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the revealing cut of her dress. Anya felt the blush rising in her cheeks as she forced a smile. “You are welcome.”
    Lord Merivic’s brow creased as he eased back, loosening his hold on her arm. “Do I make you uncomfortable?”
    Her stomach cinched at his distress, and she felt absurd for doubting his intentions. So inexperienced in such intimate situations, she barely knew how to respond. “No,” she replied in a muted tone, letting her eyes drift to the ground.
    Noticing her countenance, he coaxed her chin up with a long slender finger until she was forced to make direct eye contact once again. “If you do not wish…” Merivic’s voice trailed off as he tried to read into her timid expression. Was it simply shyness, or a lack of attraction, he wondered, feeling his own flurry of anxiety with her hesitation.
    Anya visibly gathered her nerves and let loose a broad smile, stunning him with her radiant beauty. Pulling herself close to his side once more, she said, “It would be a great honor if you would be my escort.”
    Speechless, Lord Merivic chuckled as he shook the haze out of his mind, for her innocent, yet sultry, manner surely clouded his thoughts. And with a happiness no man had any right to, he led her out of the garden.
    *****
    Anya’s eyes sparkled as Lord Merivic led her around the great hall, his strong arms supporting her frame during the various dances—some of which she had never before attempted, but he led her through with ease. Opposing the norm, they danced nearly every song together for no one dared to cut in on the lordship when he was so clearly enjoying the company of his beautiful companion.
    Lord Merivic was very attentive to Anya, sporadically asking if she was enjoying the evening, and displaying well the part of a gentlemen as he eased her in and out of the crowd, protective in his stance to ensure she did not get jostled.
    Despite Anya’s prior misgivings, and her continual endeavor to remain aloft from the lord, she could not help but revel in the looks of envy being cast in her direction from the other female guests, jealous of the adoring consideration Anya was receiving.
    Unable to contain herself for long, Anya succumbed to his rather agreeable manner, and was swept away by the excitement of it all. And by the end of the night, her head was in a swirl, causing her to be light on her feet and giddy besides.
    Anya giggled as Lord Merivic held her hand in the air, twirling her under his arm while they walked through the elaborate archway leading into the garden. Her smile beamed as she spun away from him, her gown flowing in a graceful sweep of fabric. She turned toward him as their arms extended, and he leaned down to whisper a kiss against the back of her hand before releasing her.
    Anya’s face warmed with his tender action as she unconsciously fiddled with her amulet.
    He smiled at her bashfulness as he straightened. “If you will excuse me, I need to bid my guests farewell. I will return with due haste.” Lord Merivic tipped his head as he backed away a step, and then took his leave.
    Flushed and still with a smile on her face, Anya wandered through the garden, following the same path she had earlier in the evening. She hummed a soft tune as she strolled, the light melody matching her mood as it drifted through the air. If she had paused to think about it, she probably would have found it had been quite awhile since she had last felt so content.
    Her eye caught a patch of small blossoms; white with sapphire edges bleeding into the pristine petals and complementing the color of her gown perfectly. Anya plucked one of the flowers and breathed in its intoxicating scent before tucking it behind her ear, resuming her song as she turned about.
    At the curve in the path she noticed Lord Merivic leaning against a great stone planter, holding two glasses of wine, and donning an endearing grin.
    “You are truly radiant, Miss Anya.”
    “Thank you, My Lordship.”
    He chuckled