Impending Reprisals (13 page)

Chapter 17

Anya’s first steps around the couch were slow and measured, her gaze never leaving Kael’s unfaltering expression. And when delight shoved her forward, she closed half the distance to him before coming to a sudden halt.

Kael held rigid as he did a quick derisive scan over her, and she saw not a flicker of recognition nor contemplation of remembrance of what they had once shared together. “Lady Anya.” He bowed low, then straightened, focusing on a point at the top of her head rather than making eye contact.

Merivic’s slight nod showed his approval with Kael’s manner as he came up to Anya and squeezed her shoulder. “Are you pleased?” he whispered.

She nodded stiffly, unable to find her voice—though what she could possibly have to say also eluded her. Her heart hammered as she stared at Kael, confusion clouding her mind.

Does he not remember me? she thought fleetingly, grasping for any rational reason for the palpable tension in the air.

She had her answer a moment later as Tajvek lumbered up to him. Rearing up on his hind legs, he slapped his massive paws onto Kael’s shoulders causing him to snicker and stagger back a step.

“Taj, my friend.” Kael scrubbed the tiger behind the ears as he nuzzled into his neck. “Easy, boy.”

Anya studied Kael as he smiled at the animal. His eyes and hair color were the same—as they would be. But everything else seemed a little different. He had a dark scruff on his face and his hair was a bit haphazard, but in an organized chaos sort of way. His face was more defined with rough edges, having lost his boyish appearance over the past couple of years. And he was definitely more built than he ever was before.

He seems taller, she decided. Is he taller?

Tajvek dropped and faded away as Kael’s gaze wandered toward Anya. His jaw set firm again as he straightened, averting his eyes once more.

No, he remembers me, she amended as her stomach knotted. And apparently his memories are not fond ones. But what does it mean, that he chose to come here? Did he not want me? Was this his only escape? To what end, though, for now there is no escape for either of us?!

“Kaelestis.” Anya jumped at the sound of Merivic’s voice, but he appeared not to notice as he stepped around her. “Let me get you a snifter of brandy before I leave you two to get reacquainted.” He strode to a cabinet next to the alcove.

Panic was seizing Anya’s chest and she did not care for it. This was Kael standing before her. Not some stranger, but someone she had grown up with, and had loved. It disgusted her to be afraid to talk to him, and she stubbornly decided she would be brave enough to seek the answers to her unspoken questions.

She took a step closer, purposefully moving into his line of sight. Or so she thought. “It is good to see you again.”

“And you, as well.” 

“Yes, a perfectly polite reply. But you have not yet looked at me, Kael,” she pointed out quietly.

His distant eyes darted to her face, his brow creasing. “I see you.” He quickly looked away as his face smoothed out again.

Merivic handed Kael his brandy, then came back to Anya’s side, kissing her on the cheek. “I am pleased you were so surprised.”

Anya tore her gaze from Kael to Merivic. “How… I mean, why…”

Merivic chuckled, apparently believing her to be stunned by her happiness. He circled his arm around her waist and led her back to the couch, Kael trailing behind them. “I met with your father the morning after I met you, to profess my intentions and seek approval to court you. At the time I had also mentioned I was in need of a new weapons master, and for what purpose—to keep you safe should you decide to be with me.”

He held her hand as she sat, but he remained standing. “Your father suggested Kaelestis. I thought the idea was intriguing and took it to Malik. He did some sort of spell and foresaw Kaelestis’ successful station as your sentinel.”

Merivic nodded to Kael as he stood beside him, then looked back down at Anya. “He was a perfect choice for my weapons master; he had the skills necessary, plus he grew up with that in which he is now sworn to protect—you. And because of your history, there is more at stake since you are like family to him.” Leaning down, Merivic brought her hand to his lips. “Besides,” he murmured. “I thought you would be at ease with a friendly face, someone you know you can trust.”

“I will have to extend my gratitude to my father when I next see him,” she muttered in a slightly sour tone, mild enough to escape Merivic’s attention.

But not Kael’s.

Kael locked his eyes on Anya for the first time, a hard stare as he cocked his head. He knew her well enough to recognize the infliction in her tone, but felt he could no longer accurately determine the source. But to be sure, he was damned curious to find out.

