Impending Reprisals Read Free Page B

“Of course,” she muttered, squeezing Anya’s hands. “It all makes sense now. Surely, I have been blind.”
    “You could not have known, Seda. Kael and I learned to hide our feelings well.”
    “Because of your father?”
    “He would never have approved of Kael.”
    “Now, Anya, let us be fair. You cannot be certain of that. Your father has always had your happiness in mind.”
    “Yes, but if he had approved of Kael, he would have approached his family about an arrangement long ago.”
    Sedalene shrugged, conceding to the logic of her reasoning.
    “And we were afraid if anyone found out, we would no longer be able to spend so much time together.”
    Sedalene smoothed a hand down Anya’s dark mahogany hair, gently cupping her cheek along the way. “You poor girl. I apologize... I did not realize…” She leaned back in her chair. “You love him.”
    Anya looked her in the eye before replying in a quiet tone. “Very much so.”
    Sedalene delivered her next question gently, glancing over her shoulder to ensure their privacy before whispering, “Did you bed him?”
    “Certainly not!” Anya hissed.
    Sedalene arched her brow with a sly smile, not fully believing Anya’s protest.
    “We did not , Seda.” Anya’s eyes narrowed before looking down at her folded hands. “We thought we had time. Perhaps I would have, knowing what I know now—that our time was limited.”
    Sedalene was silent for a moment, then placed a hand on Anya’s knee. “Perhaps it is not as limited as you think.”
    Anya’s head snapped up. “What do you mean?”
    “You are twenty-one years of age.”
    “Yes…”
    “Twenty-three is not so far away. What is a mere two years for true love?”
    Anya slumped. “Did you forget, Seda, that Kael is far away?”
    Sedalene shook her head, the bun knotted on the back of her head wobbling with the motion as a smile spread across her face. She had obviously thought of a solution that had not yet occurred to Anya. “At twenty-three you decide for yourself as to who you want to be with, and your father must abide by your choice.”
    Anya’s brow creased further.
    “My dear child, think of it. Your father alone knows of Kael’s location.”
    Hope sparked bright and deep. “Do you think he will tell me?”
    “He would have to, if Kael is your choice. And surely he would provide a unit of guards to escort you to your man safely.”
    “Seda, you are brilliant!” Anya clasped her hands under her chin, bouncing in her chair with her excitement.
    “Calm yourself, girl. You still have a small measure of time to wait.” She winked at Anya. “Now, run along and get dressed for the ball. I will be there shortly to assist.”
    “Thank you, Seda!” Anya jumped to her feet and planted a kiss on Sedalene’s cheek before skipping off to her quarters.
    Anya was so thrilled with the prospect of seeking Kael that she no longer cared about the dreary escort her father had surely arranged for her. Seeing everything in a new light, Anya realized her father had not yet attempted a serious pairing, and the likelihood he would suddenly endeavor to do so was doubtful.
    Fairly certain of what her future now held for her, Anya decided to be content to live life to the fullest, and enjoy her time in Liberwood while it lasted—dreadfully boring escort, or not.
    *****
    Anya curtsied at the end of the dance, mindful as to how she held her shoulders. The dress her father had chosen was much more revealing than usual. She was well aware of how the fabric cut low across her shoulders, revealing the top mounds of her breasts and a small measure of cleavage. Sedalene had assured her the dress would stay in place, and yet those words provided Anya with little comfort.
    The music began again and the masked man—the lord hosting the party—held out his hand as an invitation to partner for the next dance as well.
    “Oh, excuse me, My Lord, but I must decline.” She bowed her head in respect. “I think I shall go