VeilBound

Chapter 1

I’ve always hated my life. Don’t get me wrong, I’m well cared for and loved by my father, but I hate being catered to, treated like porcelain, and hidden from the world.

My name is Anastasia, but only my mother calls me that. Everyone else calls me Anas. I don’t mind it so much, but I do wish I could have someone, even if it’s just one person, call me Anastasia one more time. Would it feel as good as it did when she called my name? When she made up stories with my name?

I found myself tracing the map I had just inked a few more details into. I shouldn’t be this attached to a piece of paper, but it’s not just a piece of paper; it feels like a piece of my soul: my lifeline, my escape, my route. Being the daughter of one of the realm’s most powerful Etherglass trade lords was the worst thing ever. I’m biding my time, though. I know very soon I’ll get out from under his thumb.

I already have a somewhat bare-bones plan. I’m trying not to poke at it so much, as it wouldn’t hold weight if anything goes wrong. But I’m thinking only positive thoughts. Mother taught me to be resilient, to fight in the face of fear and uncertainty. I’m not going to let my circumstances control my life.

ANAS! “Father’s voice thundered.

My heartbeat slowed, and my palms tingled and got sweaty. What does he want now? I can’t help thinking.

I rush to hide the map under my pillow, smoothing the edges so it doesn’t get crumpled.

I close my room door softly to see father tapping impatiently on the staircase railing. His eyes immediately lift from the sealed letter he’s holding onto too firmly. He looks ticked off. What could’ve gotten him in such a mood? I’d better tread carefully.

“Yes, Father, you called?” My voice comes out soft and warm. I widen my lips in a small smile.

Bastian told me you weren’t on time for your dance lessons this morning. Bastian is my dance and horse riding instructor. I had an affinity for horse racing, but dancing was something altogether, and trust Bastian always to remind me of my two left feet.

“Oh! My mind raced to figure out a response to what I knew would be his next line of questioning.

“ Yes, Father, I had to help Abby in the kitchen before my class. She needed help to prepare for the dinner party you’re having.

You always tell me to do what I can to help the people around me. “ I added as a finishing touch.”

She didn’t want me to help, but I insisted. I told Bastian this, but he said he’d tell you regardless, so I shrugged.

I knew Abby would cover for me. She was the only staff member who stayed back after my mother passed away. She made me warm chocolate on cold nights when Father was entertaining his business buddies. Abby has always been one person she could count on.

“Hmmm…. Father replied. That’s fine, but make sure not to be late for your lessons. Tardiness is unbecoming of a young woman.

Yes, father, it won’t happen again. “ I try to look appropriately chastised.

“ Now come, my dear, I have to introduce you to someone important.”

Father had already turned and was striding away, so I rushed to climb up and match his pace. He always forgets that I’m not as strong as him and gets way too occupied with the million things I’m sure he has running through his head.

In my musings, I almost miss my step, but I catch myself as I hear the last part of my father’s statement.

“I want you to meet your new tutor.”

My stomach bottomed out immediately. I already have too much to do. My schedule is so tight. How would I make my plan work if I can’t have time to work on it? Jesus! I already hate the idea of more lessons, and I know I’m going to detest the sight of this new tutor. “My thoughts were already spiraling. I could hardly hear what father was saying above the sound of my loud heartbeat.

We rounded the corner and passed by the stables. I could smell it from here. The stables and the kitchen were the places where I could feel safe and comfortable in this vast building, surrounded by mountains and mist, that I called home. We were surrounded by over a thousand acres of land. A big perimeter fence, almost seeming like they were trying to keep something in. I raised my head to stare at the home I’ve been living in for the past 15 years. I wouldn’t call it my home. It’s a three-story building with arched Victorian windows: an arched doorway and beautiful doors. The only structure close to us was the stables, the gardeners’ and security guards' apartments. That was small but with a unique style. It’s a single-story building made with functionality rather than appeal.

We stepped over the threshold. I could see Murphy our butler standing in his ever-changing position. He opened the door quietly.

Hi Murphy “ I whispered. I didn’t want Father to know we were talking. He’s always cross at me when I’m friendly with the male staff.

“Hello, Younglady “ Murphy’s gravelly voice responded.

Your guest is waiting for you in the sun room, my lord. Refreshments have been served to him and he’s been told you’d meet with him shortly.

“Ugh,” Father grunted. Moving steadily. He looks troubled and a little pale. I have noticed that he has been a little bit withdrawn in recent days or has that been my imagination?

We made a beeline directly to the sunroom. Father opened it with a flourish.

Rione my boy! Welcome to my home! He’s voice boomed.

The scent hit me first, soft breeze carrying pine and sandalwood..I have never smelled anything so delicious.

I lifted my eyes to see a mountain of a man. Over. 6”5ft. My eyes landed on his hair on their own accord. His hair is the darkest shade of midnight black and was that purple color at the tips? Damn, I like him already. His hair was slicked back with some tendrils curling pretty at his temple. My eyes moved down slowly of their own accord. His eyes are the most piercing green. Feels like they’re looking into the deepest part of my heart and unearthing all my secrets. Is he watching me ogling him? Jesus! His eyes met mine and I couldn’t stop my face from heating up. My goodness.! I must look like a red tomato right about now.

My father’s hand clasped his face and he promptly kissed him on his two cheeks. I hope I get to do that my treacherous heart couldn’t help but think.

Get it together “! I told myself.

My father turned to me and said This is my beautiful daughter Anas.”

Anas my dear., Rione here will be your new fencing tutor. He was taught fencing from a very young age by Alaric Korr the last surviving Blade of the Veil.

“Rione” my father turned once again to who’s looking to be his golden boy.

You have 6 weeks to whip her up into your fencing protege. She has to be ready for the unveiling on her 18th birthday.

What was father saying? I had just 6 weeks to learn fencing. And what is the unveiling? The basis of fencing alone was going to kick my ass. Talk more about being a protege? He must be delusional! I'm going to do everything within my power not to get too swept up and forget my plans.

“Of course Anyam”…she’ll have my undivided attention..the voice I presumed to be his responded still looking at me with those piercing green eyes that seemed to be laughing at me. My heart trembled, that voice! It has the darkest timbre that felt like goosebumps and dark coffee at the same time. My eyes continued their perusal as my father nodded as if satisfied with his response and our introduction, but he promptly got distracted by his phone.

Don’t forget dinner is by 6.

Rione will be joining us.. He turned on his heel and left, his footsteps already fading rapidly.

My eyes linger on the longest eyelashes, bushy brows I have ever seen, and a crooked nose that seems like he’s been in one too many fist fights.

I slow down on his mouth shaped like a cupid bow. Same mouth that is currently tipped upwards in a smirk.

“Like what you see? that sinful voice prodded.

My heart shuddered, racing against my rib cage like it needs an escape. How can someone’s voice affect me so much? I can hardly breathe! What’s wrong with me?

“What”? My voice comes out in a breathy whisper…

What is wrong with me??? My inner voice screamed! Stop looking at his sexy as sin mouth and string a sentence together you dimwit.

Ugh! I bit my bottom lip hard to stop myself from cussing out loud.

Don’t hurt yourself …he’s sinful voice sounded stern as he walked languidly to me. He didn’t seem like he was in a hurry to cross the room but his look is magnetic. He’s so focused on me like I am the sun and he the sky that I orbit around. He gets close enough that I could feel the warmth emanating from his whole being.

His fingers hover over my hair with an intense look in his eyes memorizing every inch of my face. I froze in place unsure if to make a sound lest I distract him. I feel like a rabbit cornered.