Page 9 of A Hunter for Luna

“Of course, Domina.” If it kept Rose safe, I’d call her anything she wanted me to.

Her arms were bare, and I could see they rippled with muscle.

“First, practice hitting this.” She indicated the stuffed tube. “Like this.”

I watched her as she struck fast and hard. "Will you teach me how to use other weapons?"

Lady Vala's expression hardened, a flicker of something dark. "Of course. Someday, you’ll see your father again."

The words hit me like a physical blow, and my breath caught in my throat.

"The news today," Lady Vala said, "is that there was a terrible accident. Canta fell."

Rage surged through me. Of course. An accident. That's what they were calling it. As if my father's hands weren't stained with blood. Since Canta wasn’t a citizen of Dimare, her death was nothing more than a tragic mishap.

I planted my feet firmly on the polished wood floor. The anger thrummed in my veins, a wild and reckless energy seeking release. "So I strike this as you did?"

A glimmer of approval shone in Lady Vala's expression. "Yes. As you hit, focus on your balance, your center of gravity. Imagine yourself as a tree, rooted deep and unshakable."

I followed her instructions. It was harder than it looked. Lady Vala guided me through the movements, her voice a steady anchor as I lost myself in the exertion.

An endless time later, my muscles burned with exertion, and bruises shrieked in protest. But beneath the exhaustion, a harsh determination had taken root.

With a certainty that echoed deep in my soul, I promised myself I would never be helpless again.

CHAPTER THREE

LUNA

Four YearsLater

Despite the roaring fire, the air in Benedetto’s chamber was cold. More so because I stood naked, shivering. Anxious nerves knotted in my stomach. Pulling my auburn hair forward, I tried in vain to cover my exposed breasts, but the strands barely reached.

Vala and Georgio d'Inari stood next to me. Since Benedetto was now tenth in line to inherit the emperor's wreath and our marriage had not yet been consummated, witnesses were required to affirm that I was whole and sound of body and mind. And that the act happened.

I wished we had done this when I was fourteen, without anyone watching. I had no idea how Vala had brought Benedetto home for this, but assumed it involved a great deal of pressure.

Both of them had already inspected me and pronounced me unmarred, though a midwife would confirm my virginity separately. Now we waited for my once again tardy husband.

The door slammed open and Benedetto stormed in. An angry frown slashed across his handsome face. Without acknowledging anyone, he stripped off his garments in swift, sharp motions, tossing them at a small chair in the corner opposite the bed. His broad, muscled shoulders and chest came into view, followed by a defined stomach that narrowed to slim hips.

I tried to avert my gaze out of modesty, but my attention kept straying back to his impressive physique. In moments, the only thing adorning his tan skin was the glint of a family seal ring on his right hand.

My cheeks flushed hot. The vulnerability of being bare before him, before the witnesses, made me want to sink through the elaborately woven rug and disappear. Is this truly necessary? People watching us while we, while we...

Benedetto's deep brown eyes finally met mine, dark with an emotion I couldn't quite discern - resentment? Impatience? His intense stare sent a shiver down my spine that had nothing to do with the temperature of the room. I clutched my hair tighter against my chest.

This was my husband. This beautiful, intimidating man who could barely stand to look at me. I couldn't blame him. What man would want a bride forced upon him in an arranged political match when he could have his choice of lovers?

Hurt pride mingled with indignation in my chest. I didn’t want him either, I wanted safety for my family.

Straightening my shoulders, I lifted my chin. I refused to cower before him, even if I had no choice in how we consummatedour marriage. Within, I desperately hoped my boldness hid the nervous quaking of my knees and hands.

Absent gods, let this unpleasantness be over with quickly.

Vala approached me, her calm gaze searching my expression. Her slender fingers touched my shoulder and I had to fight the urge to flinch away.

"Lie back on the bed, dear," she said softly, but it was clearly no request. "And spread your legs so the midwife can examine you."

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