Page 17 of The Sovereign: Part One
“We’ll be very happy.”
“You and…”
“Maxim.”
“Yes.Maxim.”
“I can’t wait for you to meet him.”
He chuckled.“I can’t wait foryouto meet him.Well, actually, I can.”
A laugh erupted from my chest.“I’m going to be so happy, Papa.Things are… changing.In a good way.”
“Good,” he said, his voice warm.“You deserve nothing less, kitten.”
“I delivered a speech yesterday.All thirteen council members were there, dozens of the Vanguard, and the Primarch and Minister, too.”
He choked for a few seconds before responding.“What kind of speech?”
“It was supposed to be my usual talk on statistics, but… I’d just finished my Eidolon, and… I spoke on that.”
“And?”
“Sorran and Jhendai came over after.They want a meeting.They loved it and want to hear more about my perspective.”
“Isara… I’m so proud!That’s wonderful!You’re sure they were happy?You were cautious?”
“I’m sure, Papa.You have nothing to worry about.”
He sighed.“I always knew you were capable of great things, but this”—his voice wavered, pride woven into every word—“A meeting with Chiron and Artemis?That’s not just an honor, Isara.That’s influence.”
I smiled, warmth blooming in my chest.“I know.”
“You’re stepping into something bigger now,” he continued, a thoughtful pause stretching between us.“And I know you, Isara.You’ve always been wise with your words, but don’t let them mold you into something you’re not.Speak your truth.Carefully, of course.”
“I’ll carefully do my best,” I assured him.
He exhaled, the tension in his voice fading.“Good.Now, tell me.When is your Courting Commencement Date?I need time to prepare for the inevitable discomfort of knowing my daughter will no longer be living alone.”
I laughed, shaking my head.“One major milestone at a time, Papa.”
As the call ended, I let out a breath, already thinking of what I’d say to my sister.I’d have to find the right balance between guidance and letting her remain exactly who she was.And somehow, that felt far more daunting than a meeting with Chiron and Artemis.
Chapter Five
As soon as I stepped into my office, Calyx’s smooth voice greeted me.“Good morning, Isara.Predictably punctual.The temperature in Hyperion Proper is an invigorating twelve degrees Celsius, with minimal atmospheric disturbances.Your schedule has been streamlined for optimal productivity.A call with Avaryn to arrange brunch today has been designated as priority one.I’ve organized your upcoming tasks, now accessible on your interface.”
Calyx wasn’t confined to my home; his voice followed me everywhere, transmitted through Hyperion’s integrated auditory network.Every Sovereign was connected via a discreet, near-field transmission implant nestled just behind the ear, allowing for direct, uninterrupted communication no matter where they were in Hyperion Proper.Calyx was an ever-present aide, ensuring nothing slipped through the cracks.
So far, no urgent relays, no malfunctioning systems, no delayed schedules, and no unexpected visitors demanding attention—a rarity, but I knew better than to relax just yet.The murmur of the Dominion building echoed from somewhere deep in its core, the transpane walls of my office offering a panoramic view of the garden below… suspiciously quiet for a Monday morning, but I didn’t dare dwell on it for too long, much less say it aloud.It was becoming harder to resist basking in the morning sun streaming through the clean lines of my workspace.
I ran my hand over my desk, letting the ivory glow christen my skin, and then took in a deep, cleansing breath, centering myself.The ascent begins.I had reports to turn in, projects to delegate, and… a wedding to plan.
A smile tugged at the edge of my lips, the very same that would soon be casually connecting with Maxim’s.
I barely had time to glance at my calendar before Calyx’s voice announced, “Director Stellan Dorne is approaching.”
A moment later, the glide of my office panel signaled his arrival.Calyx restricted access for everyone except Bellam and Stellan—say that ten times fast—but only Stellan’s arrival warranted a notification.
