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What did that even mean? Loan her out?

Theon tugged her back to his side, practically crushing her against his ribcage. She bit down on a cry of pain.

“That will never be an option. Ever,” Theon hissed.

Valter chuckled deep in his throat. “I am not surprised. Arius blood has always made us very possessive of our belongings. It was merely a suggestion. She almost certainly would have ended up one with her features, especially if she is even remotely powerful. After she had spent time in entertainment, of course.”

“I guess we will never find out,” Theon answered, his tone dangerously calm.

Valter smiled knowingly at his son. “She will, however, be expected to contribute to the Arius Kingdom as every other member of this household does.”

“As my Source, I am sure her contribution will be sufficient.”

Tessa was trying to follow what was being said between father and son, but her concentration had turned to not passing out. Her legs were growing wobbly in the shoes, and her head was throbbing. She could feel sweat beading on her brow and sliding down the nape of her neck, despite the fact that she was freezing and trying not to shiver violently against Theon. Black spots were appearing on the edges of her vision, and she was begging any god to care enough to put an end to this misery soon.

“Theon, dear,” Cressida cut in smoothly. “The rest of your belongings were moved to the Source suite in the east wing, and Penelope went out this morning and gathered everything you requested for your new beauty.” Her emerald green eyes flitted to Luka. “Your rooms were moved to that wing as well, Luka. I assumed that would be your desire?”

“It was. Thank you, Lady Cressida,” Luka answered with a slight bow.

“Excellent,” Theon chimed in. “If we are done here, I will take Tessa there so she can rest.”

Thank the gods, Tessa thought, wondering just how far away this east wing was.

“I need to see you in my study, Theon,” Valter said, beginning to turn away, taking Eviana with him. Cressida dropped her husband’s arm, apparently content to let him go now that the show was over.

“I will come when I have gotten Tessa settled,” Theon answered, starting to turn away himself.

“Now, Theon.”

Theon froze. “She was just Marked last night, Father. You know the bond is still strengthening, and we are both adjusting. I would prefer to stay with her at the moment.”

Valter looked over his shoulder with a smirk. “I remember the Markings well, son. Bring her with, or give her to Luka. I am sure he can take care of her until you return to finish strengthening your bond. Our discussion will not take long.” Without waiting for an answer, Valter was striding up the steps, Eviana following him into the house.

“Don’t make him wait, dear,” Cressida said, reaching up and straightening Theon’s tie before she turned and went up the steps as well.

Luka was already moving to Tessa’s side. “I got her, Theon. Go see what he wants.”

Theon looked down at her, running his hand along her brow and wiping away the moisture there before looking back at Luka. “The wards will recognize you. Help her change clothes. Everything she needs should be in the suite. If you come across something that is not there, make a list. I will send Pen out in the morning.”

“I got it, Theon. Cressida is right. You don’t want to keep him waiting,” Luka answered.

“I will be back as soon as I can, Tessa,” he said, tilting her chin up to meet his gaze. “Rest.”

“I’ll be fine, Theon,” she sighed. “I really just need to sit down and get out of this dress.”

Theon let Luka take his place beside her, and Luka instantly scooped her into his arms. Tessa sighed in relief as Theon slipped the shoes from her feet, and Luka hooked the heels on his fingers. With a tight smile, Theon turned and headed up the steps while Luka began walking along the drive.

“Where are we going?” Tessa asked in confusion.

“It’s a faster route to the east wing,” Luka answered. “We could go through the main house, but it’s endless hallways and stairs. There is a door directly into the east wing through that archway.”

Tessa followed his line of sight, noting the charcoal stones that created said archway. Silver dragons were etched into the stones. Arius was said to be particularly close with the dragons. Sargon, the god of courage and war, was also said to be able to shift into a dragon. With it being thousands of years since the gods had left this world, she had no idea what was real or legend.

“Thank you for carrying me,” Tessa said softly, resting her head against Luka’s shoulder.

“I’m sorry you had to endure that in your condition, Tessa,” he replied. “But Valter is not a male to deny when he requests something.”

“Valter does not seem like the sort of male who requests anything but rather demands everything.”