Free Impending Reprisals by Jolyn Palliata

for you to hear it.”
    Anya seized with trepidation, certain she would not like what her nanny had to say.
    “Kael has been gone for many years now, and not once has he attempted to write you a simple letter. His family has heard from him, as you well know. And yet, you have not. It is obvious he has settled in his new life, and has found his own calling—one that does not include you by his side. You are only fooling yourself if you choose to wait for him and deny yourself any measure of happiness in the meantime. You must stop pining for that man, and seek out your own future. In Lord Merivic, you have a handsome, respectful man who adores you and wishes to spend the rest of his life with only you. You owe it to yourself to be open to that very real possibility.”
    Tears welled in Anya’s eyes. Sedalene’s words dove deep, biting into her soul, and leaving a bitter aftertaste behind. But she knew them to be true. Kael had not reached out to her, and there could only be one reason as to why—he did not want her.
    “Do not cry, Anya. I know it is painful, but if you look deep down, you will find you have already known this truth for quite some time. And how could you not?” Sedalene asked gently, cupping Anya’s face. “Now, my child, look to what could be, to what experiences you could have, to what happiness you have already known these past few months. This man—Lord Merivic—lightens your heart and puts the bounce back into your step. I have seen it. Why is it you cannot?”
    A fresh round of tears pooled in Anya’s eyes as her words hit home. Yes, she had come to know the truth long ago. Yes, Merivic made her very happy. And yes, she was excited to see what her future held. But it was also what ultimately held her back—the unknowns of this new man, of a new love. With Merivic there would be nothing but clues to decipher and mysteries to unlock, whereas before there was the security of knowing another with no surprises. How could she truly be certain of her happiness one month from now, or even two, much less all the years that followed?
    “What did Father say, when he told you of the proposal?”
    Sedalene sat back, breaking contact. “Why do you ask?”
    “He disappeared the moment I attempted to talk to him about it. Does he not approve of Merivic?”
    “Of course, he does. He readily granted your hand, but Lord Merivic insisted you be the one to decide.”
    Anya nodded. “Merivic told me it was up to me. But I still wanted Father’s impressions of the man.”
    “You father cherishes you, Anya. He would not have agreed had he not thought it was a fine pairing—no matter his background or standing. But he will not tell you this himself.”
    “Why not?”
    “Lord Merivic was kind enough to have what you desired be the most important factor—first above all else. And your father wishes to comply, and let you seek your own happiness. That is why he avoids you; he also wishes the decision to come from your heart, and does not want to influence you in any way.”
    Anya stared at the flowers as she slipped into her thoughts. Lord Merivic was a kind and gracious man, rising above the hardships he and his family had suffered, and continuing to exude a strong spirit in face of it all. He easily drew out her compassion and consideration, all while tugging her heart toward a love she would not be able to deny for long.
    Anya knew her father’s position now, that he unquestionably wanted this future for her—a future with Merivic. Her loyalty for her father tipped her decision toward acceptance, but it was not just allegiance that guided her—she trusted his instincts as well.
    Sedalene rose and circled the table, coming to a halt to kiss the top of her head. “I know you will make the right decision.”
    Anya smiled and looked up at Sedalene as everything clicked into place, and she knew without a doubt and with all of her heart, what she must do. “I believe I already have.”
    Her nanny searched