Chapter 4 Amick #3
“You’re referring to Creed and Riven, and the way I look at it is, if they want their feelings spared, then they should do a better job considering hers when they say and do things. Regardless, it worked out for the best.”
He grumbles something incoherent before releasing me. “Next time you want to bring up a big relationship discussion, how about you run it by me first so we can do it together? Sound good?”
“If you believe that’ll strengthen our relationship, then fine.”
He too leaves me standing in the living room. The entire time he walks to his door, he mumbles beneath his breath. What’s done is done now, so there’s no point wasting time pondering over it.
It’s quite simple. I have a girlfriend.
Kyzen has the same girlfriend.
Our job now is to take care of her in all aspects. Emotionally, mentally, and physically.
Physically is my top priority right now.
And I don’t mean sexual…yet. I’ll meet those needs as well.
Right now, there’s no better time to start figuring out a way to keep Mysenta out of my father’s clutches.
“Amick, what is the meaning of this? I only lifted the lockdown for the Attendants so they could serve the gods food.”
My body shifts toward the High Chancellor, who’s welcomed himself into my office. I lay down another book on the stack I was collecting to copy and take back home with me.
“The Attendants are gods as well. This lockdown has nothing to do with me.”
His eyes narrow as he takes another step in. “It has to do with all the gods within the Godsdawn, including you and your brothers.”
“With all due respect, no.”
“Excuse me?”
“The entire purpose of the lockdown was because our father paid an unexpected visit. I already know that the God of Chaos has paid you a visit as well and has expressed their expectations. I don’t have time to waste sitting at home, waiting for your permission to leave it.”
“You have been given ample time for this quest. You had no reason to disregard my rules to come to the Athenaeum at this moment.”
“Again, I highly disagree. There’s no other god here now who could interfere or hear whispers about how my Valtrue has been tasked by the Beginning Gods. I was instructed not to waste time. Therefore, I’m not wasting a second. That was the Gods’ will.”
He laces his fingers as we have a silent stare off.
“Very well. You received your instructions directly just as I did. It was declared you are allowed to use whatever tool you need to succeed with the exception of anything restricted and you are not allowed to take any text out of the Godsdawn. I will see to it you are prepared before your journey. What is your estimated time frame for departure?”
“Two weeks. That’ll give me time to gather as much information as I can as well as give the Plentifuls enough time to build us an appropriate carriage.”
His face scrunches in disgust. “You do not have my permission to take a carriage or Veilatara from here.”
“It’s not your permission I’m seeking nor need. I’ve already been granted permission to have a new carriage constructed as well as two Veilatara, an Escort, and a research team to accompany my Valtrue. If this doesn’t suit you, be my guest to reach out directly to the God of Chaos.”
Not exactly the truth, but Derivius wouldn’t deny those requests.
A noise of outrage pours from his lips as he lets his poorly constructed manners fade away.
I’ve always found it easier to placate him or lie to him. This situation is different, though, and my patience is thinner. The second he stepped into my office, shocked and offended to see me, he made it abundantly clear he plans to be an obstacle in my way regarding this endeavor.
I simply won’t tolerate that.
“I will forgive your disrespect because it is you, Amick, and this is out of your character, but you will remember who it is you are speaking to.”
“I know exactly who it is I’m speaking to, High Chancellor Harriseen. You seem to be the one forgetting at the moment who it is you’re speaking to.” I step around my desk until I’m only a few feet from him.
“I expected our first encounter to be one of coordination and understanding after both of us received our orders. Tell me, why are you being so argumentative and combative? Do you disagree with the will of the Gods? Say their names so they may hear your words.”
His features pull into a tight sneer and one of his eyes twitches wildly. I stare at him, unburdened, until he can get control of his emotions once again.
“Of course I agree with the Gods, but their decree gives you no right to disrespect me. I imagine it has been a highly emotional day for you, your brothers, and your…Binder.”
My fingers flinch as he says the word like it tastes foul. My blank stare morphs into a warning glare that he pointedly ignores.
“So again, I will forgive your outburst. Collect what you need for the night and return to your home. We will reconvene tomorrow and start with fresh plans for your journey.”
He doesn’t spare me another word or glance as he spins on his heels and leaves my office. I don’t allow myself to speak. The vulgarity and harsh words that would follow him out wouldn’t do us any good.
I did have the intention of staying here and copying the text I’m collecting so I don’t remove them from the Athenaeum. His sudden appearance and attitude have my suspicions heightened enough that I’ll be breaking the sacred rule of not taking anything out of this building.
Walking out of my office, I scan the rows to confirm I’m once again alone, then I make my way to the Goddess of Seduction’s section. I don’t believe there will be anything here that will help with our search for her Binding. It’s another matter that I’m pursuing.
It pleases me that the books are in their proper order as they should be and my quest is a short one.
I pluck the book that I know will hold information I need to learn and head back to my office.
My nose twitches at the large text I place on top of my pile. Technically, it’s considered a pleasure read, but I believe it’s going to be a difficult lesson for me.
At least some of it anyway.
My fingers trace the gold lettering as a flutter races across my chest.
Affection and Seduction: Two Powerful Acts that Create an Everlasting Connection.