Warrior (Princesses of Myth #2)

He kissed me, stroking my cheek with his fingers. “I don’t care to leave you, not after what you saw in my mind.”


“I would rather know the truth than ever have any mistrust between us. Truly, go.” I walked to the bathroom and shut the door. Oh boy, what was I going to do with him? I wanted my bonded mate, but to what extent? My mind-merge dropped away. He’d left.

Searching the vanity cupboard, I found a towel, and then set it on the white-gray speckled surface. Drat, my reflection in the mirror over the basin showed a fright. Leaves stuck out of my hair. I plucked free what I could then shucked my clothes and stepped into the shower. After flicking the water lever, I tipped my head back under the spray and worked shampoo through to the ends of my hair, getting rid of the rest of the mess.

Clean and dry twenty minutes later, I found the clothing Silas had left outside the door and dressed in a pair of snug jeans and a fitted violet t-shirt with a low V-neck. I looked for a pair of shoes.

Nope, nothing. Oh well, I had cut my foot earlier and maybe it was best I go bare–

Whoa. My foot had not hurt since–

I grabbed my left foot and hopped about as I tried to find the cut.

Jeez, maybe it had been the right one.

Skipping to the other foot, I checked it out.

Where was the cut?

My hands shook, because no matter how often I checked each foot, the outcome was still the same.

I’d fast-healed. No cut. Not even the trace of a pink line.

Nothing. Nada. Zilch.

I swayed and toppled onto the bed.

“Dad,” I called out, not sure if this warranted his forewarning to activate since I wasn’t in danger.

A blast of air from behind tossed damp hair into my face and gave me my answer.

“Let’s go. I saw what happened.”

“I can fast-heal.”

He pulled me to my feet. “I know, honey. I’m taking you with me right now. You will have the skill of telepathy in mere seconds and if you’re not with Goldie, she turns up, outside this castle, completely uninvited. The forewarning was strong.”

Everything darkened then we jolted down in the middle of the battle-training yard before the homestead, the red dust of the outback swirling at my feet.

“Goldie. Goldie. Goldie.” My mind kept calling telepathically to her, unable to stop.

Dad shook me. “Relax. The threaded link is building. Stay calm. She’ll answer you.”

“Hope? Is that you?” Goldie’s frantic voice rang crystal clear in my mind.

“Goldie, I can fast-heal. I can hear you.” I trembled as our threaded connection tightened.

“I know it’s scary when your telepathy first kicks in. Wow. And how do you know you can fast-heal?” She sounded excited.

I needed to see her.

“No, don’t answer that. I’m coming to you. Even if I have to storm Loveria Castle.”

“No.” Goldie wouldn’t have let me go through this alone. “I’m not there. I’m in the battle-training yard. Outside. Dad brought me home.” I fidgeted.

Wind rushed then with an ear-piercing squeal, Goldie plowed into me and smothered me in her arms. “This is amazing. I knew you would have more skills than that stupid mind-merge. Now, fast-healing and telepathy I understand.” She pulled me with her in a dizzying circle. “Lieska’s coming. I just told her.”

Air swirled, and Lieska laughed. “This is wonderful.” She withdrew her short dagger. “Let me confirm you fast-heal.”

Alexo snatched her arm. “Lieska, behave.”

Goldie grinned. “She won’t even bear a scar, Alexo. A small nick is all part of the initiation.”

Dad growled and Lieska sheathed her dagger, her green eyes glinting. “All right, you win.” To me she snuck a look. “Later. Do you hear me?”

I bubbled with joy as her voice bounced around inside my head. “Yes, loud and clear.” My heart lifted as those dearest to me were now closer than ever before. I hugged Lieska, squeezing so hard she actually groaned.

“We have to celebrate.” Goldie beamed.

I jumped about, my excitement endless. “Yes, but I need some boots.” I was still barefoot and the outback ground was hot.

“I’ll get them.” Lieska ’ported to my room.

Dad took my chin in his hand. “Take the utmost care. Even though you fast-heal, I will not allow you to get hurt. Now, I must go. I left in the middle of a conversation with Kate.”

I grinned. “Sure. Say hi from me.”

“You know I can’t.” He pinched my cheeks. With a chuckle, he released me and flashed away.

Lieska returned and passed me my riding boots. “Here you go.”

“Thanks.” Leaning against Goldie, I pulled them on. “So we’re all good on not killing Silas if he pops by, right?” I sent Lieska a look. “You heard about my mind-merge?”

“Of course, Goldie told me. The skill that kills.”