Page 236 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 1

She sat up. “Yes, Master?”

He handed her the dress. “Get dressed. We’ll go back to the pavilion and sleep.”

She nodded and stood, pulling the dress over her head.

Devin glanced out at the grassy field. Some of the men stood around, chatting with one another. He took Anna’s hand and stepped down to speak to the president. “Mitch, let me introduce you to Anna,” he said to the smiling man. “Anna, meet President Mitch Davis.”

Anna bowed her head. “Good evening, my lord.”

“Hello, sweetheart,” the president said with a southern drawl. He reached out to stroke her cheek. “So pretty.”

Devin hadn’t agreed with his election, but had little say in things back then. Not so anymore. Eight years had brought about many changes. Devin’s choice, Jerry Weir, would be the next president. “Are you going on the Hunt?” he asked. Some of the men didn’t participate, having chosen companions earlier in the day.

Mitch shook his head. “Never really enjoyed that aspect of the weekend. I prefer them coming to me, rather than me chasing after them. I’m too old for that shit.”

Both men laughed. Devin saw how Mitch watched Anna carefully. Anna stood silently and stared at the ground. “I can understand that. I had planned to go, but this evening has tired me out more than I expected.” He tilted his head. “I would offer Anna to you, but I’m afraid she wouldn’t be very good company tonight. Perhaps tomorrow?”

The other man nodded. “I’d like that.” He smiled at her. “I’d like that a lot.”

“Good.” Devin nodded. “If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to put Anna to bed.”

“Of course. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Devin put his arm around Anna’s shoulders and led her to their pavilion near the lake.

Ian was coming out of the living area when they arrived. He furrowed his brows. “I thought you were sending her out.”

“Hoping to get a piece of her?” Devin laughed. “I wore her out and she wouldn’t be much fun tonight. Grab her tomorrow.”

Ian grinned. “Any chance I get.”

Devin chuckled as his friend walked away. He knew Ian cared about Anna, and, as long as it didn’t interfere with his duties, he didn’t care.

He led Anna to the bed and laid her down, covering her with the blankets. It was quiet. Devin was grateful for the lack of distractions after a tiring day. He removed his new robe and hung it on a nearby hook, then crawled into bed with Anna. She had been good all afternoon and evening. He was pleased. He gathered her into his arms and fell asleep almost instantly.

Chapter 113

Anna spent most of Saturday morning at her Master’s feet as he met with some of the men in attendance, pleasing them when he told her to. At lunchtime, Devin said she could have some time to herself. After getting food from the kitchen tent, she sat down at a table under a tree by herself.

She was lost in her thoughts when someone sat down across from her. She looked up to see Tommy smiling hesitantly at her. He wore a white tunic like the Elders. “Good afternoon, my lord.” She looked down at her plate, trembling and wondering what he wanted.

“Anna...” He reached across the table for her hand. “Anna, I’m so sorry for what I did to you.”

“You needn’t apologize, my lord. I’m a slave. My purpose is to please you.”

“I don’t see you that way.”

“Then you don’t see the truth.” Anna clapped her hand over her mouth and looked up at him in fear. “I’m sorry, my lord!”

Tommy smiled gently and squeezed her hand. “Don’t apologize. And don’t call me ‘my lord.’ I like it when you say my name.”

“It’s inappropriate, my lord. You are an Elder-Son. I must treat you appropriately.”

“I’d prefer you to treat me normally.”

“My Master would be upset if I were to disrespect you, my lord.”

Tommy sighed. “Alright. I don’t want to get you in trouble.” He squeezed her hand again. “Anna, look at me.”

---