Page 130 of The Sovereign: Part One
“Pulling the IRDAA now,”he answered.
Calyx projected a rendering of the bill, the language stretched across half the paneled wall in fine, glowing script.I stepped closer, narrowing my eyes at the phrasing in Section Twelve—too broad.It left room for interpretation that could gut the clause entirely if challenged.
I motioned with one hand and said, “Highlight the language regarding biometric variance allowances.”The section burned brighter.
Maxim stood silently behind me, respectful of the shift in my focus.I read it twice, then twice again.“Calyx, replace ‘permitted modifications’ with ‘endorsed individual distinctions.’I don’t want this loopholed into cosmetic upgrades.It has to be about identity, not aesthetics.”
“Confirmed,”Calyx replied, the phrasing updating in real time.
I moved on, combing through the clause regarding assignment cycles.“Strike ‘as determined by supervisor review’ and insert ‘in collaboration with self-governance audits.’We’re not pretending Hiven aren’t capable of some level of agency.Not anymore.”
Feeling the main body was complete, I stepped back.“Now read it aloud.”
Calyx’s smooth, neutral voice filled the room, reciting the entire legislative text.As it rolled through my office, I listened not just for accuracy, but for tone—for the subtle signals of intent, the way the words would land on the ears of the Forum.I needed this to hold up not only under scrutiny, but under sabotage.
When Calyx finished, I nodded slowly.“Save as final.Pin it to the Forum grid for Monday’s docket.”
A moment of silence passed before Maxim slipped his hand into mine.
“All good?”he asked gently.
I nodded.“It is now.”
The Ascens glided to a silent halt, a hiss rising as the threshold panels gave way.Maxim’s fingers were wrapped around mine, stealing glances as if he’d already halfway undressed me in his mind.
He leaned in to speak softly in my ear.“About how long, in your opinion, is too long to stay in bed?”
I smiled—half giddy, half relieved.We’d survived the Tethering, the Oathbond, the countless hellos and goodbyes, congratulations, even an impromptu finalizing of a bill I considered my baby, all in one weekend.
Finally.We would be alone as often as we wanted for the next thirty days.
“Senior Advisor Poeima!”a syrupy voice cooed from across the atrium.
I didn’t even need to turn around.My spine recognized her before my eyes did.
Constant Remus, Senior Marketing Liaison and honorary president of the Smiling Assassins Club, clicked toward us on blade-thin heels, dressed in something just a shade too tight for a Saturday before sunset.Her copper pink pixie cut was lacquered to perfection, her voice three octaves below an insult.
“If it isn’t the Dominion Princess.On a weekend.In Oathbond attire.Not inappropriateat all… if you were worried.”
I rotated slowly, schooling my face into something diplomatic.“Constant.I didn’t expect to see you working today.Or at the Dominion.At all.”
Her lips twitched.“I’m getting an urgent sign-off on a press release going out in the morning.Marketing is around the clock, Isara.We work for a living.”
Maxim straightened slightly beside me, a subtle flex of his posture.Not aggressive, just enough to reassert that he could lift our transport with one arm and pin Constant between it and the exterior walls of the Dominion if she kept talking.
Constant’s eyes raked over him.“And you must be Maxim,” she said, as though tasting the word and finding it overly seasoned.“I’ve seen the renderings, of course, when they came across my desk.But seeing him in person…” She smiled at me.“What can I say?He’s exquisite, and you’re… well, your self-esteem is truly inspiring.”
“Why would renderings ever come across your desk?”I asked.“Never mind.We were just leaving, actually.Thank you for your input, Constant.I’ll be sure to give it the consideration it deserves.”
“I’m just curious,” she said, just as we began to take a step.“Why are you here?In that?”She gestured to my dress.
“Isn’t she stunning?”Maxim asked, squeezing me to his side.
Constant uttered a half-laugh, half-groan, her smile seeming crooked and pained.
I was about to respond—politely, but with teeth—when I felt Maxim go still.Not physically tense, not visibly alert.Just… frozen.His gaze was fixed beyond Constant, toward the wide entry panels.I followed it, scanning the crowd.
And then I saw him.One man.Alone.Walking past us from the Ascens bay toward the entrance.At first glance, he seemed like he belonged there but was in a hurry to leave.
