Free Impending Reprisals by Jolyn Palliata Page B

the dress. Apparently, it was designed for women not quite as full as yourself.”
    Anya giggled nervously as she bounced in place, testing the restraint of the material to ensure her breast would not simply slip out.
    “Appears to be secure,” Sedalene commented. “Thankfully you are accepting Lord Merivic’s proposal. I do not think he could handle a rejection looking as you do. The heartbreak would sting tenfold.”
    Anya burst into a laugh. “I do not know, Seda. This”—she gestured to her chest— “might be enough to break his heart as well. Especially when he comes to realize the exaggeration of it all.”
    “Anya!” Sedalene clasped her hand over her mouth, but chuckled along with her. “Such things you say.”
    Anya smiled at her nanny as she continued to fuss over her, and her thoughts wondered to Merivic and the night ahead. Her chest was tight and her belly alive with flutters. She could barely wait to see him and accept his proposal, for now that she had decided her future, she was eager to embrace it and start anew.

Chapter 9
    Chiberus led Anya to the familiar gardens of the great hall as they awaited Merivic, who was still greeting his guests. She absentmindedly fiddled with her amulet as her belly tightened into knots, trying to determine the perfect way to accept his proposal so it would be memorable for them both.
    “Anya, you must settle down. You are making me nervous as well.”
    She issued a strained giggle as she pulled her wrap tight around her shoulders. “My apologies, Father. I am just excited, is all.”
    His black eyes softened as he watched her pace in front of him. “As well you should be. You will have such a grand life, Anya. Better than any I could have hoped to provide for you.”
    Anya looked to her father, saw the emotions swelling under the surface, and it warmed her heart. She stepped closer, pulling him into a hug. “Thank you, Father, for giving me such a wonderful life—both now with Merivic and while growing up. I could not have asked for more.”
    He squeezed her tight but quickly released her. With a gruff-sounding clear of his throat, he held her back and set his jaw.
    Anya glanced over his shoulder and saw Merivic as he walked into the garden. “My escort is here.”
    Her father straightened his back while taking her arm, then turned, leading her to her future. 
    Merivic met them halfway, his eyes swimming over the gorgeous woman he would be spending the evening with before examining her stern-faced father for a hint as to what the night might bring. However, Chiberus was as unreadable as a rock.
    Surely he would give me some sort of an indication as to what her decision is, Merivic thought. Of course, that is only if she told him of her intentions.
    Merivic rubbed the back of his neck as he approached, then attempted to clear his head of any conjectures so he could simply enjoy the night.
    “Weapons Master Chiberus. Anya.” He nodded to each as he addressed them.
    “Lord Merivic.” Chiberus’ tone was as impenetrable as his expression. “I leave my daughter in your care.” He bowed slightly, then released Anya and strode out of the garden.
    “Anya, you are a vision.” Merivic took her hand and bent low to kiss it. “Might I take your wrap for you?”
    “That would be wonderful,” Anya replied, curious and just a little fearful as to what his reaction to her gown would be.
    He slipped behind her and he eased the satin shawl down her shoulders, the silky material caressing her skin as he lifted it away. Before she could turn around, she felt Merivic’s soft lips press against the nape of her neck, under the mass of piled hair. His warm breath tickling as it breezed through several loose tendrils. A shiver ran up her spine as he pulled away, both from the physical sensation and the emotional implications.
    She slowly turned, her eyes glued to his as he held her hand high, his gaze drifting over her. His eyes widened slightly and averted as they