Warrior (Princesses of Myth #2)

He perched on the edge of the bench, bringing him closer to my height. “You didn’t answer the question.”


Turning his cheek with one finger, I held the blade nice and close to his skin and ran it in a smooth line down. “Nope, but I’m a quick learner, and if I make a mistake, I’ll see it.”

“My blood’s red, by the way.” He gripped my waist, keeping me still. “And take your time. No need for speed.”

I grinned as I drew the blade along the next portion from his ear to his chin. “Don’t be a spoilsport.”

“Is that lamp providing enough light?” His gaze darted toward it.

“I wouldn’t move, if I were you. I like this mouth of yours and I don’t want to cut it up, no matter how smart it is.” I ran the blade right under his nose.

“You like my mouth?”

“Don’t speak.”

“Can’t help it.”

I set the knife to the other side of his face. “There is nothing you can say that I won’t guess at. Zip the lips.”

His fingers curled into my sides. “Right now, I’m wishing I wasn’t so fastidious with keeping my blade so sharp. I think I felt a nick.”

“I told you to be quiet.” I tapped his jaw shut and slid the blade along his neck. I inspected my work, dabbing along his skin with the towel as I cleared the last of the suds away. “Okay, I think I’ve got it all.”

Taking the blade, he sheathed it. “I think I wet my pants.”

I chuckled. “You did not.”

“I like seeing you laugh.” He pulled me back to him. “So, how’s your head? This is the start of the second day without your mind-merge. Faith usually gets a headache around about now.”

“There’s no headache, unless I count you.” I slid my arms around his neck and rubbed my nose against his.

“The second day is when she begins to suffer. You’re not supposed to be parted from me for too long. That’s the way of your skill.”

“I can handle a headache when it comes. Stop worrying.”

He stroked my back. “As the second day ends and the third begins, you’ll feel worse. The headache is not one Faith can fast-heal. She has to mind-merge with Davio. One time she got so dizzy on her second day, she passed out. I thought she’d over-imbibed on the drink. Her headache was that bad.”

“I said stop worrying.”

“I watched her body shut down. There was blood everywhere. Her lungs filled and she coughed it out. She survived the ordeal by mere minutes after she mind-merged with Davio.”

“You are here.”

“I will never watch that happen to you.” He pressed a hand to my forehead. “You already feel a little hot.” He snatched up the lamp and supplies and spun me toward the door.

“Ah yeah, we’re in the desert, Mr. Observant.”

“Which means we should hurry since we’ve a long way to travel. Davio also needs to return to Faith before the day is out.”

“The sun isn’t up yet.” Although along the horizon a hint of light gave evidence sunrise was close. “Hey, why did Loveria risk coming with you when he should have stayed with my sister?”

With one hand on my elbow, he guided me back the way we’d come. “Davio would never place Faith’s life in danger. Carlisio would have had forewarning, and Davio would not have come if that were the case.”

Carlisio Loveria held the same skill as my father, although a weaker strain, as only those children born of the mated bond could hold the full strength. His parents had not been soul-bound.

“Alexo’s forewarning never indicated any harm coming to me, only that I’d be missing.”

“Which means we shouldn’t chance that future.” Silas extinguished the lamp as the sun peeked over the sand-hills. He increased his stride, tugging me along. “We were raised together, Davio and I. We are as close as brothers. He came because of me. I see the others. Everyone appears ready.”

Loveria stood further away, holding out two packs. “No nicks, cousin. Lucky.”

“More than you know.” Silas shrugged one of the packs on and slipped the other over my shoulders.

“You do not sound grateful, and I couldn’t harm you even if I wanted. Sheesh, you have a thick head.” I yanked the soft white hood of my cotton shirt over my head. Long fluttery sleeves and a loose style allowed whatever breeze blew to cool my skin. Everyone had dressed in them, because the hoods gave plenty of protection.

Goldie, Guy and Maslin had their packs on and Goldie raised a hand and motioned me toward her.

I headed her way. “Hey, it looks like everyone’s ready.”

“Yes. Maslin’s going to lead the team. We’re heading due west. You can follow with–” She rolled her eyes and coughed. “Ah, them.”

Well, at least Goldie was a touch more accepting today. “Thank you for keeping your blade at bay.” I glanced at Guy and Maslin. “All of you. I appreciate it.”

Goldie squeezed my arm. “Yeah, we only do it because we happen to love you a touch more than we hate them.”

“Thank you. I think.”