Free Beginnings -Guardians of Vesturon [0.50] by A.M. Hargrove Page B

as I stared at her inviting lips.
    Finally, “My lord, you must be aware that it would not be possible for us to meet.” Suddenly, as if she realized what was happening, her eyes began to dart around the room. Fear darkened her visage.
    “Annalise, do not fear. I mean you no harm and as I said earlier, my intentions are nothing but honorable.”
    “My lord, it is not you I fear, but my superiors. They will be wondering about our interaction. You should know it is not allowed for me to associate with you or any of the Guardians. My rank is beneath yours…” Her voice was edged with tension.
    I interrupted her before she could continue, “I care not about your rank. It is a meaningless thing to me and you are doing nothing wrong. If your supervisors have an issue, tell them to speak to me.”
    “My lord, I…”
    “Rowan! My name is Rowan and I will not have you calling me anything else!”
    “Oh, my lord, I cannot…”
    “Rowan. Please… I need to hear my name on your lips,”I begged.
    Her eyes shimmered as she said my name. “Rowan,” she whispered.
    Her voice was like an angel’s.
    “When can I see you? Tonight?” It was an urgent request.
    “Oh, I do not think it would…”
    “Do not think, Annalise. Just give me a time and a place and I will be there.” My eyes were pleading with her. My heart was hammering. If she refused, I knew I would die.
    “Eight tonight then,” she replied, reluctance tinging her voice. “By the lake behind the Academy. The grove of trees where the benches are located.”
    “Yes. I know the place well. I will eagerly await for eight to get here, Annalise.” I took her hand and raised it to my mouth, brushing my lips across her knuckles.
    I did not go back to my table, or to Voldruk and his invasive questions. I went to my quarters and counted every minute until I could meet Annalise. Annalise Drakkar, the beautiful female that had stolen my heart with her few words.

Chapter 2
    I sat on the bench, awaiting her arrival. I was early. I could not bear to remain in my quarters one minute longer so I left to wait anxiously by the lake. It was a balmy evening and I heard night creatures singing their tunes in the distance. At exactly eight, I heard the soft clicking of heels as they approached. My pulse quickened at the very thought of her.
    When she moved the low hanging branch to get closer to the bench, my breath caught in my throat. The light of the moon reflected off her blond tresses, making her look like a magical creature. I rose to my feet and pulled her into my arms. I frightened her by my quick actions, but I couldn’t seem to stop myself. I looked at her face and inhaled her essence. Seeing how her eyes filled with fear, I regretted the action and immediately released her.
    “Forgive me, Annalise. That was not appropriate and I am sorry for causing you alarm. It seems I am… er, a bit overwhelmed by you.” I massaged my neck, trying to ease my tension.
    Her eyes opened in alarm and she shook her head.
    “My lord…”
    “It is Rowan,” I insisted once again.
    “Yes, Rowan. I came to tell you that we must not see each other. We are from two different worlds. It would not be acceptable for you to be here with me. It will only cause problems for both of us.”
    “Please, Annalise. Do not say anymore.” Her words were like a knife twisting in my heart.
    “But do you not see? It serves no purpose!” she insisted. She was right. I knew it deep down, but would not allow myself to admit it.
    “No. That is not true. There is something between us. I can feel it. Tell me you do too!”
    “Yes, I cannot deny it. But it does not change a thing. We are from two different castes. It would never be accepted for us to converse, much less this. This can only bring us grief.”
    “No. I won’t let you say those things.” I pulled her into my arms. It felt like the most perfect and natural thing for her to be there. She was made to fit against me. I felt her arms creep