“The slayers.” Not good. “Okay, but what’s this got to do with Nicolas?”
“He’s worried, and for good reason. Killian frankly asked Donaldo if he would grant permission for him to court me. The moment he did, Abelard requested the same with Hope. Nicolas is a healer. He can sense when someone is soul-bound, not that he’s ever come right out and asked Hope and me before.”
“Did Nicolas say anything else?”
“That Donaldo didn’t agree, but that he’d consider their requests.”
“Holy moly. We’re running out of time.”
“There’s more.” She dropped her head onto my shoulder. “Nicolas didn’t hold back. He came right out and asked who Hope and I are mated with.”
“What did you say?”
“I told him nothing, and neither did Hope. He left, suspicious.”
“We have to talk to him. We can’t leave things like that.”
“I know, but what’s worse is, whenever I focus on Hope and our problem, the silent feedback is deafening. It’s like I’m waiting for my forewarning to blare. I couldn’t sleep for fear it would.”
“Silent feedback? So, there’s no new forewarning. That’s good, right?”
“You’re the key. You’ve still got this under control.”
“Guy’s just left for the station. We should organize a meet with Nicolas, one we’re all present at, including Hope. We’ve gotta halt his suspicions before they blow up.”
“Let me check on Nicolas first.” Her eyes glazed. “Oh, I see him. He’s already at the station, talking with Guy and Maslin. Argh, this is becoming impossible.”
“I’ve not met Maslin, but Hope’s spoken of him plenty of times.” Maslin Sol was distantly related to the girls through their mother’s Sol line. Maslin held the same water skill as Hope. The two were close because of their love of the outback.
“Maslin’s a part of Hope’s inner circle. They’re really tight. Maslin was Hope’s first choice when Silas first released her.”
“Of course.” I jumped with excitement, almost knocking her over. Hope and Maslin were almost a thing. Silas complained about Maslin all the time. “Okay, let’s look at this from Wincrest’s point of view. Ultimately, he wants you and Hope married. He believes neither of you to be mated, and Killian and Abelard have now stated their intentions. If they keep pushing, what’ll Wincrest do? Agree. Which is what you saw in your forewarning. We need to circumvent all of that.”
“Circumvent is good, except—” Her violet gaze narrowed. “—why do I feel like I’m going to hate what you’re about to say next?”
“Because you are. It goes against the grain for any mated one to be with another, but Hope could date Maslin and make it look real. Which means you’ll need to date a warrior too. We just need to figure out whom.”
“No way. You did not just say I need to date a warrior.”
“Actually, I did.”
“Silvie, if Davio or Silas ever found out, Hope and I would be mincemeat.”
“Then we’ll have to make sure they never find out. It’s not like they’re in Dralion. How would they ever know you’re dating warriors there?”
“I would know.” She shivered from head to toe. “Yuck, I don’t even want to think about dating another man, let alone touching one.”
“You could do it if there wasn’t a choice, and right now, there’s no choice. You don’t want this war to escalate, right?” I squeezed her hands. “C’mon, think about whom you could possibly see yourself trusting, someone Wincrest would give his consent to. We’re talking inner circle here.”
“There aren’t any other warrior men who know of our circumstances. Hope and I have kept the knowledge to a bare few.”
“There has to be someone on your radar. A possible match.”
She leaned against the tree for support. “The only possibility is Nicolas. He’s one of the leading eight, but healers are different. The compassionate side of him is strong. But I can’t talk to him, not on my own. What if it all goes wrong?”
“Nicolas is a good choice. I like him, and I’ll always be here for you. We stick together.” I linked my arm through hers, and without giving her a chance to say no, ’ported us into the glorious, baking heat of the outback.
“Ugh, I feel sick.” All color drained from her face. “I don’t want to do this.”
“I know.” I dropped my bag beside the stable’s back entrance and helped her remove hers. “Lead the way. Where’s Nicolas?”
“You are like the worst best friend ever. I can’t believe you’re asking me to date another man. After Davio kills me, he’ll kill you. So don’t say I didn’t warn you.” She sighed then trudged around the holding corral. Breeding mares swished their tails, and newborn foals pranced up and down the long dusty run. “There he is, out in the field with Guy and Maslin.”