The Key ( #1 Anna Kippling Series) YA Paranormal Romance / Epic Fantasy

by A. D. Duling

  Hayden slammed it shut and squeezed it tightly between his fingers. The tension climbed up his forearms and spread throughout the rest of him. The little strength that had held him solid through the three days without Anna had finally run out. Hayden plopped down into the chair nearby the bed and let the rising sob slip past him. His shaking hand sat the book down onto the nightstand next to him and then he cradled his face in them and cried for the love that he had lost.

  The sobs came hard and shook his frame. Only the one’s downstairs knew how long Hayden cried for her. They left him alone and only went as far as outside the bedroom door to listen and to check on him.

  Hayden didn’t care who heard him cry and continued until the last bit of light left the room and he could not muster another emotion. That was when he stood up and left her.

  Chapter Thirty Six

  “Hayden, wake up!” someone spoke and a hand shook at his arm. He moaned. “Hayden… wake up!” a familiar voice called out to him.

  Hayden opened his eyes and looked around the room, finding Anna standing next to his bed, staring down at him. He blinked and then rubbed his eyes; not believing her there and thinking his eyes were playing tricks on him.

  “Yes I am really here,” Anna confirmed and Hayden bolted upright in bed.

  His hand came out as if to keep her back, “No…” he shook his head, “No, you’re dead!” said Hayden, trying to convince himself more than her, “You’re dead Anna!” he told her.

  Anna smiled, “So you thought,” She said and he quietly sat there, staring at her. Hayden’s blanket seemed to rise up to his nose as he acted like a scared little boy who had just seen a ghost.

  “You’re acting like an idiot!” Anna told him and yanked the blanket out of his hands, “Are you just going to keep staring at me?” she asked him and he nodded. Anna laughed.

  “How..?” Hayden asked her.

  “Val certainly stuffed a lot of those beads into my mouth,” Anna commented and smacked her lips in distaste.

  Hayden smiled, “She stuffed all of them,” he informed her and Anna laughed.

  “So that’s why I have such a funny taste in my mouth!” she joked.

  Hayden climbed out of bed and stood up, “You’re really here?” He asked her, still not believing. Anna nodded. Hayden reached up and touched her cheek.

  “Oh give me a break!” Anna complained and slapped his hand away.

  Hayden grinned, “You know, I’d have thought you would have come back with a better attitude and all,” He teased her.

  Anna grinned, “So what are you saying then?” she asked him.

  Hayden crossed his arms, “Well, I was just saying you could be a little more pleasant is all…” he went and she laughed.

  “Ok…I’m sorry, I’ll be nice…” Anna assured him as she brought her arms around him. Hayden brought his arms around her and pulled her into a hug.

  “Oh… you stink!” he said and Anna pushed him away.

  “Jerk..!” she insulted him and went to leave.

  “Anna, I’m kidding, wait don’t go,” Hayden called her back, laughing, “Wait where are you going?” he asked her.

  Anna turned around, “I was going to go take a bath!” she said. Hayden chuckled and Anna frowned at him.

  “Oh come on…” said Hayden, “It’s understandable why you do…” he explained himself and Anna grinned at him. “I still don’t understand though…” Hayden referred to her resurrection.

  “Sometimes things are far above our understanding,” said Anna, “and we just have to be thankful for it and leave it at that.”

  Hayden returned her smile, “How did you become so wise?” he asked her and Anna shrugged.

  “You can learn a lot from death.”

  “So you did die?” Hayden asked her.

  Anna shrugged again, “I don’t know,” she answered him, “If I did, I don’t remember.” Anna reached up and touched his cheek, “I do know that I heard you crying Hayden… I wanted so much to sit up and comfort you, but I couldn’t.” she shared with him and he pulled her into a hug.

  “I did cry Anna, a lot. I had thought I had lost you forever.” He confessed to her as she looked up at him, “I have to admit life without Anna Kippling, would definitely have been a dull one,” said Hayden, “but maybe that would have been a good thing too…” Hayden grinned at her.

  Anna laughed, “Oh, you think, do?” she asked him and he laughed.

  “No not really,” he smiled, “I think I like the excitement that comes with you…” said Hayden. Anna smiled and then Hayden leaned his head close to hers, “I’m going to kiss you now Anna,” He prepared her and Anna nodded her approval.

  Hayden then leaned closer and pressed his lips gently against hers. Anna’s eyes instantly closed and she tilted her head back, welcoming it. Anna stayed with Hayden until morning. They lay side by side on his bed, holding hands and looked at each other. Hayden was the first to fall asleep and Anna lay awake awhile longer watching him. She knew now there was no more denying the fact that she loved him. The moment she gave up her life for his, sealed her fate. A life they both knew, would not be satisfied without each other in it.

  Anna smiled at the thought of introducing Hayden to her parents and then thought sadly about them and how worried they must be. Anna had not thought about her parents in a while, she missed them and dared not to think what they were going through in her absence. She had only left a note that had said very little. Anna had written that she would be back, but how long she would be gone, was never said and Anna knew they were worrying if she ever would.

