Page 108 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 2

“No, he can’t.” She gave him a soft smile. “Nor me from loving you.”

They were silent for a few minutes. “Maybe he will change his mind.” But they both knew that would never happen.

Chapter 61

A few days later, Wilhelm told Anna he wanted to take her to the Schloss. She heard Kurt and Wilhelm arguing in Wilhelm’s office before they left. She didn’t know what was said because they were speaking—shouting—in German, but she could tell by his tone that Kurt was very angry.

Anna waited in the sitting room near the office and looked up when the door opened. Kurt’s face was red and he glared at his father. He stopped short when he saw Anna and his eyes softened. “I am sorry you had to hear that, Engel.” He leaned down and kissed her on the temple. “I will see you tonight.” He turned and frowned at Wilhelm, and then quickly made his way up the circular staircase to the third floor.

Wilhelm watched Kurt with a sad expression. She stood and walked to him. “Is everything okay?”

Wilhelm absently stroked her hair. “Ja, Liebling. I told him he could not come and he became angry. He accused me of not trusting him and thinking less of him than I thought of Alex.” Wilhelm looked at her. “It is not true. I think him very capable. He has worked so hard these last few years. I am so proud of him.” He flinched, and Anna imagined he was thinking about Alex.

She wrapped her arms around his waist, and he hugged her. “I know you are. I can see it. He knows it too.” She leaned her head against his chest. “Why can’t he come along?”

“Because it is a matter for Elders. If Alex were here... well, he would not be allowed either.” Wilhelm sighed. He stared into nothing for a few moments and then shook his head. “We must go. They will be waiting.”

Anna was taken to a room to prepare when she arrived. Her hair was brushed and she was given a simple white silk gown to wear. She looked down and noticed her breasts looked fuller. Or was it just her imagination? It was almost as if—No. She hadn’t been with Kaveh and she’d been apart from Devin for almost a month. She rubbed her face and drew her knees to her chest. What was going on? She couldn’t be pregnant. Who would have...

She gasped as her mind drifted back to the last time she’d been with Wilhelm. After he had disciplined her, they’d had a very, very passionate lovemaking session. He had told her years ago that a pregnancy could happen if she was particularly emotionally attached. She had felt Wilhelm and herself floating together... becoming one body. Had she inadvertently opened herself up to get pregnant? Oh! What would Wilhelm say? What would Ilsa say? What would Kurt say? Oh, God! Devin would be furious!

But she hadn’t meant to do it. It had just happened. She?—

“Mistress?”

Anna jumped at the sound of a male voice. She looked up to see an Immortal standing in the doorway. She couldn’t remember his name, but he had been with Sebastian the night before her wedding to Alex.

“I am Gavin.” The Immortal spoke in a deep, resonating voice and wore a gentle smile on his face. He had no accent, which surprised Anna. “I will take you to the Elders.”

Anna stood nervously and smoothed her dress, conscious of how her breasts strained against the fabric.

Gavin’s eyes flickered down her body briefly and he smiled when he looked back at her face. “You are with child?”

“H-how did you know?” She crossed her arms across her stomach, which was still as flat as it normally was.

Gavin smiled. “We Immortals can discern the subtle changes. And you look as you did when you married Alex, though you are not as far along. A few weeks maybe.”

Anna clasped her hands together as they shook, and she shook her head. “I didn’t know. I didn’t mean to!”

“Fear not, Mistress. No one would be upset here. They are not your other Master.” Gavin motioned to the hallway and Anna followed him out of the room.

She stared at the floor as she followed the Immortal through the Schloss. An Immortal wouldn’t gain anything by lying to her—were they even allowed to lie?—but she still didn’t believe anyone would be happy with it.

Gavin led her to the same chamber where her marriage to Alex had been confirmed and consummated. She glanced over at the fireplace as she stepped into the room where she and Alex had become one person. She remembered the warmth of the flames and the joy she’d felt being with him.

The fireplace was cold and dark now. Like her future with Devin.

She blinked away tears and lowered her gaze back to the floor, following Gavin to the center of the room. When Gavin stopped, she subtly glanced up to see all seven of the German Elders in front of her. She dropped to her knees and bowed. What had she done wrong to bring them all together?

“You may sit up, Anna,” Wilhelm said after just a few seconds.

Anna sat up and stared at the floor, her hands resting lightly on her thighs. She was too ashamed to look at Wilhelm.

“Anna, we have gathered here today to speak with you about your dreams.”

Anna looked up as her jaw dropped. “My dreams?” She clapped her hand over her mouth. She’d spoken without being given permission. Frightened tears welled up in her eyes as she stared at Wilhelm, her heart pounding so hard she could hardly see.

Wilhelm smiled tenderly at her. “You may speak freely here, Anna.” He glanced around at the other Elders. They all nodded, gentle expressions on their face. “And be at ease. We just ask that you be respectful.”

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