Daggermouth

Greyson felt the knot of anger twist inside him, but he kept his expression blank. It was moments like these he was thankful he never relieved himself of his mask in his father’s presence.

“You are thirty-three years of age now, son. It is time you start taking your responsibility seriously. Your mother has paired you with a match, the Daunt family’s daughter, Moraine. You will complete your Vow ceremony in five days.”

There it was, the punishment.

Greyson had only met this woman once, and she was as loyal to the Heart as the President himself. If Maximus wanted to snuff out any doubt of his son’s loyalties, there was no better pairing than to do just that.

Greyson would’ve rather taken a beating.

“Father, I can’t—” Greyson started in protest, but was silenced with a stare sharp enough to kill. He nodded his head reluctantly. “Understood.”

Maximus dipped his chin, satisfied. He picked up the gold mask, turned it in his hands, then met his son’s eyes.

“There is no place for hesitation in this family, Greyson. Or in this city. If you doubt yourself, you are already lost. If you doubt me—”

He did not finish the sentence. He didn’t need to.

Greyson stood, bowing his head. “I will begin my preparations for the ceremony.”

Maximus dismissed him with a wave.

Greyson left the room with the same silent steps, but this time the cold in his stomach radiated outward, into his chest, his hands, his breath. The echo of his father’s warning ran through him, steady as the electricity humming through the Heart.

There is no place for hesitation.