Read Impending Reprisals for Free Online

positive she had never before laid eyes on the majority of them.
    “Wait here, Anya, while I seek out your escort.” Chiberus padded her hand before he left, oblivious to her wonderment and immersed in his own thoughts.
    “Yes, Father,” she muttered absently, wandering to the closest row of stone planters.
    Anya reached up with timid hands, softly brushing the long pink petals with her fingertips and inhaling deeply. Closing her eyes, she then skimmed her nose against the neighboring white flowers, enjoying the delicate scent they emitted. She glided through the fragrances swirling through the air, drawing deeper into the walled enclosure as she discovered one magnificent floral arrangement after another. So intent on the various aromas, Anya did not even register the clicking of the boots as they approached.
    “Miss Anya?” She twirled around in surprise, her hand flying to her throat as her breath caught. “I did not mean to startle you.”
    Anya smiled politely and tipped her head in respect. “My apologies, My Lord. I supposed I was a little distracted by all the flowers.” She glanced around with a bewildered expression, not even sure herself how she had traveled so deep into the garden.
    “I feel I must apologize for my brief greeting at the door. I only wished to acknowledge my guests in a quick manner so I would be able to join you sooner.”
    She stared hard at the lord with narrowed eyes, not entirely unsure of his meaning, but wishing to make it crystal clear. “My father left me here while he sought out my escort for the evening.”
    The lordship smiled as he bent into a sweeping bow. “And so he has.”
    A flutter consumed Anya’s stomach as he confirmed her father’s intent. Apparently Sedalene was not so foolish after all, she thought as her skin began to flush. “Very well,” she murmured, studying his fine dress uniform before holding her gaze at the jeweled hilt of his sword, securely sheathed in the scabbard on his swordbelt. She knew from past experience that the lordship also carried a dagger, and as she nonchalantly continued to examine him, she tried to determine exactly where he might be hiding it.
    Lord Merivic noticed her lingering eyes. “Does this”—he placed his hand on the pommel— “intimidate you?”
    She scoffed, refusing to be impressed by the regalness of this man. “My father is Weapons Master of Liberwood. He carries armaments on himself daily, even more in number than yourself.” To further her argument, she nearly admitted aloud how she herself had learned to wield a similar weapon—though not a jeweled one—but bit her tongue for she knew it was not proper to have had such an experience, despite the insistence of her father.
    He grinned at her response, more so for the obvious respect she had for her father, displayed clearly in her tone, than for the awe she was attempting to conceal. “Yes, well, I suppose that is true,” the lordship agreed, flashing his teeth in a perfect smile. “I must ask you, however, if you are opposed to my companionship this evening.”
    Anya’s heart leapt at the opportunity to decline his invitation, but she knew she must not. Her father obviously had a part in arranging this pairing and she must abide by his wishes. Besides, it would be dreadfully rude of her to treat Lord Merivic in such a manner. Although she continually attempted to deny it to herself, she felt as if she owed the lord something for his assistance the previous year —whether it be gratitude, friendship, or simple attention. “I am not opposed,” Anya stated, clasping her hands in front of her.
    Lord Merivic nodded as he held out his arm, allowing her to approach at her own pace. As she hooked her arm around his, he pulled her close to his side and gazed at her with penetrating hazel eyes. “Thank you, Miss Anya. I am truly honored.”
    She read much into the intensity of his stare, and though his eyes never fell below hers, she was suddenly very aware of