  Just a few days ago, Mr. and Mrs. Kippling had almost lost their daughter and did not even know it. Life back at home seemed so far away to Anna now and the life she had once lived seemed to have not even existed. The things she had thought to be so important then didn’t seem that way anymore. Anna knew she would never be the same girl again. The world she came from almost seemed nonexistent and the world she now lived in meant everything to her. Going back would be hard and Anna wondered what Hayden would think about that?

  Would he be able to let her go? Would he possibly go with her? Her grandmother did it, so it was possible…

  Anna watched as his chest rose and fell as he took his soft breaths. She wondered what his decision would be and the next question that came was how was she going to handle it?

  Chapter Thirty Seven

  When word had reached the Empress of Anna’s miracle, she joyfully announced a celebration and plans for a grand ball went into place. Anna had laughed at the idea when Hayden had told her about it. She could not imagine herself attending a ball and fitting into all the grandeur that came along with it. Anna knew it would be bigger than a prom and a big production. Having no desire to offend the grateful Empress, Anna graciously accepted.

  The Empress did all of the arranging and word got around quickly of the lavish décor and about the mouthwatering food that would be prepared for the event. When it came time for Anna to be fitted for her ball gown, she found herself actually becoming excited. It would be neat to parade around in a beautiful gown and be done up so elegantly. Anna would feel like royalty and for a night she could play a real Cinderella.

  When the night came around, only two short days later, Anna stood before the long mirror and admired herself. She looked absolutely breathtaking and could not believe it was her in the reflection. The tailors had done a wonderful job on the construction of it and it was the most beautiful one Anna had ever seen.

  No princess in wales could have looked more beautiful; she vainly thought and laughed at herself. They had chosen a satin taffeta type of fabric to make her dress with and the color of it was a soft teal, to compliment Anna’s fair skin. It had a layering effect that went down to a full bottom. Beads had been sewn along the bodice and buttons went down her back. Anna had helped design it, but only by contributing a few suggestions. Her brown locks were pulled up into a loose bun with thin wisps of hair framing around her face. He
r face had been done up with rouge for her cheeks and a soft red lipstick on her lips.

  Hayden’s expression as Anna came down the stairs, sent a blush to her face and suddenly Anna felt herself feeling a bit shy around him. It is our first date… Anna thought to herself and smiled at him. Hayden looked stunning in his own attire and his blonde hair had been combed back, tucked neatly behind his ears. His face was freshly shaven. It had been a while since it had been. Stubble had been a familiar look to Hayden during their adventure. The dark black of his evening jacket made his grey eyes seem brighter or perhaps they only did that because of her, as Hayden almost never seemed to take his eyes off Anna.

  As they walked through the doors of the palace, the sight of them together and the attention Anna received from Hayden only convinced their observers more, that they were a pair in love. The great attention to detail and production of the event, showed an Empress who knew how to run things well, yet still reflected one with a truly humble heart. Every rumor that had been passed along had not been a rumor, but a fact. Everything was beautiful!

  A uniformed man announced them as they walked through the doors of the ballroom, while another man quickly took Anna’s coat, before she descended the stairs. The music stopped and every pair of eyes turned to them. Hayden hooked Anna’s arm into his and escorted her down the grand staircase that led down to the ballroom floor.

  Ahead of them, standing on the stage awaited their Empress. The crowd parted as they passed and then began to clap as the pair made their way over to her. Anna smiled modestly at the friendly faces that greeted her; sharing their thanks and grateful comments on the miracle of her presence. By the time they reached the steps up to the stage, Anna had shaken almost every hand and had received many hugs. Hayden had patiently stood by her side during it all, his eyes never leaving her. At the stage, Hayden held her hand as Anna climbed the steps up to it and then followed behind her.

  “You look very beautiful, Anna,” The Empress complimented her as she walked up. Anna gave the Empress her best curtsey.

  “Nothing compared to your beauty, Empress,” Anna repaid the compliment.

  The Empress smiled and grabbed Anna’s gloved hand with her own and gently pulled Anna along with her over to the small table in the center of the stage. On top of the table sat a mahogany box.

  “Tonight we not only celebrate the resurrection of our fallen hero!” the Empress announced to her audience, “We also celebrate the defeat of the fallen Chancellor!” She joyfully told them and loud cheers filled the room in response. She looked back at Anna; “I would not be standing here before you tonight, if it had not been for Anna Kippling and her two fellow companions!” she said loudly and gestured over to where Hayden and Val stood.

  Anna had never thought Hayden looked more handsome then as he did there on the stage. He did not smile then; trying to look distinguished and properly executed a bow in response to the Empress’s acknowledgement. Next to him, Val executed a very awkward curtsey and Anna had to stifle a giggle. Her friend looked very beautiful in her own gown, the soft pink color the tailors had chosen for her, complimented her tiny figure and her pale blonde hair that hung loose about her shoulders.

  The Empress then turned to the little mahogany box and opened the lid. She reached inside and pulled something out and then held it up for everyone to see.

