Page 45 of Rain of Shadows and Endings

“You allow her to sit before you even have your drink?” Valter quipped, swirling his glass of liquor.

“I saw no reason to make her stand,” Theon replied, taking a long drink of his own.

“You could have allowed the rest of us to enjoy the view for a few minutes,” Valter said with a smirk.

“I can see her pretty face just as well with her sitting,” Axel cut in, winking at Tessa as he brought his glass of alcohol to his lips.

Valter’s lips thinned at the comment, his eyes dragging to his younger son. Axel just tipped his glass in his direction in a mock salute and took another drink.

“Eviana,” Valter said tightly, “you may sit.”

“Thank you, my Lord,” Eviana replied, moving gracefully to the seat at Valter’s right.

The soup course was served, and small talk was had among the Legacy at the table. The Legacy were also given bread with their soup, while she and Eviana were not. Tessa frowned down at her bowl of vegetable soup, stirring around green beans and carrots. She cast a sidelong glance out of the corner of her eye at Eviana, who was dutifully eating her soup, her eyes always either on her bowl or on Valter.

Theon leaned towards her, speaking directly into her ear. “Eat, Tessa.”

His breath made her hair flutter against her cheek, tickling her skin, and a chill skittered along her spine.

“Why can’t I have any bread?” she hissed back. Theon just gave a pointed look at her soup bowl before turning back to the conversation of his family. She gave a small sigh before bringing the spoon to her mouth. She was supposed to be trying after all, supposed to be pretending she’d accepted her place…beneath him. Apparently her place wasn’t worthy of bread with her soup.

When the salad course was brought out, she was given a basic salad with a few cherry tomatoes and sliced cucumbers. The Legacy were given a strawberry-walnut spinach salad complete with cheese crumbles and strawberry vinaigrette. She scowled, stabbing pieces of lettuce forcefully and long fingers grazed briefly along her arm. A warning. She sighed, crossing her legs underneath the table and proceeding to eat her boring salad.

“Your Source is exceptionally fidgety at the dinner table, Theon,” Valter said, and Tessa froze, her cheeks heating.

Theon, who had finished his salad, leaned back in his chair, picking up his refilled glass of whiskey. “This is the first time she has left our rooms since her arrival.” His other hand came to her head, smoothing along her hair before resting on the back of her neck. He squeezed slightly. “She is eager to return.” The smirk that crossed Theon’s face and what that implied to his father had her fuming inside.

Valter chuckled, finishing his salad.

A foot nudged hers under the table, and she glanced up to find Luka staring at her. He shook his head slightly. Another warning. Tessa gritted her teeth.

She could do this. She simply needed to emulate Eviana, right?

She snuck another peek at the female who had already finished her salad. Her hands were folded in her lap, and while her eyes always went back to Valter, she still swept her gaze around the table at times. She was poised with her back straight, body always turned slightly towards her Master. Every once in a while her head would tilt as though she heard something.

When the main course was brought out, Tessa became excited as the Legacy meals were uncovered. Steak, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes with gravy, and more bread. She was going to devour every bite. Theon never ordered her red meat.

And apparently this dinner was to be no different.

When her plate was set before her, she found a chicken breast, plain rice, and roasted vegetables. No bread. Biting her tongue yet again, she began cutting her chicken, and tuned into the conversation she’d been ignoring all evening.

“Luka, I just received word that you will be allowed to arrive early at the Acropolis with Theon and Axel and the rest of the heirs. After I explained the circumstances, they couldn’t really deny the request,” Valter was saying around his steak.

“Excellent. Thank you for your assistance in the matter, Valter,” Luka said with a nod.

“I expect that to be a fruitful time for all of you. A chance to get to know the other heirs before the rest of the Legacy arrive,” Valter went on. “I have received letters from several prospects seeking alliances.”

“Must we talk about my darlings leaving for the next year?” Cressida cut in with a pout. “I’m going to miss them greatly.”

“We will be home on holidays, Mother,” Theon sighed, scooping up some potatoes.

“Yes, but a piece of my household will still be gone. That does something to a mother’s heart.”

“Get used to it, Cressida,” Valter said, cutting another piece of his meat. “In addition to letters for alliances, I’ve received several proposals for Matches with Theon now of age. They’ve sent bloodlines and genealogies as well. There are a couple of decent options.”

A Match?

For Theon?

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