This time, Theo was allowed to approach Dullahn with his own two feet. 

Dullahan wasn't angry yet. He would have assumed no news was good news. 

Theo kept his footsteps light and his posture flawless as he walked into Dullahan's sight.

Dullahan was drinking wine while writing something on parchment. Expensive crystals provided light for him to write by.

"The ring." Barely bothering to look at Theo, Dullahan stretched out a languid hand as he spoke.

Apparently, he had not even considered that Theo might have been unsuccessful.

"We have a traitor." Theo began his explanation by deflecting the blame. "When I arrived, the vault was completely empty. We must have a mole."

Crash.

The glass of wine flew past Theo's head and shattered on the wall. 

Wine dripped down the expensive paper that lined it.

Dullahan stood and poured himself more wine into a new glass. 

He took a sip.

"You are certain you went to the correct vault?" Dullahan asked, sitting on the edge of the table he had been writing at.

"Yes. The cave had intense security befitting a duke." Theo slightly inclined his head. "I can show you the location on a Laenders map." Theo continued.

"Do," Dullahan commanded.

Theo pulled the map he bought in Laenders out of his cloak and unfurled it.

While passing the map to Dullahan, Theo pointed out where the cave he visited was on the map. 

Dullahan grimaced as he verified that Theo had gone to the correct place.

"Do you think the traitor was the one who provided the information or someone who learned of the plan?" Theo asked.

"I am certain the information was correct," Dullahan murmured while swirling his drink. "The traitor would be someone who found out about your mission."

Magic pulled Theo closer to Dullahan.

Dullahan wrapped a hand around Theo's neck. His grip was tight enough to make breathing difficult. Theo resisted the urge to pry at the hand digging into his windpipes. It would only make Dullahan more violent.

"Hmm," Dullahan murmured, and the oath that circled Theo's neck became visible.

The pressure on Theo's neck tightened one more time before he was released and tossed to the side. The oath's presence eased any suspicions Dullahan had about Theo betraying him.

"Did you speak about the mission with anyone at the camp?" A soft tap, tap, tap accompanied the question as Dullahan drummed his fingers on the table.

"I mentioned it to several people." Theo kept his answer vague. Even if everyone at the camp deserved some trouble, Theo couldn't stand to unleash Dullahan's wrath on just anyone.

Slap. 

A bruise welled on Theo's cheek after Dullahan's strike.

"You should not have mentioned my commands to anyone." Dullahan admonished Theo.

"My apologies," Lies quickly fell from Theo's lips.

"Tell me the name and designation of each person you spoke with." 

A small amount of regret bothered Theo as he had to tell Dullahan people to harass. Theo included his drunk roommates on his list of people for Dullahan to interrogate.

The more names, Dullahan had, the less he would focus on any one person, and the men would have been drunk enough that they would not be able to accurately remember what Theo had or had not said. 

Plus, Theo wouldn't regret those men getting a little roughed up. They had enjoyed harassing Theo for several years.

"Go."

Dullahan waved Theo away with a lazy flick of his fingers.

***

Warm sunlight fell across Theo's cheek as he accompanied Carrot in a pasture reserved for grazing.

Theo was curled up in the grass, dozing while Carrot ate. Scourge lay on Theo's side, providing just enough heat to chase off the worst chill. Resting here was more peaceful than trying to integrate with Dullahan's men.

Theo considered sleeping in the stable with Carrot that night.

Theo sighed. Dullahan would consider it unbecoming of his favorite pawn and take it upon himself to re-educate Theo.

"You should go eat, too."

Carrot nudged Theo.

"…I hate the food here."

Theo pushed Carrot's head away.

He was forced to maintain a strict diet while at the base. It was all food one of the healers claimed was suitable for patients suffering blood loss.

"You can't skip meals.”

Carrot continued to nudge Theo

"You've also been pestering me to sleep more. Let me sleep."

"Food. Now."

Carrot stomped his hooves within inches of Theo's head. Theo bolted up, which caused Scourge to tumble to the ground.

The little dragon yelped in surprise.

Finally obeying Carrot, Theo pushed himself up and started ambling to the cafeteria. He left Scourge with Carrot, under strict promises to bring Scourge food later.

He had warned Scourge that the food would not be the best.

The cafeteria was a large structure. Several windows were open to allow light in, and long tables with benches filled the center.

Theo quickly filled his plate and started shoveling food in his mouth when he heard a loud commotion outside the building.

Theo looked out of a nearby window.

Outside, Owen was being dragged by two of Dullahan's other men. Owen was bleeding profusely, and his body was limp.

The peace was soon broken by loud shouts and the sound of fighting. The men were well disciplined, and it was rare to hear such chaos. It made Theo curious enough to go see what was happening.

Outside, Owen was being dragged by two of Dullahan's other men. Owen was bleeding profusely, and his body was limp.

Theo wasn't sure if the kindest of his roommates was even conscious.

Whispers started to fill the air.

“….traitor….”

"…found one of the kingdom's communication orbs in his belongings…"

Theo's spoon fell to the floor with a clang, and his eyes shook. 

His play act had revealed an actual traitor. 

He had blown the cover of one of the spies for the people he was supposed to be convincing that he was cooperative.

And he was getting the only person in the camp who had acted tolerantly to him killed. 

Theo had not played his cards right.