Page 41 of The Gods Veiling (The Valorian Veil #1)

I roll my eyes at Riven’s instigating. From the moment he joined us for breakfast, he’s been trying to get a rise out of Amick and Thayla. I’m not sure if it’s to start her day off rough or he’s just pestering Amick like normal, but neither is giving him the time .

Amick and Creed have been silent like usual as we make our way to the Assembly while Thayla has been having quiet conversations with Yemi.

I tried to break the ice with a big smile when we walked out of the house and saw her standing there waiting for us, but she’s more nervous than a cornered animal.

She may need time to adjust to being around us.

We can be a lot.

“So we’ll be going to the Athenaeum this morning for a few hours, then we’ll do whatever you want for lunch. We return to the Athenaeum, then you’ll get a few hours of break before training this afternoon.”

“And you’ll be with me the whole time?” Thayla asks her quietly, but I’m eavesdropping so hard, I hear it.

“Yes, for today. This is also where Lambrit will spend all of his time, so you’ll see him. But remember, tomorrow, I have my own new lesson, so I won’t be with you for a couple of hours that morning.”

“I already forgot. I need to remember your schedule and mine.”

“Don’t worry. I’ve made a comprehensive one that has our tentative schedules written out together based on your Valtrue’s assumption of what you’ll be doing this week. The times that overlap where I won’t be with you are scribbled in red. You won’t miss it.”

Thayla blows out a harsh breath. “You’re the best.”

So that’s why she wanted to know what her schedule would look like.

It looks like Yemi isn’t fearful of her like she is us.

That could be a good sign.

I can’t help but ask the burning question, though, as soon as we step onto the Assembly lawn. “Is Lambrit your ex-lover?”

Both gasp at me. Yemi’s I believe was a choked laugh while Thayla’s was outrage. “Not that it’s any of your business, but no. Lambrit’s my best friend. He’s the one with a Designation only in Guider.”

That grabs Amick’s attention. Not enough that he speaks to her, but enough he cuts his eyes over.

Riven spins on his heels, causing Yemi to immediately stop walking and shift behind Thayla. It’s a pretty normal reaction from most who come near him other than us.

“Well, ladies, this is where our Ruler and I leave you. I’ve left some surprises in the Athenaeum for your first day. Be a good little burden and cause some trouble for me in my absence. ”

Red creeps up Amick’s neck, but he keeps quiet, and I focus on the furious coloring taking over Thayla’s face.

“Did you just call me a burden? Again?”

“That I did. Because you are one. A cute one, though. We must be off. Don’t make us late.” Riven waves her off with a flick of his wrist and I step between them.

“Don’t pay him any attention.”

“Is he really helping you with your meeting?” she asks when she focuses on me.

Riven lays his chin on my shoulder and no matter how many times I shrug him off, he comes back. “I’m offended by your incredulous tone. I’m amazing with people.”

“Clearly,” she deadpans, then turns her attention back to me. “I’ll keep you in my prayers.”

Her sharp tone makes me snort, but I also wonder which god it is she does pray to. Is it our meddling mentor or someone else?

“Have a good first day. I may see you at lunch, depending on how this meeting goes.”

“Good luck with that,” she says, then huffs when she glances over to see Amick nor Creed have waited for her. “Fucking assholes. We’re going to be lost or worse, run into one of the Chancellors.”

I shake my head and laugh as she grips Yemi’s arm and drags her along to catch up. After her arrival, I can see why running into one of them would be worse than being lost here. If she weren’t trotting away so fast, I’d warn her not to worry. Most of them will be with me.

Unfortunately.

“My, you find her amusing.”

I cut my eyes over at him. “I do. She’s funny. One of us has to make a good impression and keep the peace.”

“I made a great first impression. I stole her breath and gave her a gift.”

I sigh when I see he’s dead-ass serious. “You’re lucky all she did was slap you. Plus, she thinks you’re a psycho.”

“Does she, really?” He smiles like that’s the best news.

“I’m not doing this with you today. This meeting is going to be rough, and I don’t need your distractions. ”

“You’re not getting rid of me that easily. I’m needed today despite how it’s messing up all my plans. The High Chancellor informed me yesterday that the Obliraguards are pissed and they may need some calming down.”

My footsteps fall still. “How pissed? And when did you talk to the High Chancellor?”

