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It had Tessa stepping closer to him as his arm slipped around her waist. Two faint red splotches appeared on the Estate Mother’s cheeks, andthathad Tessa trying to slide behind him. But Theon held her firm, his thumb brushing along her hip.

His smile was sharp as he continued. “We were finally able to find a suitable replacement for your services. We have been incredibly grateful for your willingness to give extra time to…helpTessa. I am sure you will be happy to have several hours of your week back.”

Mother Cordelia blinked rapidly, clearly trying to come up with something to say, and Tessa knew she would pay for this moment the next time she saw her.

“I apologize if I have seemed inadequate, but she has very littlecontrol,” Cordelia said, that one word holding a sneer. “But I assure you, my Lord, as we discussed at the beginning of the Selection Year, I am the best option for the position. I know her best, and?—”

“Are you asserting that you know my Source better than I do, Cordelia?”

Her face paled a little, making those dark splotches stand out a little starker. “Of course not, my Lord.”

“And is it your place to question my decisions?”

“No, my Lord,” she replied, lifting her chin a little as she spoke. “But I have had an impeccable rapport with the ruling Lords and Ladies for decades, and?—”

“Oh, I am quite aware of your rapport with them,” Theon interrupted yet again, and Tessa glanced up at him, wondering what that meant. His face betrayed nothing, but when she looked back at the Estate Mother, her eyes were wide. A tight, dark smile lifted on Theon’s lips as he said, “Should we require your services again, I will let you know, but I trust you have plenty to fill your suddenly free time with.”

“I do,” she replied curtly.

“Wonderful. I’m glad we could provide that for you,” Theon said, continuing to hold her gaze. “One would think you’d be grateful.”

It was several seconds before she said, “Thank you, my Lord.”

Theon said nothing else, guiding Tessa to the door where Luka was waiting for them. Tessa waited until they’d climbed a set of stairs before she said, “You shouldn’t have done that.”

“She shouldn’t have argued with me,” Theon replied, his hand still on her lower back. “And I meant what I said, Tessa. If she gives you any push back in your sessions with the other Sources, tell me or Luka.”

“And if this new instructor doesn’t work out?”

They had come to a stop outside another room. Luka had already pushed through the door, but Theon had tugged Tessa to a stop. With his finger, he tilted her chin up, “I have informed Auryon that it is not only my trust she needs to earn, but yours as well. Luka will be there monitoring, but if you have concerns, I want you to tell me. Understood?”

She nodded, but she wouldn’t say anything. The last thing she needed was Mother Cordeliamoreupset with her.

It likely wouldn’t matter soon anyway.

Theon bent, brushing a light kiss to her temple. She’d slept beside him last night in Luka’s room again. Theon hadn’t even suggested they go up to his room. She’d gone to bed alone, but she knew he’d slept beside her once she was asleep. At one point, she’d woken up only to find a male on either side of her, the bond humming away contentedly. Too groggy to care, she’d simply rolled into one of them. She didn’t even know which one, but she did know when she woke the next morning, she was alone in the bed again. If she was feelinganythingright now, she might have been disappointed.

Following Theon into the room, Tessa took in the space. This was nothing like Mother Cordelia’s grand room. This was a smaller office, quaint and sparsely furnished with oversized cushions on the floor rather than desks or chairs. In fact, there weren’t any chairs to be found in the room. A small stack of books was beside the cushions. They looked old and well-read.With the curtains open wide and the windows cracked, there was more than enough light, but there were still a few candles lit nearby.

Luka was standing off to the side, his arms crossed and broody as usual, but where was?—

Tessa went completely still when her eyes landed on who she could only assume was Auryon.

Midnight hair flowed around her.

Black pants and tunic.

Bare feet.

Her leather armor was missing, but the vambraces still adorned her forearms.

The grey eyes swirling with smoke.

And she knew when she spoke, her tone would be a dark purr.

She had been in her vision at the assessment, had protected her from Dagian.

“Tessa? Are you all right?” Theon asked, concern etched on his features.