Page 20 of The Sovereign: Part One
Avaryn grumbled as she rubbed her face.“Why is she like that?She’s lucky she’s the best mom ever.I only forgave her because it was hilarious in hindsight, and it’s been a hit when I tell the story at the other parties.”
“Were you still in there when she ran an entire history report on legal drinking ages across different societies and then asked why Sovereign don’t complete brain development before the milestone if it’s so important?She called it ‘inefficient biological timing.’”
Avaryn cackled.“I wasn’t, but that’s actually a good point.”
“Don’t encourage her,” I said, feeling my eyes begin to water.
We both laughed, settling into comfortable silence before I cleared my throat.“I wanted to talk to you about something.”
Avaryn’s mirth faded.“Uh-oh.You’re using the big sister voice.”
I smiled, trying to keep my voice bright.“Brunch?”
Her eyes narrowed.“Brunch or a lecture?”
“Both?”I offered sweetly.
She sighed, tossing an arm over her face.“Let me guess.Dad told you about the infraction?”
“And the social point deduction,” I said, my tone firm but not unkind.“You know that behavior isn’t overlooked, Avaryn.What were you thinking?”
She huffed.“It was one point.Worth it.”
“One point is a reflection of judgment,” I reminded her.“It might seem small, but in Hyperion, perception is everything.Even minor deductions shape how others see you, and by extension, our family, and that can have lasting effects.You’re young and rebellious and independent, I get it.But you’re also smart enough to know how much perception matters.”
Surnames in Hyperion were more than just identifiers, they were legacies, carried unbroken through generations.Male Supplicants took the surname of their female Sovereign, just as Maxim would take the Poeima name.The practice stemmed from the Family Integration Protocol, a program designed to address the Birth Crisis while preserving balance in our growing but fragile new society.Decades of research concluded that, in exchange for every Sovereign receiving at least a base-model Supplicant, each Oathbonded couple was required to adopt two children, ensuring population stability and sustained lineage without disruption.The Sovereign Lineage Safeguard was then put in place, to prevent gender bias, making daughters just as valuable as sons.Surnames were now forever, and a reflection of history, reputation, and the honor we upheld.To stain that name was to stain a lineage, and that was something no one could dismiss as trivial.
Avaryn sighed, rolling onto her side.“Fine, I’ll meet you for lunch so you can yell at me.But I’m only agreeing if we can meet at Halcyon.”
“Perfect.You should get dressed.I have an important meeting early this afternoon.”
She blinked at me.“Wait.Important as in…?Does it have to do with Maxim?”
“As in Chiron Sorran and Artemis Jhendai requested a meeting after my speech last week.”
Her mouth dropped open.“And it’s a good thing?”
“It seems so.”
“You’re serious.”
“Deadly.”
“What in The Vale, Isara?That’s huge!”
“I know,” I muttered.“That’s why I need to get back and go over a few things beforehand.”
We said our goodbyes, and I disconnected the call just as Bellam strode into my office, a knowing look on her face.“I assume that call went well?”
“Well enough,” I replied.“She agreed to lunch.She’s easily manipulated with food.”
Bellam smirked.“Classic Avaryn.”She dropped into the chair across from my desk.“So.Chiron and Artemis.”
I exhaled.“Yes.I was about to start my outline.”
Bellam tilted her head.“Did Stellan give you topic points?”
“Yes, but they feel… insufficient.”
