Surprise meeting.
Vote passed.
Mandatory measuring two weeks’ time. Power Worthiness Test.
Including chosen Attendants.
“Thank you for bringing this to me.”
“What does it mean?”
My head snaps in his direction. “Did you read it?”
“I did.”
“Why?”
“The way he smiled at Thayla made me uneasy. It didn’t quite reach his eyes, and it was tight. Then the urgency in his tone as he asked me to give it to you, rather than asking her. I got the sense he didn’t want her to read it and then ask him questions.”
That’s exactly why he gave it to him.
She, no doubt, would’ve flipped it over and read it right then.
“I need to think about this and then inform my Valtrue at one time. The High Chancellor just changed a policy that’s been in place for centuries. Once I discuss it with them, we’ll let you know.”
The dissatisfaction is clear on his face. There’s nothing else I can give him right now, though. This is very upsetting news, but it doesn’t directly affect him, so his need to know will have to wait. He finally nods and turns toward the door.
“Tell Thayla to give me a moment.”
He doesn’t respond as he slips out of my office silently. The click of the door shutting echoes around me, and I breathe through the turmoil attempting to boil me from the inside out.
What I wouldn’t give to be able to tear through Harriseen’s mind and figure out what dangerous game he’s playing.
With everything that’s been going on last week, when he released us from our duties and changed the monthly meeting to later this week, I didn’t blink an eye. I chalked it up to him viewing himself as too good to file the notes from the meeting.
Not once did I recall that this month’s meeting was the one where they were going to vote on the completed Valtrues’ monthly power measuring.
We weren’t supposed to be here for it.
Nor were we supposed to be here for the first measuring.
Had everything gone according to my plan for our quest in finding the Binding, we’d be hiding away somewhere right now, getting the power out of it.
Everything was rushed along thanks to the Messenger and Doren, and nothing has slowed down since then.
I need my thoughts to slow before I act rashly.
My chest expands as I take a deep breath and grip the edge of my desk.
The only reasonable explanation why he’d call a surprise meeting and leave me out of it is because he doesn’t want me to know he has this planned.
Mind you, the rescheduled meeting is still set a few days from now and I’m expected to stand outside the door for it.
What is he playing at?
“Been long enough?”
My gaze cuts to that teasing voice. Whatever look is on my face has Thayla’s falling. She kicks the door closed and is at my side in only a few strides.