  “I have one for each of our three heroes!” she addressed them, “To remind them always of our gratitude for their sacrifices, not only because they saved my life, but to also retain our freedom and prosperity from someone who so much desired to take it away!” the Empress announced and then turned back to Anna. The Empress carefully pinned one on Anna’s dress, right above her heart. “Engraved on each pin is the symbol of Tatania,” she said, “May they wear it over their hearts and remember the love that we give in return!”

  Applause filled the room and continued as the Empress walked over and pinned one onto Hayden and Valencia as well. She then returned to her place next to Anna and faced her audience who quickly quieted for her to speak. “Now please go and dance, eat plenty and enjoy!” she encouraged them and signaled to the orchestra to resume their playing. The music started up with a soft slow song and the couples on the floor returned to their dancing.

  The Empress turned to Anna, “Now go and dance with your love, before another girl snatches him away!” she teased her and Anna blushed. The Empress chuckled and gave her a gentle nudge in his direction as she walked off the stage.

  Hayden’s arm came out as Anna neared and she hooked hers inside of his again, “The Empress has ordered me to dance with you,” said Anna, “But Hayden, I’m horrible and you may want to pass,” She warned him, but he only smiled.

  “My mother taught me how to dance and if I spend the entire evening only teaching you, it will still be a wonderful one,” said Hayden and Anna smiled.

  “Did she teach you how to charm girls as well?” Anna teased him and Hayden gave her a wink as he guided her off of the stage and to the dance floor.

  “Now be nice to me!” Anna threatened him as he gently took her by the waist. Hayden turned out to be a wonderful teacher as well as dancer and regardless of how many times Anna did step on his toes; he remained patient until she got it. How long they danced after that, Anna didn’t know and had lost count after the fifth song. With each song, she became more confident in her dancing and soon the pair flowed gracefully in sync with each other, around the dance floor. The dancers around them went lost to them as the pair got lost in each other as they danced.

  Exhausted and a bit over heated, Anna finally had to plead for a break and Hayden couldn’t disagree. Her cheeks were flushed and their color matched Hayden’s. He guided her over to a nearby chair to sit and rest her feet, while he fetched them both something to drink. Anna sat down and watched the other dancers on the floor. She had to stifle another laugh at Val, as the tiny woman twirled by. She was dancing with a gentleman much taller than she and made quite a sight for their onlookers.

  But regardless of their incompatibility and how awkwardly the pair danced, it was apparent that both were having a wonderful time and Anna was glad for her friend. She did not know the man, but would have to make sure to meet him. A torso stepped directly in her line of vision and Anna looked up, expecting to find Hayden standing there. Instead, staring down at her was a very handsome man with dark ebony hair which was surprising against his fair skin, yet at the same time suited him.

  His deep green eyes that stared down at her, almost took Anna into a trance, “May I have this dance?” he asked her cordially, extending his hand out to her.

  Chapter Thirty Eight

  Mesmerized and forgetting her thirst, Anna found herself taking it and allowing the man to escort her back out onto the dance floor she had just left exhausted a moment ago.

  “You are a very interesting young woman, Anna Kippling,” He commented as soon as he locked her in his hold.

  “Thank you, I think?” she responded, feeling his hold was a little too close.

  He laughed, “Perhaps I should restate that; what I had meant was, I just find it amazing that a young and delicate woman as you appear to be could have defeated such a powerful man as the Chancellor,” he said with coldness in the way he said it.

  “Well, looks can be deceiving, Mr.-?”

  He smiled and pulled Anna a little closer, “You poor stupid girl…” he leaned and hissed into her ear, “To really think you could destroy such a man as easily as you did!” he taunted her. Anna pulled her head back from his hissing lips.

  “Who are you?” she asked him as she looked him in the eyes.

  He sneered, “Oh, I think you know who I am,” he said with eerie calmness. Anna’s eyes quickly scanned around the room, looking for Hayden. “Don’t bother to look,” he leaned in again and whispered in her ear, “Your partner has been detained,” He spat and then gracefully twirled her, holding tightly to her hand. When he pulled her back, his arm returned at her waist and pulled
her tighter to him.

  He smiled innocently as another couple dancing by, observing them and then brought his cheek against hers, “Did you really think I would reveal myself so soon?” he asked her, “Did you really think killing me would be as easy as that?” he chuckled in her ear, making Anna shudder.

  “I must say however, I was very impressed with your sacrifice!” he complemented to her spitefully, “What women do for the love of a man!” he exclaimed a loud, but the music covered it and he went unnoticed. “I must say you did me a favor…” his mouth came back to her ear, “I never really did like the General,” He said coldly; his hot breath rolled across her neck. Anna tried to push him away, but his hold remained strong.

  “So what is it that you want then, or are you here just to gloat?” Anna hissed back at him. He laughed in response; shaking both their bodies.

  “Very good Anna; I do have a reason,” He said and reached inside his jacket, pulling out a sealed envelope, “Inside are your instructions and you must follow them exactly Anna, no cheating,” He warned her, letting his lips softly brush across her neck, “I’ll know if you do,” He added as his head came back up and he looked at her.