ChapterEleven
ANNORA
Morning unfurlsthrough the windows as I pry my eyes open the following morning.
I rise and move to the washing stand, thinking about what happened the night before. How I had searched for hours but found no answers about Aigis Siphoning. For all I know, my mother could have made up that name.
I sigh and decide to think about something else, like Jasce.
Something tells me that he’s still in Bakva. A man doesn’t sneak into a cellar and kiss a woman like that, and then just walk away. Especially not Jasce.
I choose a lovely lilac colored cotehardie from my wardrobe. The color reminds me of the delicate flowers that bloom in the gardens each spring. I slip the garment over my head, the weight of it settling comfortably on my shoulders.
Next, I arrange my hair into a braid, my fingers working quickly to weave the strands together. Lastly, I grab my veil and position it over my face, the gossamer fabric a shield against the world.
A knock reverberates through my chamber, pulling me from my thoughts. I cross the room and open the door to find one of Asha’s guards standing at attention. He bows, then extends a folded piece of parchment toward me.
I wait until the guard’s footsteps fade before unfolding the missive. My eyes scan the elegant script, confirming it’s a summons from Asha, requesting my immediate presence.
I shut my chamber door and make my way through the halls to her study. As I step inside, I find Asha seated at her desk. But it’s the young man sitting across from her that immediately draws my attention.
The morning light spills through the tall arched windows, doing little to soften the man’s chiseled features. If anything, the illumination only accentuates the sharp planes of his face, casting shadows that highlight his strong jawline and high cheekbones. Sunlight catches in his blond hair, each strand gleaming like threads of finely spun gold.
“Thank you for joining us, Annora,” Asha says with a reassuring smile. “This is Lord Kendrick.”
He stands and bows. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Lady Annora.”
“Hello.” I muster a smile, knowing full well that while he may be what Asha deems suitable, my soul reaches for another.
“I’ve heard a great deal about you,” I say, even though I haven’t heard anything.
Asha should be happy that I’m at least trying to be civil.
Amusement colors his tone as he replies. “All good things, I hope.”
“Of course.”
Asha grins at my response, as if it’s exactly what she would expect me to say to him.
“Might I request the honor of a turn about the gardens?” he asks. “I’ve heard they are quite stunning this time of year.”
I hesitate, grasping for a reason, any reason, to deny him, but I do not find one. Refusing such a simple request would be improper, no matter how my soul recoils at the thought of entertaining this lord my sister seems intent on pairing me with.
I’m no fool.
I know why he’s here, and I know that look in Asha’s eyes. The one that says,This is for your own good, Annora.
She’s been looking at me like that for summers.
“I would be delighted to show you our gardens,” I say, trying to inject a note of delight into my voice and no doubt failing.
He smiles and offers his arm, and I take it, allowing him to lead me from the parlor. We walk in silence through the stone corridors of the fortress, past windows, where pale morning light spills in.
When we step into the gardens, I inhale the mingled scents of blooms. There is a stillness here, the only sound the whisper of leaves and the trill of birdsong.
Lord Kendrick guides us along the gravel path, past meticulously tended flower beds and towering trees. “It’s more beautiful than I imagined.”
“Asha makes sure they’re well-tended.”
