He, unfortunately, is a very smart and patient man.
I need to be ready to face anything he may throw at us or my Binder.
She is, and always will be, the most important thing I need to focus on.
“Wow, you’re really in the zone today.”
My attention flicks to my door, then back down at the parchment I wasn’t truly looking at.
“Quite the opposite, I’m afraid. You’re back earlier than I thought you’d be. How did your binding go?”
Lambrit rubs the back of his neck as he steps into my office, then shuts the door behind him. His nerves are obvious. I’m just not sure what they stem from.
“It went. It’s a bit uncomfortable. Ellian said the…pressure on my mind would lessen over the next few days.”
I nod. “I’ve read that the bindings can create a sensation that mimics the feelings of a headache.”
“Yeah, that’s a pretty good description. Derivius actually showed up and bound me himself rather than me having to go through the Gods Veil again.”
“Why did he do that?”
“He said to keep attention off me. I suppose this change of power has more eyes than normal on the Godsdawn. Which is understandable, I guess.”
I study how he rocks back and forth on his feet as his eyes trace my office. There’s nothing new or changed in the space, but he appears to want to look anywhere but directly at me.
“Something’s bothering you.”
“I…” He sighs as he makes his way to Thayla’s chair. I don’t correct him as he takes a seat. “I believe Ellian chose me as his assistant so I could tell you all things that he possibly can’t speak about.”
“Well, of course he did.” His face falls the slightest bit, and disappointment crosses his features. “Why does that bother you?”
“I suppose because it makes me feel used and unworthy of the position.”
“Unworthy? Lambrit, please. You were destined for a role of that stature the moment your Designation was revealed. We all have a place we fit into, and Ellian’s decisions were based not only on trust, but competency. He’s been fascinated with you since your first day in the Godsdawn.
“Now that he knows you, he knows you’re beyond capable of handling this position. Not only that, but you’re also one of our closest friends, and the closest being to family our Binder has. He views you as we do, and he trusts that you’ll do the right things by him, us, and yourself.”
“You think so?”
“Think? No. I know so.”
“So I deserve this?” he asks.
“More than anyone. It’s time you do more than study and research anyway. Your talent is being wasted standing at a podium all day reading.”
“I enjoy reading all day.”
That comment nearly causes my lips to twitch.
“What a paradise it’d be if we could just sit around and do what makes us happy all day. Unfortunately, we weren’t given that privilege, and I have several things I need to get to.”
“Do you need help with anything? The Attendants, your trial evidence, or preparation? Anything for Thay?”
“Ellian didn’t have any tasks for you this morning?”
“He told me to check in with you first, then go introduce myself to Cline and Edmund.”
“Cline and Edmund,” I mimic the familiar names. “They’re both Guiders with secondary Designations in Defender. Why does he want you to introduce yourself to them?”
