Chapter 28
Twenty-eight
Jada
Time has a way of sneaking by without a second glance.
Cycles have gone by since I first arrived in Astralis, giving me time to become acclimated; therein making leaving at the end of the day that much harder.
As soon as my feet connect with the soil beneath me, an essence of home and comfort wraps me in its embrace.
I love this city; I do—but Galatea, in all her ancient beauty, is what appeals to me more.
I’ve learned more of the planet’s history in my time with Pluto and the Kosmos.
Like the story Pluto first told me on my initial tour, seemingly a star imbued the planet with magic—with life.
Galatea feels sentient… not that I’ve expressed this instinct to anyone.
But when I’m here, it feels like she’s watching, holding her breath. She’s waiting for something, but what?
I enter the Cosmic Hall, ready for another day of documenting meetings for the divine order.
Pleasantries are exchanged with the Celestials and Astrals I pass in the lengthy corridors I traverse, heading towards my destination.
I’ve come to identify the different levels of energy surrounding the various types of people here.
The Astrals are stronger, but the Celestials have a formidable power about them as well.
I enter the common room filled with cubbies and lockers, finding the one labeled with my name.
A bound stack of parchment, topped with a gleaming pen sit waiting for me.
Sliding them out of the shelf, I take a deep breath, calming my nerves.
I’ve been working up the courage to ask Pluto for a chance to live within the city, and today is the big day that I plan to pose my question.
Making my way towards the throne room, I wipe my palms against the flowing, gauzy skirt I purchased in a local shop with Brinn.
Paired with a form-fitting sleeved bodysuit, I’ve never worn something so elegant.
I feel beautiful—an emotion that had no place in my life, up until now.
Wearing my best outfit for today feels fitting, given the circumstances. Let’s hope it gives me luck.
Pluto and three other Kosmos sit at their thrones as I enter, each shuffling through their own stacks of paper.
Thankfully, Portia isn’t here yet. She looks at me with such distrust, like she sees right through me, leaving me feeling rattled every time I meet her cold gaze.
Does she feel I’m a threat? I can’t possibly be.
I take steady steps up the dais, approaching the small desk tucked into the corner where I complete my work during meetings.
“Good morning, Miss Bellamy,” Pluto greets me.
I lower my head respectfully and force myself to stop before him.
Now or never, Jada. “Good morning, Pluto. How are you today?” He’s never asked me to call him anything besides his given name—not “majesty,” as he demands of others—and this ounce of familiarity brings me joy each time I use it, like it’s an offering of trust.
“Well, very well, thank you. How about yourself?”
“Good, thank you. I was hoping I could ask something of you?”
“Of course, anything.”
I’ve practiced what I wanted to say endlessly.
Despite this, the words stick in my mouth, my nerves gluing them down.
“I’ve truly been enjoying my time here in the city.
Every moment of my time is spent within Astralis, leaving me reluctant to return to Lunara at the end of the day.
I’m employed here, I’ve been making genuine connections within the city, and my hope is to one day reside here as well.
I know what I’m asking is outside of the expectations, but I plan to save my silver to be able to afford a residence here, if you would allow it.
” Short on breath, I inhale deeply, happy to have relieved myself of that burden in one rush of air.
Pluto smiles, his eyes crinkling. “We have empty residences available already within our apartment complexes. I’ll see to it that one is arranged for you, Jada.”
“I know what I’m asking for is a lot, but I plan to continue proving myself as a worthy citizen of—wait, really?” His words register late, my defense already pouring out of me.
“As you’ve said, you have been an incredibly productive member of society, here in Astralis. I have high hopes for you. In fact, the Kosmos and I have been discussing potential ways to enhance your life here, if you’re open to the idea.”
My heart is so full I could burst. Me—living here! “Oh my goodness, of course I am!” At this point, I’d do anything they asked of me. Within reason, of course.
“We were hoping you’d be this open to it.” He smiles slyly. “We can discuss the terms of your apartment after our meetings today. Someone will be appointed to showing you your new home. And then we can discuss our hopes for you, as well.”
Pluto has shown me nothing but kindness—Zellie has to be wrong about him. “Absolutely, thank you so much!”
“My pleasure, Miss Bellamy. Now, let’s prepare. Our first public hearing is starting shortly.”