seem to cross into several categories. And Day, of course,
     is the best Runner I’ve ever seen.” Razor smiles a little and finishes his drink.
     “The two of you should technically be a new category altogether. Celebrities. That’s
     how you’re going to be most useful to us, and that’s why I didn’t throw you both back
     out on the street.”
    “So kind of you,” Day says. “What’s the plan?”
    Razor points at me. “Earlier, I asked you how much you knew about our Elector. I heard
     a few rumors today. They say Anden was quite taken with you at the ball. Someone heard
     him asking if you could be transferred to a patrol in the capital. There’s even a
     rumor that he wanted you tapped to train as the Senate’s next Princeps.”
    “The next Princeps?” I shake my head automatically, overwhelmed with the idea. “Probably
     nothing more than a rumor. Even ten years of training wouldn’t be enough to prepare
     me for that.” Razor just laughs at my declaration.
    “What’s a Princeps?” Day speaks up. He sounds annoyed. “Some of us aren’t versed in
     the Republic’s hierarchy.”
    “The leader of the Senate,” Razor replies casually, without turning in his direction.
     “The Elector’s shadow. His, or her, partner in command—and sometimes
more
. It frequently turns out that way in the end, after a requisite decade of training.
     Anden’s mother was the last Princeps, after all.”
    I glance instinctively toward Day. His jaw is tight and he’s holding very still, little
     signs that say that he’d rather not be hearing what the Elector thinks of me or that
     he might want me as a future
partner.
I clear my throat. “Those rumors are exaggerated,” I insist again, just as uncomfortable
     as Day is with this conversation. “Even if that
were
true, I’d still be one of several Princeps-in-training, and I can guarantee you that
     their other choices would be experienced Senators. But how are you planning to use
     that information in your assassination? Do you think I’m going to—”
    Kaede breaks through my words with a loud laugh. “You’re blushing, Iparis,” she says.
     “Do you like the idea that Anden’s crushin’ on you?”
    “No!” I say, a bit too quickly. Now I feel the heat rising on my face, although I’m
     pretty sure it’s because Kaede is irritating me.
    “Don’t be so goddy arrogant,” she says. “Anden is a handsome guy with a lot of power
     and a lot of options. It’s okay to feel flattered. I’m sure Day understands.”
    Razor saves me from responding by frowning in disapproval. “Kaede. Please.” She makes
     a pouty face at him and returns to her meal. I glance at the couch. Day is staring
     up at the ceiling. After a short pause, Razor goes on. “Even now, Anden can’t be sure
     that you did everything against the Republic on
purpose.
For all he knows, you may have been taken hostage when Day escaped. Or forced to
     join Day against your will. There’s enough uncertainty for him to insist that the
     government list you as a missing person instead of a wanted traitor. My point is this:
     Anden is