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 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 under his breath as he approached. “How many times must I request you to call me Lord Merivic before you will finally do so?”
Anya shrugged and laughed, unsure if she would ever feel completely comfortable addressing him in such an informal manner.
“Please, come sit with me.” He handed her a glass of wine and then gestured further down the path to a wrought iron bench nestled amongst the floral arrangements.
Once they settled, Lord Merivic took a drink of his wine and set his glass down before turning his full attention to the beauty at his side.
“Did you enjoy yourself this evening?”
“I had a wonderful time, and I thank you for that.”
He leaned his head to the side, a smile teasing the corner of his lips. Watching her reaction carefully, he reached down to her lap and claimed one of her hands. Anya, although a bit surprised, surrendered her hand freely as he clasped it between his.
“There is no need to thank me, Miss Anya. I quite enjoyed our time together, as well.” He squeezed her hand gently and took a steadying breath. “Might I ask you a question?”
She arched a brow as the lord’s entire body tensed in anticipation of her response, and her stomach fluttered. “You may.”
His eyes darted to the pebbled walkway as he took another breath, and then held his shoulders back proudly as he finally made direct eye contact. “I will be staying in Liberwood for the duration of the summer to attend to some family matters. Would you mind if I called on you from time to time.”
“Call on me?”
“Court you,” he explained, matter-of-factly.
Anya’s eyes grew big as her frame seized with anxiety.
“I have spoken with your father.”
Her heart thundered in her chest as she dared to ask the next logical question. “And he approves?”
“He does.”
Her shoulders fell with his admission, as did her gaze, as did her heart. “Then it is settled,” she whispered, trying to hide the defeat in her tone.
“No.”
Anya looked at Lord Merivic as he absently rubbed the top of her hand while he spoke.
“I understand your customs, that your father has the right to choose your suitor until you are twenty-three years of age. However, I would like you to decide for yourself.”
Her spirits lifted with her curiosity. “You do?”
Lord Merivic studied Anya and thought he understood her hopeful tone, but needed to be sure. He wanted to simply agree it had already been settled between himself and her father and leave it at that. But he knew the proper course was to give her the choice.
To ensure he did not sway her replies, he released her hand and rubbed the back of his neck as he nodded in response. “And your father has agreed to my request. It is your decision to make.”
Anya stared at him, incredulity shining in her eyes.
“It will always be your choice where I am concerned, Miss Anya. I simply view th
is as a chance to get to know each other better. It will forever be up to you as to where it will proceed.”
She continued looking at him, her stare softening into a gaze, but still she seemed no closer to uttering any words.
“Would you prefer time to think about it?” Before the inquiry barely left his mouth, Lord Merivic was flooded with angst and mentally berated himself for rushing her. He did not give Anya a chance to respond before he spoke again, averting his gaze as he shifted to stand. “That is perfectly acceptable. I will escort you home now.”
Anya could tell he was nervous and flustered, and suddenly she was not so intimidated. In her eyes, at that moment, he was just a man reaching out to her, and her instinct was to return the gesture, despite the conflict she felt within.
She put a timid hand on his arm to hold him still. “I do not need to think about it. You may call on me, if you wish.”
Anya nearly did not believe she had spoken the words herself, and found the lord to have a similar reaction of disbelief. His hazel eyes were widened in pleasant surprise as his mouth curved into an unsure smile.
He once again took her hand into his as he leaned closer. “Are you certain?”
“I am.”
Lord Merivic’s smile widened as he leaned toward her, his gaze darting to her lips to show his intent. Anya felt her whole body vibrate with nerves as she discerned the situation—he only leaned in halfway, leaving the remaining distance for her to close, if she wished to. Apparently, it was as he said: It would always be her choice.
Locking on his gentle, adoring gaze she eased toward him, closing her eyes a moment before their mouths met.
The kiss was innocent, a soft brushing of lips before respect had him drawing back.
Anya opened her eyes and flushed as she looked to her lap, not because it was her first kiss, but because it was her first kiss with another man. In the brief intimate moment there were so many sensations she had felt that were completely foreign to her—from the tingle traveling her frame, to the tickle of the light stubble on his face. It was all entirely new, and thoroughly exciting.
Chapter 6
3 Months Later
It had been nearly three months ago that Anya agreed to Lord Merivic’s request to call on her, and call on her he did—almost every day since, to her initial disappointment. At first she found the entire situation a bit awkward; two strangers endeavoring to feel comfortable together when they came from very different places. But through casual questions, emotional nudges, countless conversations, and the span of time, Anya found there was more to him than she had first believed.
Lord Merivic’s life was far different than hers—such adventures he had experienced! But the character and honor of who she saw before her was very familiar; not unlike another young man who crept into her thoughts time and again. The lordship spoke with passion when voicing his thoughts and opinions, listening attentively when he asked for hers in return, and frequently exemplified his kind and gentle nature.
Anya also became more at ease with his affections in the form of hand-holding and tender kisses, always soft and always hesitant as if seeking permission each time. It became a natural reaction for her to reciprocate the adoring contact, and she rarely hesitated anymore when he leaned into her. The brushing of his lips against hers still caused an exciting tingle to rush through her, but she never longed for more. She was simply accepting and agreeable with what physical contact they had.
Lord Merivic wrapped his hand around Anya’s as they walked through the courtyard of Liberwood Castle, his temporary home over the past few months, and she glanced at him with an easy smile as he did.