“I will excuse myself now so you two may catch up in private.” Merivic turned to Kael as he pulled Anya to her feet. “Perhaps you will show her around tomorrow. Starting now, Anya is your priority, above all else.”

“Certainly, Sire.”

Merivic lead Anya aside. “I must go and see to this situation with Drak. I know I promised we would be together, but I cannot let this go unchecked.”

“It is alright, I understand. I am afraid I would not be much company tonight anyhow. I am very tired.”

“Kael will show you to your quarters when you are ready to retire for the night.” He eased her close, pressing his lips to hers.

Anya held back from immersing herself in the kiss, keeping it light and innocent. She felt oddly ashamed and uncomfortable kissing Merivic in front of Kael, although she knew she should not—she had not even heard from the man in two years!  

Merivic did not push her, sensing her discomfort and attributing it to a long and weary day. Instead he squeezed her in a tight hug as he murmured in her ear, “Welcome home.” And then strode away, leaving her alone with her sentinel.

She watched Kael from a distance as he walked to the hearth, then approached only after she had gathered the nerves to do so. He turned as he heard her footsteps and nearly flinched when she reached for him. She ran her palm against his stubbled face, the faint shadow across his lower cheeks and along his strong jaw. His tense reaction did not go unnoticed by her. “Why the whiskers?”

“It is simply a preference.”

He smells like the wilderness, she thought, and looks like it too, with his rugged features and scruffy-but-clean appearance.

“I like it on you. Very…distinguishing, and yet…” She flushed, halting the word.

He arched a brow and waited patiently for her to continue.

“I was going to say dangerous.” She dropped her hand and backed away, turning toward the fire. “Are you happy here, Kael?” She wandered away from him, staring at the oil painting of the castle as she did.

“Happy enough. I work with good men, and I am pleased to state Lord Merivic is included in that grouping.”

“Your family misses you. I would see your mother from time-to-time at the market, and she would chatter on about how excited you were with your new apprenticeship.”

“She told you?”

“She did not mention where.” She glanced at him. “Until just this moment, I did not know she was aware of your placement. I thought my father was the only one who knew.”

“They are family. Of course I told them. But they were under strict orders not to mention it to anyone else. Especially you.”

A weight dropped on Anya’s chest as she studied his stern expression. She retreated another step as she studied the next painting on the wall. “Did you know what you were agreeing to when you spoke with my father?”

“I did. Lord Merivic was there, as well. There were no secrets.”

“Yes. It seems I was the only one subjected to those.” She shot a glare at Kael as he opened his mouth, then snapped it shut, apparently rethinking his response. When he did not seem inclined to continue, she did. “Why did you do it?” She looked to the painting again, trying to appear causal in her inquiry.

“Do what, exactly?”

“Why did you take the appointment?”

“My choices were limited. You were promised to a lord—or so I thought at the time. I could either spend the next couple of years with you, knowing you could never be mine, or I could come here and train to be your sentinel. So I chose the path of valor. At least this way I can be assured you are safe and well taken care of.”

His blunt, straight-forward answer surprised her. “And if you had to choose again?”

“You are where you should be—with the man of your choosing.”

She bristled with his sanctimonious response, fully prepared to fling her own views at him—that her choices became limited as well, once he had decided to leave. But she held back as she removed herself from the emotional side of the discussion to see the situation for what it was.

There was no possible way Kael loved her the way she thought he had. Cared for her, certainly, but not loved. If he had, he would have stayed, especially knowing they would have had at least two more years together. Even longer—though he did not know it at the time—since her choice to be with Merivic was simply that…her choice. She would not have made such a decision if Kael had remained.

What was done, was done. There was nothing that could change the past now. She had Merivic, and Kael…

Merivic’s words rang loudly in her head.
He is far from lonely.

Anya cast a sidelong stare at Kael’s fine physique, and was instantly jealous of anyone who was granted intimate access to it. The surge of heat accompanying the thought had her averting her gaze. But she could not stop the flush of color creeping up her neck.

What has happened to my life? she questioned, pressing her palms into her eyes. Between Merivic’s whirlwind romance, the long journey, the dangerous men, her frightening predicament, and now Kael...