“Yesterday while I was planting their surprises. And pissed, pissed. Something about their watch times have been extended, fewer rotations, and the Chancellors aren’t doing enough.”

“Damn it, Riven. Why didn’t you tell me this yesterday?”

I stomp in the direction of the path toward the temples. I was supposed to meet the Chancellors who are attending this meeting there after their morning prayer.

And fuck me, we’re late.

They’re already standing here, waiting on me, and I tilt my head as I march up to them. I refuse to full-on bow like most do, but I show enough respect not to hear their mouths.

“It would seem gaining a Binder has thrown off your punctuality, Kyzen,” the High Chancellor states the second Riven joins at my side.

“Not at all. We just wanted to make sure we showed her off with Amick and Creed properly. Are we ready to go?”

“Yes. Your brother has filled you in on the Obliraguards grievances, I assume?”

“He has. Do you have your own you’d like to express before we get there?” I ask.

“No. I expect that you know what is in our best interest.”

Riven makes a gagging noise as the High Chancellor grips his robe and twirls around. Basically, dismissing us although we’re going to the same damn place. I hold my smirk in place even though on the inside, I’m pissed.

The Chancellors, most of them, have this superiority complex that makes them believe everything they say and do is right. While I know, if what Riven said is true about the Obliraguards’ grievances, then the Chancellors are in the wrong.

Time to find out.

We starshoot clear across Godsden in a matter of seconds and appear in the area I’m least fond of. None of the residents of our region want to live this close to the barrier. For good reason.

What’s kept out—or at least what we’ve attempted to keep out—has decimated the surrounding space each time they break through the other side. We’ve been keeping the rift from the other side at bay for longer than I’ve been alive .

It gets harder to do that with each passing year.

I’m well aware of the barrier that lines Thayla’s home region, but I have no clue if it’s like ours.

This barrier was created by the God of Boundaries before he disappeared.

He placed it and fortified it, but each passing year, it gets easier for those on the other side to pass through if we don’t stop them before.

“Kyzen.” Brock, the guard leader, stretches his hand out for me to shake. He pinches his lips as my power flows from me with a mere thought.

A bubble surrounds him, Riven, the Chancellors, and me as moments from now begin to play out.

I hold on to him as time around us speeds forward, but everything moves in eerie silence. That’s the unfortunate downside of not having all my power released.

Sound.

I’m only able to watch a few moments in time of what may happen.

I observe intently and attempt to read both Brock’s and the High Chancellor’s lips as they shape words. As the conversations unfold, their bodies begin reacting to the emotions they’re feeling.

Brock’s face turns red as his fist balls at his side, then he flings his arm out with his finger pointed toward the barrier. The High Chancellor has his hands laced in front of him, as do the others behind him. They all seem bored with whatever fury is coming out of Brock’s mouth.

Even my own mouth begins to move, but I can’t control it or hear it. I sense the irritation in myself, though, and it’s proven to be the case when the High Chancellor narrows his eyes at me.

His mouth clearly states a firm no. It’s easy enough for me to read.

With that declaration, Brock throws his hands in the air and stomps toward the barrier before I can stop him.

Well, this is going to be fan-fucking-tastic.

I have to set this up to where it goes smoothly from the start. More than likely, I’m going to have to kiss the High Chancellor’s ass, which is always such a treat.

I exhale slowly and time stills. The brief pause doesn’t last long enough to even notice before it all rewinds. My power recedes the moment time reaches the exact instant Brock first gave me a nod.

To him and the others, mere milliseconds passed, while for me, minutes.

With a tight smile, we release hands and I peer over my shoulder at Riven. He’s giddy, but I jerk my head and he exhales dramatically .

His power washes over us and the bunched muscles around Brock’s shoulders relax. The Chancellors all make a noise of contentment before glaring at Riven.

“What was the meaning of that?” the High Chancellor asks.

By his scowl, he meant for it to be authoritative. Because of Riven’s power, it was gentle. I cover my snort with a cough and hold my hands out.

“We’re going to go into this amicably. Brock, explain what’s going on.”

He eyes the High Chancellor with unfiltered disdain, then focuses on me.

“The attacks and attempts to break through the stronghold and barrier have been growing tenfold for the past month. The night before the Veiling, twelve Oblirians got through. If it wasn’t for our men on this side, there’s no telling how far they would’ve gotten.

This side is holding strong with plenty of resources and rotations from the Godsdawn. My four Valtrues need help over there.”