They walked in a comfortable silence, simply enjoying each other’s presence and letting their minds drift with the lazy breeze. Often the couple did this until they found a cozy spot to settle, and eventually fell into a long conversation.
Lord Merivic gestured to a large, elaborate water fountain depicting a fallen angel reaching for the heavens, and led Anya to one of the stone benches carved into the side. He sat next to her, still holding her hand, and watched her hair as it glistened in the light. She appeared so content, so at peace, that he nearly did not broach the topic plaguing his thoughts.
“I will be leaving in a fortnight,” he murmured, watching Anya for her reaction.
Her pleasant expression darkened as she looked down, then away. “Yes, I know.”
Anya had so enjoyed having a companion to spend her days with. For a long time she had felt lonely in life and Lord Merivic had filled the dark void nicely. She knew the time was nearing when he would have to leave, and as of late, she had been struggling with how it made her feel. More often than not, she pushed the feelings aside and refused to acknowledge them, but as the time fast approached she determined she would indeed miss him dearly.
Lord Merivic was pleased that Anya appeared disappointed, not because he wished her to feel bad—never that. But because she would not react as such if she did not care for him.
He reached up to play with a lock of auburn-colored hair, lightened by the sun, as Anya worried her bottom lip, deep in thought.
The reminder of his departure caused her head to spin with questions. She felt she knew him well as a person, but not necessarily the specifics of his life. Always their conversations had been light or vague in nature, as if he shielded her from certain truths, or was reluctant to reveal his personal life. And now that their time together was coming to an end, she felt a pressing need to learn everything she could about him right away.
“Lord, Merivic, might I ask… I mean, I do not wish to pry…”
He squeezed her hand. “Please, feel free to speak your mind.”
“What matters are you attending to?” She glanced to see his confusion. “The family matters you were attending to this summer.”
His eyes flashed as he pushed forth a smile. “You need not concern yourself with such business.”
Anya’s face fell as she nodded and attempted to match his visage, but was clearly disappointed he was not willing to share. Her searching emerald eyes caused guilt to pull at his stomach, and let loose a grim sigh.
“Very well. Since it seems to hold some importance to you, I will tell you. My kingdom, the Sovereignty of Decessus, is in a state of flux. It is a sprawling nation with several independent entities working together under a solitary king.” He paused, staring into the distance. “Quite a few years ago, our great king was assassinated. The next in line quickly ascended, only to be assassinated himself not long after. One by one, successors took the throne, and one by one they were cut down.”
Anya’s breath caught in shock.
He reached up to caress her cheek. “I apologize, Miss Anya. I did not mean to upset you. I will speak of it no more.”
Anya controlled her own emotions when she saw the pain tainting his hazel eyes, then held his hand to her face. “Please. Continue.”
He studied her long and hard, as if assuring himself that he should proceed, and she nodded in encouragement. “I am one of the few next in line for the throne.”
Anya’s eyes grew big and round, but he pressed forward.
“I have come to Liberwood, and several other territories as well, to seek allies should there be a need. If I am crowned, I would reign from my own castle in my own territory. I have faith in my kingdom, and my people, that all will be well. But I continue to seek assurances and fortify my position to protect against any possible threats. Again, there will only be a need if I ascend, and several events would need to occur before that is even a possibility.”
“Such as what?”
“I will not trouble you with the details.”
Something dawned on Anya just then and although she had to know, she was afraid to ask. “Your kingdom…is it structured through bloodlines?”
Averting his gaze, he whispered, “It is.”
Anya gasped, sweeping his hands into hers and pressing them to her chest. Tears sprung to her eyes while painful comp
assion welled from within. “Your family was taken from you?”
He leaned toward her, resting his forehead against hers. “Do not cry, Miss Anya. I do not wish you to worry for me. This has been the way of my family for quite some time now. Although it is difficult, I have adjusted. Please, do not grieve.”
Anya sniffled quietly and looked at him through a veil of tears. Flooded with empathy for the man at her side, she only wanted to take his pain away—pain she could clearly see in the depths of his eyes. Overcome with the instinct to alleviate his devastation and nurture his heart, she dropped his hands and cradled his face.
His eyebrows contracted as he gazed at her, his grief visibly fading as she mystified him with her touch. Eager to distract him further, Anya closed the distance to his mouth, keeping her eyes locked on his. Lord Merivic nearly flinched when her soft lips brushed his, startled by her behavior, for it was the first time she had initiated a kiss.
Her mouth retreated only far enough to resist contact as she continued to gaze at him, awaiting his reaction. Overcome by her sweet taste, he slipped his hands in her hair, drawing her close once again.
Anya felt a thrill of satisfaction as their lips met, endeavoring to help blur his pain further. They held still for a moment, then Lord Merivic increased the pressure against her mouth. She matched his growing intensity as a tingle traveled her spine, and their lips began harmoniously moving together.
His hands knotted in her hair, resisting the urge to pull her body to his, to feel her curves hug his form, and passed those hungers through their kiss instead. He gently parted her lips to tease with his tongue. Her warm breath breezed against him as she gasped, dropping her hands from his face to his chest. He was about to pull back, certain she was readying to push him away, but then hesitated when he felt her tongue slip out to meet his.
It was then that Anya suddenly became aware of her power as a woman; the ability to distract and allure the attentions of a man with her soft seductions, her inherent sexuality. Never before had she been so alert and in tune with her body, with her wants, and with her needs.
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