Page 8 of The Sovereign: Part One
Artemis folded her arms, considering me.“I’d like to hear more about your perspective.We’ll set up a meeting.Soon.”
I nodded, forcing myself to remain composed, even as the implications of their interest settled over me like a second skin.
Behind them, Constant stood still, her fingers curling into her palms, her carefully crafted plan to expose me as being incompetent crumbling before her eyes.
I returned to my office via the Skith to find Bellam already waiting.Her eyes gleamed with barely contained excitement.“Everyone’s talking about it.Chiron and Artemis were at the Enclave?They heard your speech!What the Vale was that?They never make unscheduled appearances.”
I exhaled, dropping into my chair.“I don’t know.But whatever it was, it means something.”
Bellam crossed her arms.“Have you checked if your Court Date has been scheduled yet?”
I looked around.“It’s a courting commencement date, Bell.They don’t like the diminutive.”
“I don’t care.I’m not saying all that.”
I sighed.“For the record,you’rethe bad influence.”
She shrugged.“I’m efficient.Answer my question.Have you checked?”
“You know it’s auto-populated once the final segment is complete.”
“So check, you glitch, I need to know!”
“Okay, okay, no need to be mean about it,” I said, tapping into my auric interface.“There.See?Saturday.”I paused.“Ish, that’s a week from tomorrow.I’m going to meet Maxim ineightdays.”I waited for excitement, panic, or anything at all to strike.Nope.Nothing.“It still doesn’t feel real.”
Bellam sighed, tilting her head as she stared at the date hovering in the air between us.“The 21stis your Court Date, and thirty days after that is your Oathbond.I can’t believe you’ll be someone’s wife in less than five weeks.”
“Bellam… he looked at me.”
“Who?Chiron?”
I shook my head.“Maxim.I can’t explain it, but… he saw me.He was just as excited as I was.”
Bellam’s skeptical expression didn’t waver.“A rendering looked down at you… with emotion?”
“I mean, why not?His file is complete.”
“I’ve never heard of that happening,” she said, dismissive.
“That doesn’t mean it doesn’t.”I hesitated, struggling to put it into words.“I wish I could describe it to you.His eyes were… No one has ever looked at me that way before.”
She studied me for a moment before breaking into a smirk.“Either way, you’re going to have to be better than your best.The brass has its eyes on you now.”
I sighed, shaking my head.“That’s incredibly motivating.Thanks.”
Bellam grinned.“Always here for you, Is.”
Chapter Three
Celestines was one of the most exclusive epicurean houses in Hyperion Proper, nestled in the heart of the city, the Core District, and where only the most elite dined.The interior was sleek, minimalist, and scented faintly with citrus and spice.Through the broad expanse of transpane, the Skith slipped over the Skybridge, painting a living fresco of light and motion behind the murmured conversations of Vanguard families and influential officials.
Bellam practically trembled with excitement beside me, her eyes two restless seas, scanning the crowd as if she might spot one of the fabled socialites she had only ever heard about.“I can’t believe I’m finally meeting Lourdes.And at Celestines, no less!Do you think we’ll be seated on the terrace?Or do Vanguard families always dine in the private suites?”
I smiled at her enthusiasm, adjusting the cuffs of my blouse.“You don’t have to act like they’re something unattainable, Bell.They’re just Sovereign, like us.”
She was suddenly unimpressed, but only with my nonchalance.“The Vanguard isn’t a club you can charm your way into.You’re either born into it, or you’re not.Lourdes Vasthane is literally the V of the Vanguard families.”
“I’m just trying to say that it’s nothing to be nervous or starstruck about.Lourdes is still the same girl I grew up with.”
