Page 83 of The Sovereign: Part One
Maxim attempted to stifle a grin, resulting in a brief, subdued smile on his lips.I could see the pride in his gaze, the pride that matched my own sense of anticipation.
“We all know exactly when and where,” Avaryn said.“You probably locked down the venue when you were nine.”
“Actually, no,” I snapped back.“I’ve been focused on one thing at a time, and this week we’ve been focused on courting.There are a lot of rules to keep in mind, a schedule to adhere to.”
Avaryn focused her attention on Maxim then, bombarding him with a rapid-fire series of questions.“Which Accordance resort are you gravitating toward?Did you know Isara’s partial to Sentosa?”she asked, raising an eyebrow in challenge.
Maxim smiled, unfazed.“I assumed it was between Sentosa and Summit Ridge, but considering we can go climbing at any time, I deduced it would be Sentosa.”
“Vesna,” Mina called.“Show us information on the Accordance resort properties.”
“Acknowledged.”
I couldn’t help but smile.Vesna had been a constant presence throughout my childhood, a reliable companion in the background of my most cherished memories.It wasn’t just a part of my daily routine, Vesna was a family member in her own right, always there, always anticipating our needs before we even spoke them aloud.I hoped that one day Calyx would be the same for our children.
The interface phased fluidly into the center of the room, displaying a carousel of stunning photos as an image of a woman appeared beside it, smiling brightly as she began to speak.“Located along the artificial shores of Hyperion Proper, Sentosa is the ultimate resort for those seeking tranquility and relaxation, blending natural beauty with state-of-the-art AI technology.The pristine beaches, crafted with perfect white sand and crystal-clear, temperature-controlled waters, provide a serene escape for accordants.Engineered sea breezes and gentle waves create a calming atmosphere as the resort offers an unparalleled blend of luxury and innovation.
At Sentosa, guests enjoy private cabanas with AI-assisted services, exclusive beachfront dining with tailored menus, and rejuvenating spa treatments enhanced by the latest technology.Couples can indulge in intimate moonlit walks along the shore or engage in bespoke water activities such as paddleboarding and immersive underwater exploration.Sentosa is a true sanctuary where relaxation, romance, and futuristic convenience exist in perfect harmony.”
“Boring,” Avaryn said.“Next!”
“For adventure-seeking accordants, Summit Ridge is perched high in the Hyperion Hills not far from The Empyrean Crest, offering an exhilarating blend of excitement and luxury.The resort caters to those who crave exploration in the wilds, with guided hiking, rock climbing, zip-lining, and mountain biking all available to our freshly Oathbound guests.The architecture blends naturally with the rugged terrain, offering panoramic views of the valleys below.After a day of adventure, couples can relax in the resort’s heated infinity pools, enjoy a gourmet meal at the mountaintop restaurant, or unwind with a private campfire experience.Summit Ridge is the ultimate choice for couples who thrive on adrenaline and shared experiences, offering the perfect mix of thrill and romance.”
Avaryn looked absolutely disgusted.“Next!”
“For those who prefer a mix of luxury and sport, Auburn Downs is nestled within a sprawling landscape of lush greenery and manicured golf courses.This resort caters to couples who enjoy both relaxation and the challenge of a round of golf.With a state-of-the-art course designed by world-renowned architects, Auburn Downs offers private lessons, exclusive tournaments, and scenic fairways.The resort also includes intimate dining spots overlooking the greens, a wellness center with hydrotherapy treatments, and peaceful walking paths through the extensive gardens.For couples seeking a superior, yet active Accordance resort experience, Auburn Downs is the perfect destination.”
Avaryn made a face.“These are really all we have?Horrible!”
“We stayed at the Auburn Downs, and as I recall, it was quite lovely,” Mina noted, her amusement clear, but so was the gentle warning in her eyes.
“Doesn’t look like they’ve added any new features since then,” Avaryn muttered.
“Oh, I don’t know,” Papa mused, pushing up his glasses.“It’s Hyperion.Progress is the pulse that keeps it alive.”
For the first time, I detected disdain in his voice, subtle but unmistakable, as though the shine of Hyperion’s ideals had dulled in his eyes.He had grown increasingly drawn to The Vale in the years following his retirement from Hyperion, and I couldn’t help but wonder if that had something to do with it—if, perhaps, he had begun to see The Vale as something more intrinsic to what life was meant to be.
I dared not ask.Papa had always nurtured my curiosity, never seeking to suppress it, teaching me when to guard my questions rather than voice them.
Maxim gave a thoughtful nod.“Well said.Progress sustains a city.Stability ensures growth without erasing what came before,” he said, his tone warm.“The Vale embodies that balance, adapting while holding on to what makes it strong.There’s something to be said for endurance, too.”
Papa leaned forward for a beat, his eyes lighting up as he pointed to Maxim.“Precisely!I’ve been saying it for years.It’s not just about moving forward, it’s about knowing what’s worth carrying with you.Too many forget that.”
Mina chuckled, but there was caution in her eyes.“Careful now,” she murmured, glancing over her shoulder as if the walls themselves could listen.“Hyperion isn’t built on sentiment, and its foundation is best left unquestioned.”Her gaze flicked to Maxim, assessing.“Progress isn’t just encouraged, it’s expected.Comparisons can be interpreted in ways one didn’t intend.”
Avaryn exhaled sharply, sinking back into her seat.“This entire conversation belongs inOthello,” she grumbled.
I shot Avaryn a warning glance before turning back to my parents with a smile.“Maxim and I have talked about visiting The Vale.Maybe we’ll spend a day of our Accordance there.”
Mina’s hand pressed lightly to her chest.“Isara, what are you thinking?You know that’s impossible.Besides putting yourselves in unnecessary danger—”
Avaryn sighed, her tone edged with frustration.“Mina, do you always have to assume the worst?The Vanguard boys do it all the time.”
“Maxim would keep me safe,” I assured them.
Papa patted Avaryn’s knee, his voice gentle but firm.“She’s not being negative, Miša.Your mina is right.The Vanguard boys don’t bring along their accordants.Hiven for protection during travel, maybe, but they aren’t allowed inside The Vale’s boundary fence for more than an hour or two.Nothing is guaranteed outside the wall, and The Vale would forbid Maxim to stay overnight.Even if they did, it wouldn’t be possible.There are no Stasis Bays there.”
“Really?”Avaryn turned to Mina, the edge in her voice fading just enough to betray what I already knew—no matter how much she pretended perpetual annoyance, she always looked to Mina for the truth.
