Page 222 of Tempest of Wrath and Vengeance

“We have several matters that need to be discussed,” Rordan finally said, sitting straighter and adjusting his shirt cuffs before he reached for a leather-bound book sitting on the table beside him.

“And this needs to be done now?” Tessa asked. “This is my usual training time.”

“I have other matters to tend to this afternoon, and my time is more valuable than yours,” he replied.

Tessa arched a brow.

“Don’t act offended,” he chided, flipping open the book. Tessa realized then it was a journal of some sort. “After training, you spend your time indulging in frivolous explorations and other nonsense. I have meetings and commitments.”

“And what should I be spending my time on?” she asked, tapping a single nail on the table.

He placed the pen he’d just used to jot something down in the crease of the open book, a square black ring on his finger gobbling up the light.

A ring she recognized.

Where had he gotten it?

“I’m glad you asked,” he said, folding his hands and placing them on the table before him. “You can start by fulfilling your purpose.”

That had her gaze snapping to his.

“What is that supposed to mean?”

“I told you before that freedom wasn’t free, and it was time to start paying. What have you done since then? What have you done since you learned what Achaz requires of you?”

“I do not answer to Achaz,” she spat.

“Wrong, child,” he retorted. “Weallanswer to Achaz. He is the ruler of the gods. It is why I rule Devram.”

“What does Achaz care? He cannot come here,” she countered.

But Rordan tsked, his eyes doing a thing that could almost be classified as an eye roll. “We’re done with games, Tessalyn. I know you spoke to him. I know what he told you. Do you not wish to leave this realm? Have you grown complacent and comfortable with a dragon in your bed and an Arius Legacy at your beck and call?”

She couldn’t hide her shock this time, jerking back in her chair. “How do you know any of that?”

“I know all of your movements, Tessa. Every breath you take and move you make. I lost track of you once. I certainly would not allow it to happen again,” he said. Picking up his pen, he continued, “Now it is time to move forward. Things have grown quiet. The ruling Ladies have settled down. You need to make a visit to Arius Kingdom.”

“And do what?”

“What you were fucking born to do,” he answered, any trace of warmth and kindness he’d once shown her now gone. “And when you return tonight, Liam will be here to join us for dinner. I will be sure to have extra vials and quills available.”

“Absolutely not,” she balked at the implication. Match Contracts were signed in blood. “What happened to the freedom you promised me?”

Rordan stood, buttoning his suit coat. “You haven’t held up your end of our deal. Why should I hold up mine?”

Lurching to her feet, the chair skidded across the floor, a shrill screech sounding. “I will go to Arius Kingdom today, but I will not dine with Liam.”

The Lord paused the gathering of his things, his head tilting as he studied her. “I was unaware we were bargaining now.”

“It’s not a bargain,” she replied quickly. “But I will deliver today.”

“Not some trivial Arius death,” Rordan warned.

“I understand.”

Rordan continued to gather his things, everything disappearing in a burst of light.

“Do not disappoint me, Tessa. To be clear, this is a test. Failure is not an option.”

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