Her head began to swim, her frame swaying for a moment as little white pin-pricks of light danced behind her lids. Strong, rough hands clamped down on her shoulders.

“I will see you to your quarters.”

Anya nodded, allowing Kael to turn her toward the door before shrugging off his grip. “I am fine. I am simply tired.”

She held herself in check as she followed Kael up to the second level, trying to pay attention as they turned through the maze of halls. However, it took so much concentration to hold herself steady that she soon lost track, and by the time they arrived at her room, she was completely turned around.

“Good night,” Kael stated, then gestured to the last door they passed. “My quarters are next to yours, so I am close, should you need me during the night.”

Anya tipped her head and arched a brow, losing herself in the depths of his familiar blue eyes.

What a peculiar thing to say, she thought.

Kael appeared flustered as he amended his statement. “Should you require protection from…something.” He cleared his throat as he composed himself, his voice turning hard and his eyes growing cold. “Your husband thought it best.”

“My
future
husband,” she corrected, an exasperated edge to her tone.

“Same thing.”

Anya sighed, barely keeping control as she slipped into her room and gently closed the door behind her.

The moment she was alone, her thoughts and emotions flew into a flurry, a blinding blizzard in her mind, whiting out all reason. Pacing the length of the room, she fought hard to regain her bearings.

Chapter 18

Merivic descended the winding stone stairway into the lower levels of the castle—‘the bowels of the kingdom’ according to Malik. This was where the cleric spent most of his time, though Merivic could not honestly understand why he would want to.

At the landing, Merivic pulled a lit torch out of a wrought-iron sconce on the wall and held it high to light his way down the darkened corridor. It was deathly silent as he began walking but soon heard the distant steady trickle of water running down the cold, stone walls—no doubt a contributing factor to the damp chill in the confined space. The air was so saturated Merivic was almost surprised the fire did not sizzle as he made his way to the door at the end of the long hall.

He glanced behind him to ensure his solitude as he slid the torch into an empty sconce, then shoved the thick wooden door open. The moment he stepped into the room, the moisture evaporated. He didn’t know if it was all the lit candles drying out the air or some sort of protection barrier, nor did he particularly care. It was simply something he noticed.

“Sire?” Malik looked up from a scroll as he raised his brow. “I thought you were spending the duration of the evening with Lady Anya. There is nothing wrong, is there?”

“No, no. I had a matter to attend to,” he explained, sauntering to Malik’s position at the parchment-covered table to peer over his shoulder. “That being addressed, I am merely giving her time to become reacquainted with Kaelestis.”

Malik released the scroll, allowing it to roll shut as he stood with his back to the lord. “You left them alone? Together?”

Though Merivic could not see the stress in Malik’s face, he heard it in his voice. “Is there a reason I should not?”

“Of course not.” Malik composed himself and turned. “I just thought it odd you would not be with them.”

Merivic meandered to a high shelf across the cluttered room and studied the various bottles as he responded, “You have no need to worry about Kaelestis. He will protect Anya well.”

“He will, as I have already foretold. He would put himself in harm’s way before he would risk her safety.”

Merivic plucked a brown bottle off the shelf and popped the cork. Malik strode over as he smelled the contents and scrunched up his nose.

“Do not touch that,” Malik scolded, snatching the container from his hands.

Merivic—eyes shining with amusement—shrugged and strolled to another shelf, completely missing the condescending eye roll Malik shot behind his back.

“Are you seeing to the preparations for my union?” He picked up a green-colored crystal, tossing it lightly in the air as he turned to Malik.

“Of course,” he snarled, catching the crystal mid-air and placing it carefully back in its place.

Merivic stepped over to the table and picked up a vial. “Is there anything more you need from me?”

“No, I have everything I need.” He scowled. “Do be careful with that.”

Pinching the ends of the container, Merivic held it up and peered at the glowing purple liquid. “You recall when I spoke of the tiger? Anya’s tiger?”

“Yes, the one within the amulet. Her spiritual guardian.”

Merivic watched the purple liquid bubble as he shook it, noting Malik’s resulting cringe. “He can respond to her fear alone. I have witnessed it for myself this evening.”

