Page 9 of Storm of Secrets and Sorrow

She peered up at Theon from beneath her lashes, and he nodded at the question in her eyes, telling her to follow the Lord’s instruction. Something in his chest loosened the smallest amount at that, at the fact that she was still seeking his permission above others. That she was still following the Source bond commands, even if their bond was anything but conventional.

“Go, little one,” he heard Luka murmur, a hand falling to her back and urging her to her feet.

Theon moved to stand with her, but Lord Jove spoke before he’d even lifted his ass from his chair. “Not necessary, Theon. Stay seated.”

He bit the inside of his cheek, tasting blood as Tessa took a few steps past the table he sat at. She started to drop to a knee, but Lady Aithne said, “That is not necessary, my dear. A simple bow shall do.”

“We allow such disrespect now?” Valter demanded.

“The Fae kneel. We have all agreed she is not that. Why should she be forced to kneel?” Kyra argued.

His father pressed his lips into a thin line but did not argue further, and Tessa bowed at the waist before straightening and clasping her hands before her once more.

“How are you, Tessalyn?” Lord Jove asked, and her head snapped up.

“Excuse me, my Lord?”

“How are you?” he repeated. “It has been a few days since we spoke, and you have had much to process. I simply inquire as to how you are faring?”

“Fine, my Lord.”

At least that was the answer she gave to everyone and not just him.

“And your power? How have the first few days of mastering that gone?”

Tessa was silent for a long moment before she said, “I have not been able to access my power since that night.” As if in emphasis, she lifted her hands to show the black bands on her wrists.

The Achaz Lord’s gaze snapped to Theon. “You have not taken the bands off once since that night?”

The accusation was heavy, and the anger was clear in the question. Theon opened his mouth to reply, but Lord Jove spoke again before he could.

“Do you not know what happens if you contain power like hers for too long?”

“Yes, I know quite well,” Theon replied tightly. “I will admit that removing the bands escaped me, but?—”

“Escaped you?” Lord Jove said incredulously. “You simplyforgotto take care of your Source’s needs?”

“Do not speak to my son like that,” Valter snarled.

“If he cannot tend to her basic needs, it does not make me inclined to leave her in his care while this is figured out,” Lord Jove replied.

“The matter has already been discussed,” Theon cut in. “This morning. We already have plans to go to a training arena as soon as this hearing has concluded.”

“A week is too long,” the Achaz Lord said.

“I understand. I know it is. That failure is mine. It will not happen again.”

“Tessalyn, is it?” the Anala Lady interrupted.

“Yes, my Lady,” she replied, her voice stronger now than it had been before.

“They call you Tessa.”

“That is my preferred name, my Lady.”

“May I use it?”

“I— Of course, my Lady,” Tessa replied, trepidation creeping into her voice.

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