11. Tessa

Tessa confronts the sapphire-eyed prisoner, who hints that Tessa’s mother would burn a realm for her. Bound by their bargain, he withholds some answers but admits he vowed to keep Tessa safe. He reveals he brought Tessa to this realm to hide her from Achaz but was detained, and amid an Augury attack and temporary Achaz–Arius cooperation, Tessa was lost. He confirms Valter took his son and that both Lords later searched for Tessa.

When the prisoner asks if his son is with Tessa and separated from his Ward, he implies there is only one reason the son would prioritize another, but withholds details. Tessa, pressed by obligations, leaves the warded cell passage.

Luka intercepts Tessa in the corridor. Tension spikes when Luka grabs her wrist and her wolves, Roan and Nylah, threaten him; Luka holds ground, and Tessa forces him to release her. Their bond strains as they trade barbs about control and possession.

Dex, Oralia, and Brecken arrive, suspicious of Tessa’s absence and Luka’s proximity. Despite caution over recent upheavals, Dex invites Tessa to accompany errands in Faven. Tessa agrees and deliberately parts from Luka to ease the bond’s pull.

At dinner with Rordan and Dagian, Tessa asks to join the routine trip to the Sirana Villas; Rordan allows it, needling Dagian about his faltering performance. Rordan questions Luka about Theon’s attendance at the upcoming Sirana Gala. Luka offers no commitment, and a pointed exchange exposes fraying unity between kingdoms.

Rordan closes with a warning about the sacrifices required of rulers, underscoring political pressure on Theon, Luka, and the heirs while Tessa secures her path to the Villas and holds unanswered questions about her parents and the prisoner’s family.