Page 24 of Chosen (The Registry #2)

“This floor is for use of the high-ranking officials their personal staff, guests, companions and of course you are allowed use of these amenities.”

I notice she didn’t say all the staff. It’s typical of the superious to keep all the good things to themselves. “And what about the other staff?”

“On the next two floors below us, are all staff rooms. There’s a small entertainment room where there are movie nights and each room has access to the fortress’s film library.”

It didn’t sound as grand as having an entire floor dedicated to leisure activities but at least it was something.

Willa then leads me down to the staff floor, with Ayla shadowing us.

There was a stark difference to the other floors.

It lacked the paintings on the wall. The black ceramic was without carpeting like the other floors and the white walls were barren.

The doors were all closer together so I’m sure the rooms aren’t much bigger than the supply closet I was given that first night.

Seeing the class difference was jarring and was further shown on the next floor where the Enforcers were housed. The decorations aren’t as grand but there are paintings on the wall and a forest green carpet. There are also holo monitors in random spots.

The next area I’m taken to is the infirmary. As Willa takes me through the large the sterile white halls, I note the injured, homo sapiens on cots in one large area, despite there being rooms that would have allowed them privacy while they recovered from their ailments.

By the time we make it to the main floor where all the offices, dining area, meeting room and the kitchen is located, my spirits are low.

I’m reminded of the wide gap in the class system between superious and homo sapiens.

And even if there’s a slim chance that Draken decides to keep me on a permanent basis, there would always be these reminders of who he is and who I am.

“Are you alright, Miss Jamie?” Willa asks seeming to sense my despair.

I can only nod, not wanting to make trouble for her. She’s just doing her job. “I’m just a little tired. The fortress is big.” That’s not exactly a lie. This is the most walking I’ve done in ages and there’s a slight ache in my back.

“The fortress is rather large isn’t it. But necessary on order to house the Sector Leader and his the team to support him. However, there’s one more floor I’d like to show you but we can wait until nighttime. That’s the best time to visit.”

“Sure.” I don’t have any desire to see any more of the fortress.

“I think it’s about time for me to check the kitchen for your afternoon snack, Miss Jamie. Ayla, please escort Miss Jamie back to her room.”

Ayla nods. “This way.”

The tall beauty had been so quiet, I’d almost forgotten she was with us the entire time.

Willa walks off in the opposite direction as Ayla takes me back to the elevator.

“So we finally meet.” A deep voice calls from behind me.

I turn to see who is speaking but, Ayla who had been in front of me second before, is in front of me so swiftly that I had barely noticed her move.

She blocks my view so I literally have to lean to the side to see.

I see a superious who isn’t that much taller than Ayla, but the bright blue eyes are reminiscent of Draken’s except these are somehow colder, despite the owner wearing a wide smile.

There’s something about that smile that makes me uneasy.

He only spares a brief glance in Ayla direction before giving a gruff, “Move.”

Ayla hesitates for the briefest of seconds, but it seems long enough to irritate this superious who clearly holds a high-ranking position.

His uniform is like Draken’s but there are more embellishments like the gold ropes on both shoulders and the silver metals and different colored ribbons on his breast pocket.

He shoots a narrow-eyed stare in the maid’s direction before focusing his attention back to me.

There is something eerie about seeing eyes similar to Draken’s in the face of this cold man.

There’s a large scar that runs from the corner of his left eye down his cheek and stopping just below his bottom lip.

It was jarring in an otherwise, unmemorable face.

His features were sharp from the dark bushy brows that slash over his eyes, a long nose and thin red lips.

His black hair is short and barely reaches his ears.

He steps closer and I see Ayla sway at my side as if she wants to jump in front of me again.

I take a step backward.

That creepy grin returns. “There’s no need to be scared of me, but I can understand why you might be a little wary. I’m told I look a lot like my cousin and I can only imagine what it’s been like being in his company. He’s not known for keeping his temper in check.”

Cousin? I can only assume that this is Draken’s cousin. It’s a stretch to say that they look anything alike. The eyes and the hair coloring is where the similarities end.

There was something cruel about those eyes.

I take another step backward.

He takes a step forward getting closer to me than I’m comfortable with. “Have you enjoyed your stay so far?” He asks as if I’m here for a leisurely visit.

“It’s fine.”

“My apologies for the mix up about your room. I trust the one that you’re currently in is more to your liking.

Oh, where are my manners,” he chuckles as if he’s told a funny joke.

“I’m Chancellor Braeden. I take care of the operation of the fortress and the Sector whenever the Sector Leader is unavailable.

And if you haven’t figured it out, he is my cousin.

” His smile widens and I don’t like the way his eyes sweep over him.

He gives me a slow perusal seeming to undress me with his eyes. I suddenly feel the need to bathe.

This is the first time I’m seeing or hearing of this man but clearly he holds a powerful position.

I don’t know what he expects of me so I remain silent.

“Perhaps you’re not aware of how things are done in polite society, but when someone introduces themselves you give them your name back.”

I already know without guessing that this man knows exactly who I am. Afterall he’s aware of the room change and he clearly knows how long I’ve been here.

But still, I don’t believe this is someone who should be crossed. He’s not only a high ranking elite, he’s Draken’s family. If there was any conflict, I have no doubt whose side Draken would be on.

“My name is Jamie. I’m the breeder.”

That creepy smile returns. “Of course you are. You’re the reason my cousin had rearranged so much of the staff these past couple weeks.” He shoots another glare in Ayla’s direction.

“Is he not allowed to do that?” I retort before I can stop myself.

His nostrils flare and the smile transforms into a snarl. “You may be my cousin’s breeder but you’re still just a breeder. Watch your fucking tongue.”

I’m hit with flashbacks from my last assignment where Master Fredresk, would be jovial one moment and then angry maniac the next. I brace myself just in case he decides to get physical with me.

“Chancellor Braeden,” Ayla speaks up, “I must get Miss Jamie back to her room, with our permission of course. She’s tired after a long day touring the fortress.”

He ignores the maid altogether, focusing his narrowed gaze on me. “Keep in mind, Jameshia Green, you are just a breeder. There are many like you out there. Especially ones without a murder flag on their file.”

I stiffen.

Of course he’d know about that. As someone of his ranking, he would have access to view all the files in the Registry.

He steps forward until he’s hovering over me and then he bends over until his hot breath brushes my ear. “Once he gets what he wants, he will discard you. And you will be executed for what you’ve done. But you if you behave yourself, then maybe I can save you.”

Chancellor Braeden then straightens up and steps back. The smile returns. “You’re now dismissed.”

I’d gotten too comfortable, but this was a reminder that my life was insignificant in their eyes and I could trust no one.