Page 211 of Dawn of Chaos and Fury
“Where is she?” Rordan asked coldly.
“I didn’t know my Match would be required to attend to this summons,” Theon answered, bringing his ankle up to rest on his knee.
“That’s not who I mean, and you know it,” the Achaz Lord retorted.
“But thatiswhat this summons was called for,” Theon said casually. “To update everyone on the status of my lordship. Although, I was a bit confused, considering you have known about the status for weeks, and I was waiting for all the Ladies to convene with us.”
He saw Kyra’s lips twitch in approval, and he knew his suspicions were right. They hadn’t all needed to convene. She said nothing, letting the other Ladies voice their questions.
“What is he talking about?” the Celeste Lady asked. “All that was required was proof of a fulfilled Match Union. Everything was agreed to prior. We didn’t all need to be present.”
“Because of the extenuating circumstances involved, I thought it wise to ensure we were all part of the entire process,” Rordan answered, his fingers tightening around the arms of his chair.
“I do apologize I missed our scheduled meeting,” Theon said. “There were some complications.”
“What meeting?” the Falein Lady asked.
“The one to confirm my Match and instate my lordship,” he replied innocently.
“Rordan?” she asked, turning to the male.
“Times were turbulent,” he snapped. “Maya was dealing with things in her kingdom. This wasn’t pressing?—”
“Wasn’t pressing?” Theon interrupted. “The people in my kingdom have been in a state of uncertainty for months. I’m the one who’s been taking care of things. I’m the one who has been pushing forward and making sure their needs are met. I am the one being summoned to these godsdamn meetings. The fact is, there are some things I can only do when I have that title attached to my name.”
“This is easily rectified,” Lady Kyra intervened. “You have taken a Match, Theon?”
“Yes,” he gritted out.
“And where is Felicity?” Rordan asked, a knowing gleam in his eye.
“Unfortunately, I haven’t seen Ms. Davers since the Celeste Estate,” Theon answered, taking on an air of regret. “I believe you were away when the former Estate Mother appeared and attacked us. I know the Estate suffered greatly, and I am told there are a number of young Fae missing since that attack. If there is any way we can be of aid, Lady Candra, please let us know. As for Ms. Davers, she was terrified and was released from her obligations.”
“How is that possible if she is your Match?” the Serafina Lady asked.
Theon turned his attention to her, and she looked…haunted. As though she was grieving and had no desire to be here. “Are you well, Lady Isleen?” he found himself asking.
“Of course I am,” she retorted, lifting her chin. “Answer the question.”
“While I had a contract with Ms. Davers, it was not carried through,” he answered. “As I said, she was released from the obligation when it became apparent she could not handle the role.”
“Then you do not have a Match as required,” Rordan said with an air of triumph.
“I did not say that,” Theon countered.
The Achaz Lord glanced at Luka where he stood off to the side. With a sneer, he said, “While I won’t be surprised if you and Mors have finally admitted to involvement, unfortunately, that Match would not allow for an heir and will not fulfill your obligations.”
If he only knew.
Theon replied with a flat smile, reaching into the inside pocket of his suit jacket and withdrawing a document. He passed it to the Anala Lady as he said, “Luka has taken a Match as well. Again an extenuating circumstance. But I bring the required proof of my own.”
Kyra unfolded the piece of paper and held her palm above it, her power reading the magical signature that proved the document wasn’t forged.
“Everything appears to be in order,” Lady Kyra said. “A Match Union was done and proof has been provided. The terms are fulfilled as agreed. Congratulations, Arius Lord. We welcome you. May your rule be fruitful for those in your care.”
The other Ladies murmured sentiments of the same, and Theon couldn’t believe it was really that simple. After years of dreaming and scheming. The torture and determination. It was his.
The Arius Kingdom.
