Impending Reprisals by Jolyn Palliata Read Free Book Online Page A

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 compassion 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.