Page 74 of The Sovereign: Part One
“Shall I allow it to aerate further, or is it to your preference?”Andress asked.
Maxim gave an approving nod without the taste test, while Leopold simply lifted his leir toward Andress in silent acceptance.
Andress handed off the tray to a Hiven passing by and clasped her hands together.“Will you be needing a few more moments before ordering the first course?”
Lourdes barely glanced at the menu before gesturing for it to disappear.“Andress, I’ll start with the Alveare Amuse-Bouche, and the Salmon with white truffle puree for the main course.”
Bellam ordered next, then Roan.I suddenly felt under pressure, still looking for something that stood out to me.
Maxim leaned in slightly, speaking low enough for only me to hear.“The Vellichor Consommé is a nice choice, considering your leanings toward layered, earthy flavors.And for the main course, the saffron-poached halibut,” he suggested.“The balance of umami and acidity will suit your palate.”
The corners of my lips curved.“You’re sure?”
His nod was almost imperceptible, but there was secret excitement in it.
I gestured to excuse the menu.“The Vellichor Consommé, and the halibut for the main course.”
Maxim’s expression transformed into something I hadn’t quite seen before—a quiet satisfaction, as though the moment meant something more to him than just an order.
Lourdes caught it immediately.“Okay, that’s adorable.”
Maxim sat back, not flustered in the least.“Understanding Isara goes beyond purpose.It’s something I genuinely value.”
Roan was too busy hoping Bellam would acknowledge him to notice, but Lourdes and especially Leopold watched Maxim with curious eyes.Nothing went beyond purpose for a Supplicant.
“Lourdes, I hear you’re on the board for the Ashroth’s Gala,” I said quickly.
She abruptly put down her leir, scrambling to swallow her drink to talk about it.
“Now you’ve done it,” Leopold teased.
“Leo, stop.You know it’s my pride and joy.Isara, it’s going to be the grandest event of the year.It’s at the end of the month.Youmustcome.Bellam, too.”
I closed my eyes, knowing my brilliant distraction was about to result in the very thing I’d meant to avoid.I tried to head it off.“Maxim?That will be right before our Oathbond.”
“We’d love t—” Maxim began.
“And I’ll personally see to it that Bellam graces the occasion with her presence, sister,” Roan said.
Bellam scoffed.“I’m afraid I have nothing appropriate to wear to a Vanguard Gala.”
I slightly dipped my chin a few times in agreement.“Now that you mention it, I can’t say I do, either.”
“Nonsense,” Lourdes replied.“I’ll send you both options.We’re all about the same size.If necessary, you can borrow my tailor.”
Bellam looked at me with a smile that didn’t touch her eyes.Roan, however, was nearly euphoric.
“Lovely,” Bellam said, struggling to maintain a believable tone.“Can’t wait.”
Leopold’s smile didn’t falter, but his gaze briefly danced between us, catching the strain threading through the conversation.With an easy laugh, he slipped in, his voice lifting just enough to steer the exchange back toward smoother, more polite conversation, “Maxim, you seem to be enjoying your Vesture.”
Maxim, to his credit, didn’t hesitate.“How could I not?”he said, leaning forward, his hands in his lap.“I surprised her with a day at the Simban Street Carnival yesterday, which,” he chuckled, “I’d say she rather enjoyed.”
I pressed my lips together, trying to suppress my laughter.Maxim had, true to form, turned the day into something far more extravagant than I’d expected.
I’d heard of the Simban Street Carnival but never experienced it myself, too busy focusing on my social, credit, and health scores.He wouldn’t tell me where we were going until we arrived, and it instantly took me back to my days as a Tier Two student.The carnival was a whirlwind of color and sound, a sensory overload of flashing lights, lively music, and the scent of spun sugar curling through the air.Maxim had taken an almost scientific approach to the game booths, studying the mechanics before executing each toss, shot, or ring with unnerving precision.
At one stall, he’d won me a massive stuffed bear: comically oversized, nearly as tall as I was, with velvety golden fur and an embroidered bow that matched Maxim’s trench coat as if it was part of the plan.It had drawn more attention than either of us, forcing us to navigate the crowds with me half-hidden behind it while Maxim carried it effortlessly under one arm, looking entirely too pleased with himself.
