Background & Family

Talia is the mother of Xaden Riorson and the widow of Fen Riorson, the leader of the failed rebellion against Navarre. After her contract of marriage with Fen Riorson ended, she went to the Isle of Hedotis instead of staying to raise Xaden, which led to deep resentment from her son​. On Hedotis, she became the wife of Feris, one of the ruling triumvirate, a position that granted her influence and political power. Talia has two children with Feris Simeon and Gaius.

Physical Appearance

She is tall and regal in stature, Talia carries herself with the grace of a noble. She has long black hair that flows freely, often caught in the wind. Her dark brown eyes contain gold flecks, a trait Xaden inherited from her​. Her high cheekbones and long eyelashes further highlight the resemblance between mother and son​.

Personality & Role

• Regretful but Detached: Talia clearly experiences regret over leaving Xaden behind but struggles to express it in a way that bridges their emotional gap.
• Protective (to an extent): She steps in to defend Xaden when others question his decisions, but their estrangement makes it clear she does not hold much sway over him​.

Notable Moments & Relationships

• First Meeting with Xaden: When Talia first encounters Xaden again after years of separation, she is visibly shocked and overcome with emotion, though Xaden remains cold and distant​.
• Political Interference: She attempts to defend Xaden in political discussions, showing that she still cares about him, but he does not reciprocate her attempts to reconnect​.
• Alliance with Hedotis Leadership: She has secured a high-ranking position in Hedotis, meaning she holds considerable influence, though it’s unclear if she has any desire to extend that influence to help Xaden​.

“Xaden?” Talia whispers, lifting her hand, then quickly dropping it. “Is it really you?”
My eyebrows hit my fucking hairline.
Xaden reaches across me and wraps his hand over my hip like I need protection. “Mom.”

Onyx Storm, CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

“It’s only three years,” Talia begs, panic rising in her eyes. “And then you’d be back together. Surely the potential of our
alliance, of sharing our knowledge would make that sacrifice worthwhile. Think of Tyrrendor.”

Onyx Storm, CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

“You poisoned my son?” Talia shrieks.

Onyx Storm, CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE