Free AnyasDragons by Gabriella Bradley Page A

that. You already heard my warning never to call you that again. Ah, here is food.”
    Several servants entered carrying trays of food while another servant quickly set plates, utensils and glasses on the table.
    “Our women could learn much here,” Cyton said.
    “Our women wouldn’t be happy living in such sterile environments,” Yerith said thoughtfully.
    “What makes you think that? Looking around, I don’t mind the luxuries of the castle. Living here is preferable over our rough caves.”
    “Cyton, we’ve lived in the caves for centuries. We would miss our freedom, the forest and the mountains.”
    “Good Goddess, Yerith, we can fly anywhere we want in minutes. You’re talking as if this is jail.”
    “I’m afraid you have no choice, either of you. You’re stuck with me. Once I’m crowned, I’ll appoint you, Cyton, my royal advisor and I will knight you both. Yerith, you shall lead and train my army.”
    “Princess Anya,” one of the servants approached, her head bowed.
    “Look at me, girl. Speak.”
    “Two seamstresses wait for your guards to take their measurements and the blacksmith is here, too, to measure them for their armor.”
    “Follow her,” she told her men. “I feel quite safe now that Yurkis has cast the safety spell over the planet. No need for you to escort me to my chamber. Maybe I’ll walk in the gardens a while. When you’re done, meet me there.”

Chapter Eight
    Anya strolled slowly through the gardens, a loka bloom in her hand. Every now and then, she sniffed its heavenly fragrance. It was one of her favorite flowers, its fragile white petals curling at the edges, its heart a pale shade of pink. According to legend, if one inhaled the pollen from the loka, it acted as an aphrodisiac. Not that she needed anything to stimulate her overactive libido.
    It felt wonderful to be so free. To be able to stroll in the gardens, go wherever she pleased. A swing hung from a tree, vines loaded with blossoms climbing up the ropes into the tree and along its branches. She sat on it and swung back and forth, her eyes closed, dreaming about Cyton and Yerith. Tonight she would order them to share her bed. Would they agree?
    “So it’s true. Princess Anya, you’re alive,” a male voice spoke behind her. Startled, she stopped the swing and jumped off to face the speaker. She recognized him instantly. “Sorlos. I thought you’d been killed with the other guards.”
    “No. I didn’t believe the people when the gossip spread to my town that you lived and I didn’t bother joining the throng that went to the castle to hear your speech. So you will be queen. We must join in marriage quickly, before the crowning.”
    “I’ll do no such thing. There will be no joining between us. You are free.” Gazing at his slack thick lips, his thickening waist and small eyes, she felt bile rise to her throat. Goddess, how could I ever have bedded with this man? He repulses me.
    “I don’t want to be free and you are breaking the law. This could jeopardize your crowning, Anya.”
    “Princess Anya to you, and who is brave enough to stand against my ruling and the new laws? There will be no more arranged unions. My people, royal or commoner, can choose their mates, join for love.”
    “Ha! What would you know of love? You’ve been sheltered your whole life. Come here.”
    He stepped toward her and grabbed her by the shoulders. He wasn’t a big man. He wasn’t much taller than she was, but he was a royal guard and due to his training, very strong. She tried to wriggle loose, but failed.
    “Look at you. How can you display yourself like that while you’re still a virgin! You’ll wed me, Princess! And I’ll make sure it happens, right here, right now!”
    He threw her to the ground, pinned her legs beneath him and held her arms above her head, then he tore her gown from neck to hem, the fragile material easily giving way under his assault. Shame flooded her as she lay exposed and witnessed the crazed,