“You nervous?” I ask Yemi as her knuckles graze my hand for the third time from her clenching.
“Yeah. I don’t want the other gods to do some stupid shit while we’re standing right here in the middle, but I also wouldn’t want us to be anywhere else.”
I hum my agreement as I peer over at the Attendants.
“Do you think they have any idea what’s about to happen?”
“No, probably not. Veiling Days, meetings, whatever it was, we were always segregated like this, so they more than likely think it’s the same old, same old.”
“I can’t wait to see how surprised they get. This is going to be a blast.” Riven fucking giggles and I hang my head.
So do my other men.
“Riven—”
“No, no, Kyzen. No little pep talks. Everything’s going to be great. It’ll be even better if I get to put my fist through someone’s face today.”
He jerks his thumb toward Mellcom and Jeremiah, and I hide my smirk. I do appreciate that he’s punched Mellcom damn near every chance he’s gotten.
“None of us are going to do anything unless there’s a negative reaction that needs to be handled. We won’t be the cause of disruption for Ellian today.”
I shift from the sternness in Amick’s tone, and Creed rolls his eyes at me.
“Since the guys are going to look for bodies and do whatever else they’re supposed to do today, do you and Rose want to come over for a little while? We can talk about the meeting the two of you are leading and what the hell I’m supposed to do about training.”
Yemi’s shoulders drop like my invitation for her to get out of her house was the best thing she’s heard all day. Rose peeks around her, smiling and nodding.
“Damn, there you guys are. Thought I’d never find you through all this empty space,” Havar says as he barges through Yemi and me. He wheezes for breath as our elbows connect with his stomach.
“Hay-Hay, my man. Where have you been? I haven’t seen you since…” Riven trails off, tapping his finger against his lips.
“Since you drugged my cousin and her Valtrue. Hilarious, by the way. Top notch work.” They high-five one another, earning glares from Yemi and her men. “Anywho, since our quest wassosuccessful, they thought it fitting I get another mentee, plus a shit ton of other responsibilities. Thanks a lot for that, you guys. Really appreciate it.”
I snort and cut my eyes at him. “Are you really upset about it?”
“A touch, yeah. I wanted to finally be free from working with the gods and only deal with creatures. That, to me, is a proper promotion, given my power and Designation. Not to mention, the Veilatara actually talk to my ass now, but what do I know? I’m just a Meadow Hand.”
“You aren’t just anything. Maybe some things will change,” Yemi says, and Amick hums.
“Things should. Lambrit or myself will have a word with Ellian.”
“Me?” Lambrit asks.
“Yes, you, Lambrit. You’re his assistant now. You can express concerns to him,” Amick says with undeniable confidence.
Lambrit grins, nodding to him and then to Havar.
“Look at me. All loved and special,” Havar says, causing most of us to chuckle.
The sound is drowned out by the overwhelming roar of claps and cheers that blare through the Assembly.
Ellian makes his way out onto the platform, dressed in the flawless white robes that are apparently reserved for only the High Chancellor. His smile, although sincere, holds a hint of nerves.
He waves and claps along with everyone but gives our group the smallest dip of his head before he raises his palms to silence the crowd.
“Gods of the Godsdawn, thank you for your attendance on this very historic day. The gods have seen it fit to bestow me the honorable position of High Chancellor. For those of you who don’t know me, I am Ellian Akova, God of Structure.”
The warmth that radiates in his voice is the polar opposite of the way Harriseen used to speak. The entire Assembly can sense it. Shoulders drop, heads nod, and laughter even echoes through the space when he cracks a few jokes. Everyone pays attention as he gives a little bit of information about himself and what he did for the Godsdawn as the Chancellor over the Plentifuls.
