Page 52 of Chosen
He only spares a brief glance in Ayla direction before giving a gruff, “Move.”
Ayla hesitates for the briefest of seconds, but it seems long enough to irritate thissuperiouswho clearly holds a high-ranking position. His uniform is like Draken’s but there are more embellishments like the gold ropes on both shoulders and the silver metals and different colored ribbons on his breast pocket.
He shoots a narrow-eyed stare in the maid’s direction before focusing his attention back to me. There is something eerie about seeing eyes similar to Draken’s in the face of this cold man. There’s a large scar that runs from the corner of his left eye down his cheek and stopping just below his bottom lip. It was jarring in an otherwise, unmemorable face. His features were sharp from the dark bushy brows that slash over his eyes, a long nose and thin red lips.
His black hair is short and barely reaches his ears.
He steps closer and I see Ayla sway at my side as if she wants to jump in front of me again.
I take a step backward.
That creepy grin returns. “There’s no need to be scared of me, but I can understand why you might be a little wary. I’m told I look a lot like my cousin and I can only imagine what it’s been like being in his company. He’s not known for keeping his temper in check.”
Cousin? I can only assume that this is Draken’s cousin. It’s a stretch to say that they look anything alike. The eyes and the hair coloring is where the similarities end.
There was something cruel about those eyes.
I take another step backward.
He takes a step forward getting closer to me than I’m comfortable with. “Have you enjoyed your stay so far?” He asks as if I’m here for a leisurely visit.
“It’s fine.”
“My apologies for the mix up about your room. I trust the one that you’re currently in is more to your liking. Oh, where are my manners,” he chuckles as if he’s told a funny joke. “I’m Chancellor Braeden. I take care of the operation of the fortress and the Sector whenever the Sector Leader is unavailable. And if you haven’t figured it out, he is my cousin.” His smile widens and I don’t like the way his eyes sweep over him.
He gives me a slow perusal seeming to undress me with his eyes. I suddenly feel the need to bathe.
This is the first time I’m seeing or hearing of this man but clearly he holds a powerful position.
I don’t know what he expects of me so I remain silent.
“Perhaps you’re not aware of how things are done in polite society, but when someone introduces themselves you give them your name back.”
I already know without guessing that this man knows exactly who I am. Afterall he’s aware of the room change and he clearly knows how long I’ve been here.
But still, I don’t believe this is someone who should be crossed. He’s not only a high ranking elite, he’s Draken’s family. If there was any conflict, I have no doubt whose side Draken would be on.
“My name is Jamie. I’m the breeder.”
That creepy smile returns. “Of course you are. You’re the reason my cousin had rearranged so much of the staff these past couple weeks.” He shoots another glare in Ayla’s direction.
“Is he not allowed to do that?” I retort before I can stop myself.
His nostrils flare and the smile transforms into a snarl. “You may be my cousin’s breeder but you’re still just a breeder. Watch your fucking tongue.”
I’m hit with flashbacks from my last assignment where Master Fredresk, would be jovial one moment and then angrymaniac the next. I brace myself just in case he decides to get physical with me.
“Chancellor Braeden,” Ayla speaks up, “I must get Miss Jamie back to her room, with our permission of course. She’s tired after a long day touring the fortress.”
He ignores the maid altogether, focusing his narrowed gaze on me. “Keep in mind, Jameshia Green, you are just a breeder. There are many like you out there. Especially ones without a murder flag on their file.”
I stiffen.
Of course he’d know about that. As someone of his ranking, he would have access to view all the files in the Registry.
He steps forward until he’s hovering over me and then he bends over until his hot breath brushes my ear. “Once he gets what he wants, he will discard you. And you will be executed for what you’ve done. But you if you behave yourself, then maybe I can save you.”
Chancellor Braeden then straightens up and steps back. The smile returns. “You’re now dismissed.”
