Page 18 of The Sovereign: Part One
As the Director of Civic Order and Chief Administrator of the Dominion Building, he was both my boss and the overseer of the entire facility.Unlike other company or government buildings, Dominion housed specialists in social sciences, law, and psychology, making its population predominantly Sovereign.Nearly 12,000 Sovereign worked in Dominion, and with Hiven included, the total population was nearly 25,000.That meant Stellan managed the largest workforce of any director in the city, approximately one percent of Hyperion Proper’s entire population.
He offered me a warm, almost paternal smile, one that tempered his commanding presence.Had he been any taller, he would have needed to dip his head to pass beneath the threshold.His silver hair, a crown of experience, framed striking blue eyes that radiated intelligence.A meticulously groomed beard lent him an air of authority, reinforcing the decades he had spent shaping the intricate framework of our society.
I had worked under him for years, and while his influence was undeniable, I had always admired the equilibrium he maintained between power and grace.Even in moments when firm admonition was necessary, he wielded fairness like a blade.This was the reason he commanded not only obedience but also devotion from a vast portion of Hyperion Proper.
Stellan moved with quiet command.His deep plum button-down clung to his broad shoulders, the fabric stretching over parts of his arms just enough to hint at the disciplined conditioning that had honed his frame over the years.There was no wasted movement, no hesitation, only the certainty of a man in complete mastery of himself and the space around him.
“I’ve just come from the committee meeting on the new cultural integration projects,” Stellan began as he lowered himself into the chair across from my desk.“We’re moving forward on schedule.The new outreach programs are coming along nicely, and we’re getting positive feedback from the Vanguard reps about the community engagement initiatives.”
I nodded, grateful for the updates, but I knew he hadn’t descended all the way down from The Apex on sixty to my office on forty-one just to deliver a message that could have been relayed.Whatever it was, it mattered.Still, I’d let him tell me in his own time, something I’d learned to do with my papa.
“Have we finalized the guest list for the upcoming cultural celebration?”I asked.“We need to ensure the proper representation from both the Sovereign and the Supplicants.”
Stellan’s eyes twinkled for a moment, a small chuckle escaping him.“You’re the only person more on top of these things than me, Isara.It’s refreshing.I’ve already put together a preliminary list.You’re familiar with the delicate nature of these events.Too many opinions, too many egos involved.We’ll have to see if the political landscape shifts in the next week or two.”
“Of course,” I said with a small smile.I’d been working with Stellan long enough to know that the world of Hyperion politics was one of constant flux.“Let me know if I can assist with any of the logistics.The last thing we need is another last-minute scramble.”
“Indeed,” he said, nodding.“But you’ve got enough on your plate right now, don’t you think?”
“I don’t mind…” I began, but he raised a hand to stop me.
“You’ve done more than your fair share already, Isara.Your leadership with the integration projects has been exemplary.And now, congratulations are in order for the completion of your Veritas year.You’ve certainly made your mark here.”
I felt a flush creep up my neck.It was something I had been working toward for years, yet hearing the words from Stellan felt different.I had already been proud of the work I’d done in Hyperion’s Cultural Affairs division, but this… this felt like a true acknowledgment of my place within this world.
“Thank you, Stellan.It’s been a challenge balancing the Veritas hours with work, but watching you and Ione, I know it’ll be worth it.”
That gave him pause.He was proud of his family, deeply in love with Ione and his eighteen-year-old twin daughters, Bisska and Bibi, all three having permanent space inside various vintage frames on his desk.He finally looked up with an appreciative grin.“I’m sure you know why I’m here.”
“The speech?”
“The speech,” he said with pride.“I’ve watched the clip four or five times.Inspiring.It makes sense that you’ve gained favor at The Citadel.”
“Oh, I don’t know about that.”
“Chiron and Artemis have scheduled a meeting with you this afternoon.”
My heart shifted from a steady beat to feeling like I’d been running alongside the Skith.I’d known it was coming, but the two of them, together, could be the beginning or the end of anything in Hyperion Proper.
“Today?”I asked, my voice a little sharper than I intended.
“Yes, I know.The timing is tight, and I apologize for the late notice.But they want to meet with you before your extended leave.”
Another department head might’ve taken that moment to complain about the two-month hiatus Sovereign were required to take once they finished their Veritas Protocol, but we happened to be the division who advocated for it.
“They’ll be discussing some future initiatives, and they’ve specifically requested your input.”
I blinked, trying to process the sudden shift.“What kind of initiatives?”
Stellan paused, considering his words carefully.“The Oathbond process and the Accordance phase, among other things.They want your perspective on how the integration of Supplicants into Sovereign households is progressing.Specifically, they’re concerned about the effectiveness of the Vesture period and the transition into the Oathbond.”
My mind whirled.I’d been emotionally preparing for my Courting Commencement Date, my Vesture, and the inevitable blending of my life with Maxim.The thought of discussing those very steps with Chiron and Artemis—at this juncture, just before everything would begin—felt overwhelming.I worried they’d somehow confused me with someone else who had experienced it but knew better than to believe either of them would make that mistake.
“I understand,” I said, determined not to allow my voice to shake.“I’ll be there.”
Stellan grinned, nearly apologetic.“I know it’s a lot to ask.But they value your input, and I believe this meeting will help solidify the foundation for your future role in Hyperion’s leadership.”
I nodded, my stomach tightening.This was it.The beginning of everything.The future that had always been in my peripheral vision, but now it was right in front of me, unavoidable.
