“This is too dangerous.” He crushed me against him.
“Not if those from Dralion still believe me a warrior. We’ll simply tell them I’m your mate as we did with the healer Nicolas. Allow me to have a presence here when needed. Think about it. It’ll solve your problem with Wincrest making demands on you, if he believes we’re together.”
“She’s right, Guy.” Faith peeked out from her bathroom, cheeks flushed. “You’ve really got to learn not to argue with Silvie. You’ll rarely win a fight.”
Hope nudged her chin over Faith’s shoulder. “Silvie’s loyal to all three of us, and when she’s here or at Wincrest Station, she can be a Moyer. Warriors will see her when she’s with you, and this is the only way around the problem.”
“I can’t believe this.” Guy raked a hand through his hair. “You two are ganging up on me too.”
“You have to agree.” I rubbed his chest. “We’ll make this work.”
“I hate this.” He heaved in a deep breath. “But I don’t see I have a choice, although I’ll only agree on one condition. You never come to Dralion without me, even though you have the image of the dome room. That goes the same for the station. You have to ’path me first to let me know you want to come so I can pick you up. When we travel through the dome room, we’re together. When you visit the station, we’re together.”
“Ah, I get it. Your condition is that we’re together.” I tapped his nose. “That works for me, big fella.”
“Big fella?” He grabbed my finger and kissed the tip. “I’m so angry with you right now. You’re too sneaky for your own good.”
Faith grinned at Hope. “Aww, don’t they make the cutest couple, sis?”
“Yep, and I can’t believe our enchanter is settling down. Donaldo will be pleased.”
“Talking about Donaldo.” Guy paced to the window and shoved the snowy-white curtains aside. “He organized today’s games. I haven’t forgotten the warriors are gathering in the field. The fire’s already lit.”
“Did you say a fire?” I edged in under his arm. Oooh, orange and red flames flickered from a massive bonfire in the meadow beyond the gates. “Oh, we so have to go. What kind of games?”
Faith joined us. “Any game involving a weapon, or the skill in using one. The spear, mallet, blade, bow and arrow. They even compete in horse riding.”
“Ah, then similar to the games we have in Peacio.”
“They’re so much fun to watch.” Hope nabbed a leather jacket from the end of Faith’s bed. “There’s food first. We cook meat over the open fire. Some of the warriors even play a few tunes if there’s time.”
“You said Wincrest organized it?” I tugged on Guy’s shirtsleeve.
“Yes, but he only comes once the action is underway.”
“So, what are we waiting for? Do I need to remind you there’s a fire?”
“No, you don’t, and neither will you leave my side.” He wrapped an arm around my waist, his grip firm over my hip as he ’ported us.
When we arrived, he bent his head and kissed me. His lips moved over mine with stealth and precision. Loud hoots sounded.
“Ignore them,” he murmured against my lips. “I’m trying to prove a point.”
“Oh, prove away.”
“Okay, enough of that.” Faith shoved between us. “The fire’s hot, but there’s also some heat now coming off you, Silvie. You two have to watch yourselves.”
Fire. That’s right. I gawked at the flames which burned and sent out a wash of warmth. Two warrior women sat on fallen logs before it, and music floated into the air from flutes they played. Nice. A couple of men strummed guitars in readiness to join them, and many others chattered in groups with drinks in hand. They all appeared so normal. Warriors taking time to relax.
“Are you hungry? We always eat first.” Guy closed the gap, stroked with a finger under my chin and brought my gaze back to him. “People are not always as they seem. You’ll give them a chance, won’t you?”
“Of course she will.” Faith played with the top button of her violet shirt. “Or she better. Wait here while I get you both some food.” She and Hope walked off toward a trestle table which bulged with an array of food and plated meats.
“Silvie!”
My name was an excited squeal, and as I turned, Vitaria plowed into me. Her blond bob fluttered across my cheeks.
“I’ve been so worried about you since Guy told me of your nasty speed-jump, but you can ’port. That’s so cool.”
I hugged her back since it seemed only right. “Nicolas healed me and I rested well. Thank you for the flower.”
“The rose was from my mother’s garden. I picked one for her and you.” She eyed Guy. “Where have you been?”
“With my mate.”
She frowned. “Your mate?” Then she smiled, wide. “You’ve found her?”
Guy tugged me in front of him, his chest against my back. “We had a few issues to work through, but now we’re sharing the news.”