Page 41 of The Sovereign: Part One
Maxim released my jaw from his gentle grip, just to slip his fingers between mine.In the next movement, he spun the nav ring and then turned the transport in the opposite direction.
“What are we exploring today?”I asked.
“Have you heard of Brym?I was looking at it last night, and it’s a bit out of the way, but the area is great and it seems to be highly regarded in the Garden District.”
“I have heard of it.It’s right across from Avaryn’s favorite place, Halcyon.I’ve seen it a dozen times, but I’ve never had the chance to go in and check it out.”
“Perfect,” Maxim murmured, brushing a kiss over my knuckles, pride flickering in his eyes at yet another small victory.
He side-eyed me once, a second time, and then looked over.“You’re suddenly tense.Are you sure you’re okay with that spot?I have two other options lined up.”
“No, I’ve really been looking forward to experiencing Brym, but…”
“But…?”
“It’s not really appropriate second date conversation.”
“I see.”
“I thought you didn’t link to my biorhythms until the evening before the Oathbond.Why do I get the distinct impression you always know what I’m feeling?”
He smothered a grin before nodding toward me.“Your shoulders.Might want to ease them down before you start carrying tension.Massage therapy is considered a serious violation of Vesture Protocol.”
“I can’t imagine why,” I said, staring at the droplet-covered window, determined to keep a straight face.
Maxim let out a chuckle, and before I could stop it, I began to cackle.When we finally regained enough composure to talk without breaking into laughter again, the conversation slipped into an easy tempo, just like it had at the park, as if no time had passed at all.The cityscape blurred past in a streak of neon reflections on wet pavement, the drone of the transport low and fixed beneath our conversation.We talked about everything and nothing—how the rain always seemed to make Hyperion Proper feel smaller, how Maxim had noticed Brym because of its unique seasonal menu when he was searching for highly-rated venues, and how I not-so-secretly loved the way the air smelled after a storm.With every small exchange, we uncovered layers of each other.Though, in truth, it was mostly Maxim uncovering mine, but it made the minutes slip away unnoticed.
By the time we arrived at Brym, the rain had moved on, leaving behind a world rinsed clean, its streets illuminated by the glow of the HaloGrid tracing along the buildings and walkways.Maxim carried the umbrella anyway, a silent acknowledgment of unpredictability.Walking through the parking lot was an unfamiliar practice, but I was already quite enjoying it.The serene moments on the Skith were nothing in comparison to being on Maxim’s arm.
I glanced up at him, my arm hooked under his as he held it firmly against him.His free hand reached across to clasp mine, even though my fingers barely peeked out from beneath his bicep.His expression radiated pride, as if he wanted the world to know I belonged there, beside him, our love both latent and inevitable.He caught my gaze and, as if sensing the thought before I voiced it, adjusted his grip ever so slightly, leading me across the street to the entrance of Brym.
The exterior was a contradiction, a sleek façade of dark transpane and warm, rustic signage that attempted to soften its sharp, modern edges.Brym wanted to be an intimate, family-run breakfast spot, but the flawless symmetry of its architecture and the careful curation of its casual aesthetic gave away the fact that it took itself a little too seriously.
Inside, the air carried the scent of slow-brewed chicory and caramelized grains.Pendant lights hung from the ceiling in precise intervals, casting a golden sheen over booths lined with plush seating that would’ve communicated casual had it not been a famously limited-edition vintage print.
I glanced at Maxim, amused.“This place is adorable.Almost like it wants to be a hidden gem, but it alsoreallywants you to know it’s a hidden gem.”
He chuckled, scanning the room.“It does seem to be caught between authenticity and perfectionism.But the reviews were promising.”
I took in a deep whiff, instantly identifying roasted cacao and steamed cream.“Do you smell that?”I asked, breathing in again.“No wonder everyone loves this place.”
“So, we like it so far?”Maxim asked, his voice laced with anticipation.
I nodded.“We like it so far.”
The mingling scents curled into the crisp morning air.Maxim sat across from me, his fingertips brushing mine in a gesture so casual it seemed like breathing for him.His gaze subtly alternated between me and our surroundings, vigilant about my safety even in a quiet café.
“I have to know,” Maxim said, stirring his drink thoughtfully.“About last night.I keep replaying it in my mind.”
I smiled.“Yeah?”
“It might sound strange to call it the best night of my life, and yet it’s true.”
“I can verify that with years of experience, it was still the best night of my life.”
His gaze lifted to meet mine.“Really,” he said, surprised.“Because between the data transfers and assessments at The Crèche, I’ve had ample time to reflect.”
“I’m sorry you have to stay there,” I said.“Is there anything you can do that feels like rest, something to help pass the time?”