A shadow passed over Malik’s face as he tapped a finger on his chin. “This concerns me.”

“I thought it might.” With a casual shrug, he curled his fingers around the vial. “However, it is good she has the extra security.”

Malik bowed his head as if agreeing with the lord, but even Merivic saw he was merely humoring him. Merivic tossed him the purple-filled container and it was easily caught. “Well, Malik. I believe I shall retire for the night.” He clapped a hand hard on his cleric’s back as he passed. “Do let me know if you need anything.”

“Yes, My Lord,” Malik muttered as he set the now-smoking vial onto the table and backed away a step, eyeing it warily.

Merivic used the torch to make his way back to the stairway and stationed it back on the wall before returning to the main level. Turning into the great hall, he was a bit disappointed to find it empty. Despite what he may have conveyed to Malik, he was hoping to spend time with Anya before she retired for the night.

He decided to have a brandy before turning in himself, but froze with his hand on the cabinet knob as an image blossomed in his mind—Anya in her red evening gown, filling it out with graceful lines and intriguing curves. It took barely a half-breath for him to decide to seek her out, and once he did, his heart thundered, pumping his body full of anticipation. 

By the time he made it to her room, his boiling blood had lessened into a simmer, the flutter in his chest eased back into a quiver. He raised his fist to knock, but as he looked down to steady himself, he noticed no light being cast from under her door.

Merivic paused, then laid his palm gently on the door. He pitched forward, resting his head on the back of his hand as he drove the thoughts of crawling into her bed from his mind. She had had a rather eventful day already, and he did not want to disturb her. Better to let her adjust to all the excitement and have a good night’s rest.

Lifting his head, he dragged his palm down the wood, then took his leave, deciding to have that brandy after all.

*****

Anya heard a noise on the other side of the door as she sat on the edge of her bed. Turning, she saw a shadow cutting into the light shining under her door. She knew who it was, sensed it with every part of her body, but she could not make her legs react. She had just spent a great deal of time calming her head. What would seeing Merivic do to it now? She needed space. She needed time to think.

No, she told herself, he is what I need. His comfort, his presence to put things into perspective, to provide the clarity of why I am here.

Anya lurched to her feet as she saw the shadow stepping away. Rushing across her grand room, she jerked open the door and stared into the empty hallway. She almost called out, but stopped herself, not wanting to awaken half the castle.

She stood in the open door, debating whether or not she should try to find him in the maze of corridors, but ultimately decided she would only get lost in the process. Defeated, she backed into her room as she began closing the door. Movement out of the corner of her eye stopped her, and she saw the servant from dinner come around the corner.

A jumble of thoughts tumbled through Anya’s head: She was at dinner. What was her name? Malik called her…Zabela. She can help me!

She nearly called out the servant’s name when she noticed her approach to Kael’s door. Curious now, Anya closed her own nearly all the way as she peered through the crack.

Zabela knocked on Kael’s door, then looked down at her dress. She tugged the swooping collar with a quick jerk, causing the tops of her breasts to swell over the top.

Anya’s pulse quickened as she put the pieces together, her belly twisting with jealousy.

Kael’s door flew open and there he stood—tall, brooding, and shirtless. He stared blankly at Zabela, then scowled as the sculpted muscles in his chest twitched.

Anya was positive she was about to witness him slamming the door in this woman’s face. His posture spoke of annoyance and his expression spoke of anger. But his actions spoke of lust as he grabbed her by the arm and yanked her inside. His door slammed shut and Anya heard a thud against it before closing her own door and using it as support.

Closing her eyes, she told herself that she was not allowed to be jealous of Zabela—Kael did not belong to her, and never had. Pushing off the door, she headed to bed and crawled under the covers, yanking them over her head. Though she knew it was impossible with the thick doors and even thicker walls, she could have sworn she could hear Kael with that other woman. She flipped the pillow out from under her head and pressed it tight against her ears, but it only caused her imagination to become more creative. She shuddered as she realized there was no escape from her thoughts. She knew herself well enough to know she would always be jealous of any woman Kael may have.

The pain and the grief she had long suppressed after Kael left came flooding back, everything she had held at bay and denied in the great hall overtook and abused her. She had thought she was over him, that she had moved onto a new life with Merivic. But the emotions swamping her now caused her to doubt much.

