Page 117 of Dawn of Chaos and Fury
The youngest Fae were outside, running and playing. Too young to recognize and grasp what their lives were truly to be. She envied them and their innocence. Born into a world that valued their power more than who they were. She couldn’t fathom choosing to bring a child into this world on purpose. Certainly not a Fae child, although now she understood that so many of the Fae were forced into existence. Then again, even if things were different in the world, she didn’t think she could be a mother.
“We need to discuss your plans, Tessalyn,” Rordan said, pulling her from her thoughts.
She dragged her eyes back to him, picking up her coffee mug. “I don’t think I’ll be discussing anything with you.”
He tsked in annoyance, as though she were an irritating child. “I understand we’ve had our differences?—”
“Differences?” Tessa interrupted. “You set me up, Rordan. You used me to orchestrate a massacre in the Arius Kingdom, then stood by while I took the fall.”
“Sometimes we must take drastic steps to push in the right direction,” he said factually, picking up a pen to writein a notebook sitting beside him. “Dexter said those are your favorite. Are they not?”
Tessa blinked at the casual dismissal and sudden change of subject. Glancing at the doughnuts, she looked back at Rordan. “When do the Ladies arrive tomorrow?”
“Whenever they choose to,” he retorted. “We don’t answer to you.”
“Then who do you answer to?” she countered. “Certainly not your people. Who holdsyouaccountable?”
His smile was tight and cold. “As rulers, we hold one another accountable. It’s why I am here. Because the Ladies blame me for your obstinance, as if I have any control over the less becoming traits of your heritage.”
She scoffed, popping a strawberry into her mouth.
“But back to the matter at hand. We need to discuss your current predicament. I’ve bought you enough time,” he continued, settling back in his chair and pinning her with a stare.
“And what predicament is that?” she asked, picking up another strawberry.
“Come now, Tessa,” he chided. “If something isn’t done, Theon will attempt to take you with him tomorrow. You were once so desperate to be rid of him.”
“You promised to free me of him, and yet I still bear his Marks.”
“Because you’ve been so cooperative,” he said with a slight sneer.
“Because you’ve been so forthcoming with your motives,” she countered.
Rordan huffed, something between a laugh and annoyance. “You are quick-witted and clever, I’ll give you that. Are you not eating those?” he asked, gesturing to the doughnuts again.
“Would you like one?”
“No. There was simply extra care in ensuring you were offered something you enjoy,” he said.
Tessa hummed, glancing at the pastries once more before selecting another hard-boiled egg, watching Rordan carefully. Seeing the small twitch as he ground his molars. The irritated flare of the golden rings in his eyes. The single tap of his index finger on the arm of his chair.
“The way I see it, we have two options here,” Rordan said when she didn’t answer. “I can arrange for you to leave with me.”
“But you have a deal with Theon and the Ladies,” she argued.
“That can easily be taken care of,” he answered dismissively. “But the other option is more appealing to me. You can go with him. I need information that he has.”
“Which is what?”
He clicked his tongue. “I am attempting to be— What was it you wanted? Me to be more forthcoming? I am attempting to do that, but I won’t simply tell you my plans without proof of loyalty, Tessalyn.”
“I am loyal to myself,” she retorted.
“Aren’t we all,” he replied, picking up his coffee mug. “But I am willing to show youmyloyalty.”
Her brow arched, admittedly somewhat intrigued about what a show of loyalty from the Achaz Lord could possibly be. “I’m listening.”
“Unfortunately, this is why I wanted to meet in the other office. It is too cumbersome to haul down here, so you will need to go there,” he replied, turning back to his laptop. “Your choice, as always, Tessalyn.”
