Sunlight skims his features as he looks off into the distance, his expression thoughtful. “I suppose I do. We all have those moments that alter our courses. Sometimes subtly. Sometimes profoundly.”
My thoughts drift to Jasce, to the inexplicable way our paths first crossed. Is he meant to be a part of my stream? A stone that alters my course in some significant way?
It feels as though Fate conspired to bring us together. Otherwise, our meeting would have been impossible, considering the hatred between our houses.
Oblivious to my wayward thoughts, Kendrick continues. “Though I admit some portions of my stream have been straighter than others.”
I smile, appreciating his efforts to keep our conversation light. With Asha’s obvious intentions, matters could easily turn awkward between us.
Kendrick plucks a vibrant purple blossom from a low-hanging branch and hands it to me with a half bow. “A flower for the lady.”
“Why thank you, good sir.” I tuck it into my braid.
The rest of our walk continues that way. With him being insightful, sincere, and attentive. He asks thoughtful questions about my interests and dreams and seems genuinely invested in my answers. Though, he remains courteous, he makes no overt romantic gestures.
When our time together finally draws to a close, he bows and bids me good day.
The moment he walks away, I hurry to my bedchamber, hoping to avoid the inevitable interrogation from Asha. She will want details of my time with Kendrick, and she will probe to see if her matchmaking efforts have borne fruit.
I settle on a bench near the window, where the warm sunlight filters in and caresses my skin.
Asha doesn’t know that I have no intention of being a mere puppet in her schemes.
I am my own person, with my own dreams, and I am no longer willing to let anyone dictate the path of my life.
ChapterTwelve
ANNORA
A short while later,a soft knock sounds at my door before it creaks open, and Asha steps into my bedchamber. She crosses the room and settles into a chair near me. The warm, honeyed light of the afternoon sun lingers across her face, highlighting the determined set of her jaw and the keen intensity in her eyes as she leans forward and fixes me with an unwavering gaze. “So, what did you think of Lord Kendrick?”
I swallow and shift to face her fully. “He’s kind.”
“Just kind?” The lines near Asha’s mouth deepen as she frowns. “What else did you think about him?”
“He seems nice enough.”
“Nice enough?” Asha rolls her eyes at me. “Come now, Rora. Lord Kendrick is one of the most eligible bachelors in all Bakva. Any woman would be lucky to catch his eye.”
Then, she should marry him.
I quickly school my features into a contrite frown, ashamed at my pettiness. Asha means well, and she only wants what’s best for our house and for me.
“Ash,” I begin, desperate for her to see things my way. “I don’t want to marry Lord Kendrick. I know you think it’s a good match, but I don’t feel any spark between us.”
Her frown deepens. “I already told him you would accept his proposal. Before you get angry with me, Annora, remember who you are, and to which house you belong.”
I bite my lip, trying to rein in my frustration. Of course, I know my duties to House of Silver, but why can’t Asha understand my hesitation? This marriage affects my entire future.
“I know what house I belong in.” I rip my veil from my face in a rare show of defiance. The fabric flutters to the stone floor between us. “But I will not marry him. I know you want what’s best for our family, but please, you must listen to what I want too.”
Asha’s eyes flash, but she remains silent, her lips pressed into a thin line.
“Please, Ash. D-don’t make me do this,” I beg, my voice cracking under the strain of my emotions. “I can’t marry him. I can’t spend the rest of my life with someone I don’t love.”
“I have given up everything to lead our people, and you refuse to do the one thing that is your duty as a woman from House of Silver. Don’t you care about the future of our house?”
Of course I care, but marrying Kendrick feels like sacrificing my entire future.