The tears came next. Not with a gentle start nor slow trickle, but with an unstoppable torrent that ripped sobs from her chest and tore at her soul. She let it all stream out—the confusion, anger and pain—and all while cursing the fates for their cruel tricks.

*****

Kael slammed the door and shoved Zabela against it, pressing hard against her as he ravished her neck. Her gasp of rough pleasure charged through his head as she arched into his touch, her breath quickening with an animalistic need. He grabbed and fondled her breasts, taking his frustrations out on the trembling flesh available to him. He would abuse and punish, demand and take. This he could have, this was right here.

But it was not what he wanted.

Anya’s face flashed in his mind—the joy in her bright eyes as she rushed toward him in the great hall, followed by the guarded hope when she had stopped short.

Kael jerked and pushed Zabela back at arm’s length, hanging his head down as he closed his eyes.

“What is it, Kaelestis?” Zabela reached for him, snaking her fingers around his neck.

He pulled away, gesturing toward the door. “You need to leave.”

She issued a short laugh as she stepped forward, but her mirth faded as she studied him. “You are denying me?”

Kael looked into her eyes and saw anger and wounded pride, but not hurt or heartbreak. She was there for one reason and one reason only, and it all became painfully clear to Kael. He rubbed his eyes as he turned. “Leave.”

An enraged huff sounded in the room before he heard the door swing open and slam shut.

He shook his head to clear the gathering fog. For nearly two years he had been involved with Zabela, a relationship built on physical needs and companionship, but never friendship or love.

He stared at the door, suddenly completely uninterested in anything she had to offer, and wondered why he ever was.

*****

Zabela stared at the door, hot and fuming in more ways than one. She had half a mind to storm back in and tear into him—verbally, physically, whatever it took. But instead, she turned on her heal and stormed down the stairs. As she was passing the great hall she saw Lord Merivic and stopped short.

“Lord Merivic,” she rushed into the room as he pulled his gaze from the fire. “I apologize, My Lord, I thought you had retired for the night.” She bowed her head respectfully.

“No need, Zabela. I actually had, but decided on another drink first.” He turned back to the blaze.

“Is there anything I can get you before I turn in?”

He gestured vaguely. “I could use a refill on my brandy.”

“As you wish, Sire.” She scurried over to the cabinet and pulled the bottle out.

“There is no hurry, Zabela.” Merivic noticed her rushed footsteps and was struck for a moment by her flushed and disheveled appearance.

Now, just where did you come from, he wondered with amusement as she poured his drink with smooth, yet flustered, movements.

She glanced to his watchful eye and smiled before turning to replace the bottle in the cabinet.

He watched her long stride and the sway of her hips as she retreated, struck again—and not for the first time—as to how much she had always reminded him of Anya. It was foolish, he knew, for hiring her based on that alone, but she turned out to be a rather competent servant. Besides, she brought Kaelestis happiness—something in which the dedicated weapons master deserved.

Zabela closed the cabinet doors, leaning her head to the side as she latched it secure, and Merivic’s gaze floated down the swan-like line of her throat. With an internal groan, he pointedly looked away. This was certainly not helping him take his mind off Anya. “You may go, Zabela.”

“Thank you, My Lord. Have a pleasant evening.”

He nodded and she took her leave. And as he swallowed the last of his brandy, Merivic resolved to go straight to his room with no further delays.

*****

“Malik?” Zabela called out, closing the door behind her.

Looking around, she quickly saw he was not there. She strode to the far side of the room, stopping only to examine a charred area on the table. Momentarily dismissing it, she stepped to the bookcase in the corner, swinging it away from the wall to reveal a shadowed tunnel. It took only five steps to reach the other end which opened into a huge chamber.

“There you are,” she stated, spotting Malik by the altar.

“And to what do I owe this pleasure?”

“What happened to your table out there?” she jerked her thumb behind her as she strolled closer.

Malik’s expression soured as he turned his attention back to the scroll he had been reading. “Lord Merivic’s carelessness.”

She came to a stop by his side. “Thought you would like to know, Kaelestis denied me tonight.”