Valkyrie's Judgment

Chapter 2

Aeliss felt like killing someone. Preferable the man who just made his presence known.

Damien Adler stood before her and Atticus, the usual air of arrogance surrounding him. His eyes were resting on Aeliss, what was supposed to be a friendly smile on his face. Aeliss had to fight off the urge to scowl.

“Good afternoon, my lord.” She said, hoping he didn’t hear her nearly choke on the words.

“How many times have I asked you to call me Damien?” He asked casually.

“I haven’t counted, my lord.” Aeliss deadpanned, keeping her expression completely neutral.

A frown crossed Damien’s face. He was clearly displeased with her continued refusal to call him by his name.

“Anyway…” He started, changing the subject when it became clear he was going to lose on that one. “Your grandfather is waiting for us, so I decided to go look for you.”

‘How truly kind of you.’ Aeliss resisted the urge to say the sarcastic comment out loud. “Really? I must have lost track of time.” She said sweetly, forcing a smile.

“Well, we wouldn’t want to keep him waiting.” He said with a smile of his own and offered his arm to her.

Aeliss sighed as she realized there was no getting out of this. She pretended not to see Damien’s extended arm, and walked right past him, in the direction of her grandfather’s study.

ℓ

Aeliss and Damien entered the room to find Kiann Wryngarde standing at the table, waiting for them.

“Excellent, you found her! When we can get started.” His tone was pleasant, but it had been a long time since that had fooled Aeliss. She felt a chill run down her back, as she always did when she was in her grandfather’s presence.

She forced the fear from her mind, and held her head high. She would not let him get to her.

She took her place at the table, together with Damien. Kiann stood for a moment, before seating himself as well. “Lord Adler, I thank you for being able to join us today. I ask you to excuse my granddaughter’s tardiness.”

“Nothing to excuse. Everyone can lose track of time.” Damien said, while shooting Aeliss a smile.

“Indeed.” Kiann said slowly, his eyes resting heavily on Aeliss. She forced herself to hold his eyes, instead of giving in to the desire to look away.

Kiann cleared his throat quietly, before turning to look at Aeliss. Pleasantries were over. She knew what was coming now.

“Aeliss, as you know, our family has been working on establishing an alliance with the Adler family for some time now.” He addressed her. She sat upright and kept her head up, despite the suffocating feeling that had taken hold of her.

“Yes.” She answered coldly. “I’m aware of that.”

“It seems that we have finally come to an agreement, and to ensure the alliance, we wish to have a connection between our families.” He continued, eyes never leaving her. “To make such a connection, we have decided to have you and Lord Damien marry.”

Aeliss felt like someone punched her in the stomach. She had known this was coming, but that didn’t lessen the power of the blow. She took a deep breath, her eyes narrowing into slits.

“And it didn’t occur to anyone to speak to me first?” She asked, trying to keep her anger from seeping into her voice. Kiann eyes narrowed.

“Why should that have been necessary? I trust you will do whatever is best for your family?” He asked. Aeliss could hear the threat in his voice clearly. “It is already decided. The wedding preparations will start as soon as possible.”

Wedding preparations… He really intended to force her into this against her will. Rage coursed through her veins. He had no right to decide for her!

“I refuse.” She said simply, looking him right in the eye. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Damien look at her in shock. He clearly wasn’t used to being rejected.

“What did you say?” Kiann asked, his voice still keeping its pleasant tone, but Aeliss could see his eyes storming.

“I said I refuse. I have no intention of marrying, much less to a man I don’t get to choose myself.” She said, as she rose from her seat. Damien started protesting.

“Aeliss, I think you’re confused.” He started. “Sit down and let us talk about this.”

“There is nothing to talk about. I am not going to be used in your game.” She said. “I bid you goodbye.” She spit out sarcastically, before storming out of the room.