Warrior (Princesses of Myth #2)

I had to think of someone or something else.

Maslin. He loved this land as I did. He would be a far better match for me than Silas.

I’d known Maslin for two years. He was dependable and strong. He was a warrior and my friend.

We would suit, and Silas had told me to find another.

I pressed a hand over my heart. That thought hurt.

The soul-bond was revered. Silas had dismissed me so quickly. Such a jerk.

Gripping the reins, I urged the horse to a faster speed.

By the time evening came and I’d showered, my thoughts were still jumbled about in a tangled heap.

Leaning in, I wiped steam from the mirror in my white tiled bathroom as I held the bath-towel I’d wrapped around me in place. My blond hair was a mess, and my skin overly pink from the bright sunshine. I picked up a brush and worked it through the knots then dried the long strands and set a clip at each side, silver with a small amethyst stone to match my Wincrest violet eyes.

And being mated sucked. Or at least, being cast aside did.

“Hope.”

I froze. Silas.

“Coming.” I tripped over my towel as I grabbed the doorknob and yanked.

I stared at him. Gawked really. Oh wow. He looked deliciously edible in tailored black pants and a pressed white shirt, his sword belted low on his hips. His damp hair lay in tight curls and I itched to run my fingers through it. Bad thought.

Tugging the collar of his shirt, he stretched his shoulders. “How about we talk after you’ve dressed? I can wait. Take as long as you need. Lots of fabric. Cover yourself up.”

Too cute.

“Wait here. I won’t be a moment.” I picked up the hem of my towel and crossed to my dressing room. With a shuddering breath, I shut myself in and pressed my back to the door. This was it. He was here with Carlisio’s answer.

It would be yes. How could it not be?

I snatched a short blue dress from the rack and pulled it over my head. Crisscrossed panels at the back drew the soft cotton snug around my waist. I added a pair of nude-colored heels then left the dressing room.

Standing in the same place, his hands now pressed behind his back, he inclined his head. “Are you going somewhere?”

“To dinner.”

A tic pulsed in his jaw. “With whom?”

“My aunt. Her name is Goldie. Some of the warriors on this station as well.”

“You hang out with the wrong crowd.”

I smiled and sashayed toward him. “Sorry. Can’t change that. Tell me what Carlisio said.”

“He granted your request. Your warrior’s freedom for mine. The deal is, you speak your acceptance and I’ll deliver.”

Oh my goodness. Saunder was going to get his father back. He spoke the truth, but still I asked, “Are you certain?”

“You know I don’t lie. Speak the–” His gaze shot to the door as if he sensed a presence.

A knock sounded then Maslin called, “Are you there, Hope?”

Silas slid his blade from its sheath and drew me toward the door, a finger pressed to his lips. “Who’s he?”

“Maslin Sol,” I whispered. “One of our finest warriors.”

He snorted. “You have another man coming to your door? Already?”

“I invited him to dinner.” I stuck both hands on my hips. “We’re releasing each other. Let’s not forget that.”

His jaw locked tight. “I know, and now get rid of him so we can finish this thing.”

I reached for the brass knob. Opening the door wide, I flattened Silas to wall behind so he couldn’t be seen. “Hey, Maslin.”

Wearing navy pants and a shimmery gray shirt, he held out a snow-white rose, its petals in a tight bud. “It’s from the rose garden at the palace. I know you like these. I snuck back for it so you’d have a little home away from home since you can’t travel there because of Alexo’s request.”

It was a sweet gesture. I took it from him and breathed in the delicate fragrance. “This is my favorite color. I’ve read white roses signify the beginning of time.”

“Me too. Yellow roses are for the gift of friendship.”

“I’ve heard that.” I gave him a smile. “And red, the oblivion of love.”

He leaned against the doorjamb and chuckled. “My father gives my mother red roses all the time. Too sappy. Are you ready for dinner?”

Silas raised his blade, which meant no.

“Not yet.” I pushed Maslin and backed him into the hallway. “I promise I’ll be down shortly. Wait for me there.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.” I reversed into my room and shut the door, releasing a deep sigh. “That was close.”

Silas sheathed his sword. “This residence is filled with warriors.”

“Ah, yeah, that kind of happens in a Wincrest home. Not much I can do about that.” I fingered the rose in my hand.

Silas took it. “Does he bring you flowers all the time?”

“No.” I snatched it back. “No one’s given me a flower before, unless you count my father and the gardener at the palace.”