Impending Reprisals Read Online Free PDF Page A

turning to run into the structure.
    Anya’s eyes widened for she knew her father would likely crush this man, lord or not, for allowing harm to befall her. “I bade of you,” she protested, “please, do not. You do not know my father. He is far too protective to simply—”
    Lord Merivic halted her speech by placing a firm hold on her shoulder. “It is the proper thing to do.”
    “Anya! What has happened, my girl,” Sedalene exclaimed, racing through the door. “The guard said something happened to you.”
    Anya cast an apologetic expression to Lord Merivic as her nanny fretted over her—smoothing out her hair, tucking the blanket tight, and wiping away the remnants of the stray tears that had fallen during the ride home.
    “I will be fine, Seda. The good lord saved me.” Anya’s nodded appreciatively at him.
    “It was the least I could do, Miss Anya. Though, it should have never occurred at all. And for that, I cannot apologize enough.” He claimed her hand, sweeping low as he kissed her knuckles. He squeezed her hand in a tender, comforting gesture before releasing it to straighten once more.
    “I do not blame you for what happened. You must know that.”
    “It does not mean the blame does not belong to me alone. You were my guest and yet you were in harm’s way. That will never sit well with me.” He turned to Sedalene with a nod. “Please, take her inside and see she is well taken care of.”
    Sedalene bowed as she replied, “Of course, My Lord. Please, accept my heartfelt gratitude in keeping her safe for us.” She draped an arm around Anya’s shoulders and led her toward the manor’s door.
    “Oh, your blanket,” Anya murmured, turning to unwrap it from her body.
    Lord Merivic held up a hand. “Please, do not. I wish for you to keep it.”
    She opened her mouth to object in keeping such a lavish gift, for the material was of the quality only afforded by royalty.
    Sensing her intent, the lord spoke quickly. “Please, I bade of you. Keep it.”
    Anya wrapped it tight once more and returned to Sedalene’s guiding arm. Looking over her shoulder, she cast a final glance at the blond man bravely awaiting the wrath of her father. He observed her lingering gaze and nodded his farewell, and she found she could not help but appreciate his striking, chiseled features.
    And once again, on a night such as this, she thought it odd she would even notice.

Chapter 4
    Another Year Later
    Anya sat on the hillside, the wind brushing her dark hair back as she stared off into the distance and thought of Kael, as she so often did. It was approaching two years since he had left her, and she had not heard a single word from him. Following the next spring equinox, she would be of age to choose the man she longed to be with, but his lack of communication caused her to question her decision… and as to what his own choice would be.
    Did he still want me, she wondered. Perhaps he did. Or perhaps she should send word prior to her departure to be certain.
    Anya thought long and hard about the various possibilities, then reflected on their past moments together. She could barely remember the gentle caress of Kael’s touch, although she clearly recalled the sensations it had engendered in every part of her restless body. Sensations not unlike what she was beginning to feel in Lord Merivic’s presence, though far less in intensity to be sure.
    The sudden thoughts of the lord brought a crease to her brow.
    He had been hosting masquerade balls in Liberwood seasonally, and she would see him again that night at the event marking the summer solstice. It will be the fourth time she would see him since he had defended her in the alleyway.
    Anya always enjoyed herself at the gatherings, possibly more than she should when dancing with Lord Merivic, but she inevitably felt an unsettling guilt the following day, when the enchantment of the evening had worn away.
    The good lord was very attractive—no one would dare argue that—and