"I saw some guy drop you off. Who was he?" Davys asked as soon as she walked through the door. He was sitting in the living room, with his reading glasses on. Valerya noticed that he had been studying some hardcopy documents and moved to join him.
"Were you spying on me?" she asked.
"No, I'm just interested in who comes on my property. Who was he?"
"A coworker." She replied.
"I figured. His car was shitty. Well, I guess I wouldn't even call that pile of scrap a car. It was more of a motor vehicle."
Valerya ignored him and sat down. "You know," he continued. "I have the latest cars of all models in my possession. They of course could change colours to your preference. You could have them at your disposal," he bragged. She gave a grunt in response.
"And why are you so late? If my dear assassin was after me today, I'd have been dead by now."
"There are a lot of checks before one can get into this area. And even more, to your house. That's why I was late," she replied.
"I put a pass with my stamp on it on your bed. It's an automatic ticket to wherever you need to go. I also put a dress there. You should wear it tomorrow. We have a meeting with my father."
"Thanks."
"You're welcome."
As he worked, she picked a file on the table. "What is this?" she asked as she went through it.
"The cases and events lined up for tomorrow. I usually study them so I don't get caught by surprise."
She noted that of a woman who gave birth to a vireot, a hybrid born with abnormal characteristics. By Empire laws, they are to be killed immediately.
"Why are you studying this? This woman spawned a vireot. There is no question about whether it should be put down or not."
"Usually, yes," he said as he took off his glasses and faced her squarely. "But this woman hid her child for ten years. She homeschooled her and completely acted like her child didn't exist. They were only found out because the woman's new boyfriend, who attacked her, was severely injured by the little girl. She broke his head with a single blow.
"The officials have the girl in captivity. She is a genius, with good manners, kindness and compassion. It just doesn't feel right to execute the little girl. What should I do, Valerya?"
She took a deep breath and spoke very slowly, "The laws of the empire are straightforward. Vireots are to be killed on sight. It doesn't matter how smart or kind she is."
He seemed lost in thought, before blurting, "You're right. What was I thinking?" he closed the file, put it in amongst a heap and picked up another one.
They stayed in silence as she watched him work. The silence was only interrupted occasionally by the clap of thunder from outside, and the pitter platter of raindrops. It was the calmest Valerya had felt in a while.
The next morning, she woke up bright and early, with a smile on her face. After freshening up, she donned the dress gifted to her earlier. It was a medium-length suede dress with cutouts which exposed her flanks. Valerya did not own a dress like that, but it felt cool and comforting against her skin. Obviously expensive.
The doors were automatically opened as she stepped out and made her way to the living room where Davys was already having breakfast. His sandy blonde hair permed and swept over one eyebrow, he seemed like a very handsome, but very sophisticated model as he looked at her with his intense grey eyes. She sat down beside him and poured herself some coffee. They made no small talk as they ate in silence.
After breakfast, they made their way to the car where they were driven to the Statesman mansion. Valerya had only heard of it but had never been there. If Davys's mansion was huge, this one was humongous, which made sense, because most important decisions were made here.
The walk from the main entrance to the conference room took no less than ten minutes. She noted a ballroom, an art gallery, a dining hall, a relaxation centre and a public library. The conference hall was designed the same way Davys's was, only with more art and was three times the size. The president was already seated with about fifteen men, looking displeased. Valerya could identify ten of them on sight, including the prime minister. Bodyguards stood at attention a little way away from the table, each behind the man they were protecting.
"You're four minutes late, first son."
"Good morning to you too, Mr. President," Davys replied his father coldly as he took a seat.
Hologrammed waiters came into the room, delivering coffee and tea. Valerya took the coffee placed before Davys and took a sip before placing it back. She wasn't an expert in the art of detecting poisons, but she knew her onions when it came to the basics. And besides, she'd rather take poison instead of him. She noted he picked up the cup and took a sip from the exact place her lips had been. She didn't know how to feel.
"We are here to give an analysis on the files reviewed this week," the prime minister informed.
"The military threat of the rebels would be quelled soon, I'm sure, as I've sent extra forces to go with proton beams to wipe them all out. With the Meneer conference being so close, this is the worst time for a conflict."
On and on the meeting went, as Davys sat quietly, barely contributing anything.
His father turned harshly. "So? What are the decisions on the cases you were to judge?"
"I haven't gotten to them yet, father," he responded bitterly.
Valerya turned at that. She knew that was a lie because she watched him review them the previous day. She looked at him but didn't say a word. It wasn't her business. She watched the President's jaw tick, as he swallowed his displeasure. He donned his cold, charismatic smile and continued the meeting.
The assembly ended, and everyone went out, except the president, his son and of course, their bodyguards.
"When would you stop being such a disappointment?" the president asked.
"You are to be the future president of this empire. I know that the second I die, you'll throw it to the dogs like the stupid, worthless dog that you are. Just like your filthy, whoring mother. Let me tell you something. I am only tolerating your foolish display of childishness even though you are a thirty-one-year-old man. But if you ever do anything to sabotage the empire, I would kill you without a second thought."
"I would like to see you try…Mr President," Davys responded frigidly.
It was clear the gloves were off. Valerya had no idea what was going on, but she could feel it would eventually lead to a tragedy.