Page 43 of The Gods Veiling
“The role description of the Attendants took me by surprise because it sounded like you were describing slaves not gods, High Chancellor…sir.”
Do you say sir to gods?
There’s an annoyance in his eyes that I can’t decipher. He’s most certainly pissed the fuck off that I spoke out of turn, but he also seems more aggravated that I called him out on that distasteful description.
Quiet murmuring floats through the air from the Attendants and Chancellors staring at me as this monumental embarrassment goes down. As the noise grows, though, the annoyance in the High Chancellor’s glare morphs. The new look reveals his true beliefs, and he straightens his robes as he takes a step away from me.
Someone really doesn’t like being called out and made to look bad…
“Where are you from, Thayla Godrun?”
“Oddian.”
“Ah, yes, well, that explains your ignorance, poor girl. I will excuse your outburst and accept your forgiveness. I am sure living a life in the lowest region of our realm has stunted any sort of proper education you should have received. Have no fear, we will catch you up. There have been many in your situationbefore. You will learn the relevance—importance—of the Attendants. Observe your fellow Chosen who shall be so worthy to receive one.”
With that, he gathers his robe and turns dramatically away from me. His single glare in the direction of the Attendants has them all hushing, but my heartbeat blares in my ears and pounds in my chest.
He positions himself right back where he was standing and carries on as though he didn’t just say what he did to me.
In front of every-fucking-one.
Heat from a body pressing in behind me only makes the temperature of my own rise. “I know you’re mad at me, but I beg you for the love of the stars, do not react, Thayla. He’s the High Chancellor. There’s no telling how long he’s been a god.”
Mellcom’s quiet whisper penetrates the murderous thoughts racing through my mind. I just want to walk over to one of those stupid-ass god head statues and throw it in the High Chancellor’s face.
Lambrit also slides over enough that our arms touch. I’m not sure if he’s planning on snatching me up if I take a step forward or lending support.
My shoulders relax after a number of deep breaths, but the twitch in my fingers remains. Either Mellcom senses me calming down or he’s just standing so fucking close to me he feels my body’s reaction because he takes a step back. Lambrit, on the other hand, doesn’t move an inch.
“The test will be administered in the order in which the Veiling’s choosing took place today. If by chance one of you are placed as an Attendant, and one of the Chosen is given your name, you will step forward then as well.”
I grind my teeth when the High Chancellor’s eyes run over me.
Asshole god.
“We shall start with the Abernie region.”
Of course we will.
Based on his little comment about Oddian, I already know he’s going to call us last. Which means, if I’m not an Attendant for someone in this room, I’m literally going to be the very last person tested.
I hate this place so much already.
Another Chancellor steps up and I’m assuming he’s the one who was present in the Abernie Veiling. He clears his voice and unrolls a small scroll all while observing me closely.
His attention makes me even more uncomfortable and although he isn’t going to call my name, my nerves soar. I gulp down the lump forming in my throat and wait for the tense silence to be broken.
“Albert DeWalsh.”
Every eye in the room tracks Albert as he walks confidently toward the Volreen and Chancellors. Much like many of the other men in this group, he’s tall, fit, and looks like he’s been preparing for this moment his whole life.
“Reach your hand in the Volreen. When you feel your parchment in your grasp, pull it out,” his Chancellor instructs.
With a confident nod, he does just that. I force myself not to shift on my feet as we wait. The anticipation I’m going to have to face before it’s my turn is going to kill me.
Albert’s exhale is loud, and the room collectively releases a breath with him. His fingers shake as he passes his parchment to the High Chancellors, who reads it over himself before giving Albert a small smile.
“Wonderful start, Albert. Your dominant Designation is Defender. Followed by Ruler, Guider, Plentiful, then Healer. No place in Attendant at all, and you are worthy of one. Cecil Maro, come forward.”
