Imperfection - Chapter Nineteen (Patreon)

Olwen

Growing up, I would always watch my parent's relationship in confusion. They were in love with one another, which is a rarity among our class. Every marriage is an arrangement. Granted, if a couple fell in love before their arrangement period and just happened to be a good match, the king would allow it. But my parents were not those people. They worked in different places, so their arrangement was to practically a stranger. And yet, they found a way to see past the logic and truly fall for one another.

I’ve never experienced even an inkling of that. I’ve never had the desire to want to hold someone or even be near them. Nor have I had an interest in how their day was until I met Tiberius. I find myself thinking about him in ways that have never crossed my mind. I want to know more about him. More than what was in his file. His words to me during our night together are burned into my memory.

"You are everything to me, Olwen.”

Could he have meant that? Or was it the heat of the moment? Either way, it has completely crumbled the wall I’ve placed around myself to be protected. There’s no need for that when Tiberius is around.

“You seem well, Olwen.” My father pulls me out of my thoughts before they take too far of a turn. He offers me a smile, picking up the freshly poured cup of tea as a servant steps around us to refill mine as well. I silently watch her as she does so. She’s a woman with a name, a life apart from this one, and a past. It’s something I never would have thought about before Tiberius. I never would have noticed her presence.

“I am. I’ve come to terms with the king’s decision, and it’s for the best,” I lie. The only thing keeping me sane after the king’s decision is Tiberius. After opening up to him about my concerns, he has really stepped in when we are alone to ensure I don’t overwork myself. Every night is filled with sexual bliss. But it won’t be long before Tiberius can no longer help me as well. And I must prepare for that.

“I can see why he wouldn’t want you leaving the dome so soon after your most recent results. It just wouldn’t be best,” he says softly. Though he tries to hide it, I can see he is also irritated with the decision. We are all aware of the issues in Ethos, and we know why the king denied my request. But as I’ve learned, it is our job to ignore what’s right for the king's needs.

“Have you heard from Benjamin?” I ask. My father’s demeanor shifts, and he looks at me. His smile is tight.

“No. Not personally. But he did send a video transmission to the council, updating us on Ethos’s progress,” he says.

“And they are doing well?” I ask.

“Of course,” he says. But I know he’s lying. I shift my attention to Tiberius, who stands against the column. His eyes are trained forward, his stance rigid. But I know he is listening, especially now that he knows the true reason for my constant concern for Ethos. I gently set my cup down as I look at the clock. I told the Hightowers that I would attend their lecture today. I only stopped by my father’s to make sure we were on good terms, especially since my mother was sent to Elysium.

“So what do you plan to do now? Has the king given you an alternative?” my father asks as I stand. I shake my head.

“I think it’s time that I take your advice. I’ve been too eager and the king has seen that and has since punished me for it. It’s time that I focus on something other than Etherium,” I say. My father smiles, rising with me. He moves across the room, pulling me in an embrace, and I allow him to.

“It’s going to be okay, Olwen. We’re all going to be okay, I know it,” he murmurs in my ear. I know his words are an attempt to comfort me, but because of my mind, I see right through them. I hear the fear and uncertainty in his tone. We all know what we cannot say out loud.

Ethos is in trouble. As is Benjamin’s life.

* * *

The Hightowers are an influential family in their class. Christian Hightower is responsible for our most recent advancement of resources. If not for the brain barrier, they would be welcomed into the king’s class. They already attend most of our events, including those frequented by the king. In a few generations, they may be able to move up from the rook’s class, but for now, this is where they remain.

“Miss Sheridan! When I was told you were in attendance, I almost didn’t believe it.” Christian Hightower approaches with two of his assistants and both of his sons in tow. I take note that the younger son hesitates, his smile dropping when he takes in Tiberius behind me. It's the same reaction his mother has had more than once.

Christian shakes my hand, his excitement obvious from his action alone.

“Of course. I was genuinely interested when you spoke about it at the last lecture. I wouldn’t miss this,” I say, offering him a smile.

“It is such an honor to have you in attendance today. These are my sons Octavius and Nero.” I take in his children, my eyes narrowing slightly when I notice something about both of them. I then shift my attention back to their father, confirming that he is who the genetic transfer came from, furthering my assumption. But I push it to the back of my mind as I turn my attention to them.

“It’s a pleasure. I look forward to seeing what your father has discovered,” I say. Octavius remains rigid in a poor attempt to hide his disdain for something. And I finally realize as he shifts his attention behind me it’s Tiberius. It’s the same disdain I saw in Lisa’s expression.

“Please, you must join us after the lecture. I am having a small get-together at my home, and it would be an honor if you came,” Christian says. Octavius looks at his father briefly before lowering his gaze. And Nero remains stoic.

“I’m sure I have time,” I say just as the doors to the lecture hall are opened. Christian is once again pleased with my response, moving forward to take my hand when Tiberius steps forward.

“Once is enough,” he growls, blocking Christian from shaking my hand. I remain silent, watching Tiberius as I mask my confusion. His stance is rigid. He sees this man as a threat. As someone of the king’s class, I do not have to explain the actions of my guard to someone of Christian’s standing.

“I will see you after the lecture,” I say, looking at each person before I depart. They are all uncomfortable, all except Christian, who has a knowing look in his eyes as he takes in Tiberius. I hear Tiberius behind me, waiting until we are far enough to speak.

“What was that?” I ask.

“Me doing my job.”

Tiberius doesn’t say anything further as we enter the lecture hall. Because of my standing, I am seated in a box away from the majority of the crowd, where I can overlook the lecture. But I don’t miss the glances of curiosity to see someone from the king’s class attend this lecture. I’m sure it has reached even these ears by now of my mutation. It makes me seem otherworldly to these people. I didn’t realize it in the past because I had learned to live without emotion, but it bothers me.

After having night after night of Tiberius’s eyes watching me not in fear or awe, but in desire and appreciation has shifted my outlook on our world. I keep my eyes on the stage as everyone in attendance continues to find their seats, thankful that we are secluded as I speak to Tiberius.

“You were unnecessarily hostile to him, Tiberius.”

He’s silent for a moment, contemplating deepening his lie.

“He’s just not a good man. And you shouldn’t fall for his charm,” he says. I scoff, turning to look at Tiberius as I speak.

“Didn’t the Hightowers sponsor your way into Etherium?” I ask. My eyes widen slightly, but I hide my shock as I take in Tiberius, my mind making the connection as I spoke to Christian only minutes ago. Tiberius looks at me, his expression grim as he responds.

“Yes. They did. But that doesn’t make them good people.”

The lights slowly dim, pulling my attention back to the lecture as Christian Hightower steps out on stage. He smiles, waving as he begins his lecture. My mind is moving faster than I can bother deciphering individually, taking me to the most obvious conclusion, however, as I study him. The thought I pushed to the back of my mind earlier has come to the forefront, and I can no longer ignore it as it is now impossible. But to acknowledge it would shake the foundation of the world I’ve known.

However, Tiberius’s cryptic words and anger towards Etherium play over and over in my mind.

“There’s worse corruption in this place than stronger booze. And it isn’t happening down here,”

“I have half brothers. They don’t consider me family, nor do I them,”

“They couldn’t care less whether I lived or died.”

Even Lisa’s mood when I first encountered them makes sense. As does Christian’s son's reactions to his presence. The only one who has been able to keep his emotions in check is Christian, whom Tiberius promptly warned me not to fall for his “charm.”

I don’t say anything, however. I sit back in my seat and try my best to focus on the lecture.