Valkyrie's Judgment

Chapter 1

Aeliss was hiding. The thing she liked best about spring was that the trees provided an excellent hiding place. Balancing on a branch, she peered out between the leaves. She could hear her tutor calling her name close by.

She let out a sigh. She knew that her grandfather would be furious with her for skipping the meeting with the son of the Adler family.

She knew it was important that she attended, even though he had told her that they were merely going to discuss the possibility of a political alliance between the Wryngarde and the Adler family, which normally wouldn’t have required her presence.

Aeliss was a lot of things, but she was not stupid. She knew exactly what a “political alliance” entailed. And she had absolutely no intention of marrying Damien Adler.

She had known of his interest in her for a long time. With her long, blond hair and her delicate face, she had every man turning their heads when she passed by. But her fierce temper and unladylike behavior quickly had most potential suitors running for the hills.

She was unattainable and Damien Adler was the kind of man who wanted that he couldn’t have.

Her grandfather approved, of course. The Adler family was one of the oldest and most respected families in the country. Kiann Wryngarde couldn’t hope for a better match, much less for his rebellious granddaughter.

Her tutor was calling her again, frustration clear in his voice. Aeliss almost felt sorry for him. She didn’t want to be the one to go tell her grandfather that he had lost sight of her, just before an extremely important meeting.

Aeliss wasn’t scared of many things, but her grandfather terrified her. And the rest of the household for that matter. He did not tolerate disobedience or incompetence.

She suppressed a shudder at the thought of what he would do to her for skipping the meeting.

The sound of footsteps faded out, and Aeliss saw her chance. She jumped down from the branch, landing silently on the ground. Having spent her entire childhood trying to avoid lessons and other bothersome duties, she had quite some skill in sneaking around.

She ran through the gardens, being careful to avoid the servants who looked like they were searching for her. They probably were. Damien Adler should have arrived by now, and her grandfather must have be out of his mind with anger, since she was not present.

While being mindful of a passing servant, she didn’t look where she was going and collided head on with the person standing in front of her.

She staggered backwards and would have fallen if two strong hands hadn’t caught her. She looked up and immediately recognized the one who had been blocking her escape route.

Atticus Wryngarde smirked down at her. “You should look where you’re running, little sister.” He said, releasing her arms, so she could stand.

Aeliss scowled at him. “And you should stop being in the way.” She mumbled unhappily. As much as she loved her brother, she really didn’t feel like talking to him right know.

Atticus raised an eyebrow at her sullen attitude. “Looks like someone got out on the wrong side of the bed today. What’s wrong?”

Aeliss looked away reluctantly. She didn’t want to tell him about it, but at the same time she hated keeping things from her brother.

“Grandfather asked me to attend a meeting with him and Damien Adler.” She said, finally meeting his eyes. “And I’m quite sure I know why…”

Atticus looked confused for a moment, before realization dawned on his face. “Oh.” He said simply, an apologizing look on his face. “I’m sorry, Lissy. But you knew that it wouldn’t be long before he officially asked.”

“I’m not going to marry him.” She said determined.

“You may not have a choice.” Atticus said sadly.

“I don’t care! Adler is arrogant, snobby and he only wants a trophy wife. There’s no way I’m going along with this.” Aeliss said, leaving no room for discussion.

Atticus sighed. “You’re really going to go against him, aren’t you?” He asked, giving up. There was no reasoning with her, when she first had decided on something.

“I can’t let him control everything in my life.” She said quietly, silently begging him to understand. She knew that he only wanted to keep her safe. Ever since their parents died, he had always been looking out for her, and she was thankful for that. But this time, she had to stand her ground, even if it meant facing their grandfather’s wrath.

“I know, but…” He started to say, when someone interrupted him.

“There you are! And here I thought you were avoiding me.”