Page 213 of Dawn of Chaos and Fury
The Achaz Lord scoffed. “He’s your Source now?”
“Unless you want the job,” she said, and Theon couldn’t see her, but he knew she was smiling that dark thing that always brought him to his knees. She lifted a hand, a storm appearing and twisting into a whirlwind in her palm. “Chaos does not choose.”
He felt the slight tug of her gifts, but so did everyone else. He could tell by the small gasps from the Ladies’ lips, and the way Rordan’s jaw clenched. Could she…draw from them? FromanyLegacy?
“Enough,” Rordan snapped. “The three of you obviously came here with an agenda to deceive us. What is it?”
“I came as summoned,” Theon replied. “The last time I tried to deny such a request, I was escorted by sentinels. More than that, the purpose of this meeting was the status of my Match and lordship, both of which have been addressed.”
“In a deceitful manner,” Rordan snarled. “You took your— She took her— Tessalyn cannot be your fucking wife. Andhis—It upsets the very nature of the kingdoms,” he went on, stumbling over his words.
“Because she is powerful?” Theon asked.
“Yes.”
“Because she is more powerful than most in this room?”
“Yes,” he snapped again
“That is a valid point,” Theon said. “Better fix that, clever tempest.”
“Theon…” Kyra said tentatively.
He met her gaze, giving her a reassuring smile. “We are simply honoring the laws of Devram, my Lady, which state the most powerful of a bloodline shall hold the seat of that kingdom.”
“In which case,” Tessa interjected, her fingers flexing and straightening over and over in Roan’s fur. “I challenge Theon St. Orcas for the Arius seat.”
There were gasps from a few of the Ladies, but Theon was watching Rordan. None of them knew how he was going to react, and it had taken a little convincing to persuade Tessa to do this. She didn’t want to rule over anything, but she did want to see change in Devram. He’d promised this wouldn’t have to be forever. Just for now, as he’d explained more and more of his plan.
The room had fallen silent, and it was the Falein Lady who finally said, “What is your response, Lord St. Orcas? Shall it be a dual or concession?”
“I concede to Tessalyn Ausra,” Theon said, stepping to the side. “Take your seat, my Lady.”
She spun around, her gaze locking onto his.
He didn’t drop his head or bow at the waist. No. That would never be enough. Theon lowered to one knee like the Fae did for the Legacy, and opposite him, Luka did the same.
Take the seat, Tessa,Theon urged down the bond as she stared at him.
Her gaze bounced to Luka. His expression remained impassive, but his voice drifted down the bond too.You’re not alone, my light. One foot in front of the other.
She did just that, her chin lifted, and when she turned and lowered into the Arius seat, she held Rordan’s furious stare the entire time.
“So you have chosen death,” the Achaz Lord said, his tone murderous.
“And death has chosen me,” she answered, and Theon felt her give a little more control to her magic. Watched those gold Marks on her skin flare brighter. Watched the Chaos in her eyes swirl faster. Watched her relax a little more.
Watched her take what was hers.
He and Luka pushed back to their feet as she propped her chin in her hand, watching Rordan. “Would you like to hear a story?”
“No,” the Achaz Lord snapped.
“In all things, there must be balance,” she continued, ignoring him. “Beginnings and endings. Light and dark. Fire and shadows. The skies, the seas, the realms. But what happens when one takes what he’s not supposed to have? When he has deceived the realm he covets? When he calls the Fates here as much as I do?”
The Ladies all slowly turned to Rordan.
“What is she speaking of, Rordan?” the Serafina Lady asked.
