Warrior (Princesses of Myth #2)

“How many in your compound hold this ability of mind-merge?” Silas wound his arm around my waist.

“Four, including me. Over the years, we’ve lost many from it. Our soul-bound one holds our life in their hands. Although those who have that skill and of telepathy are far more fortunate.”

“Why?” Anything that could shine good will on my skill was an answer I needed.

“If we hold telepathy, and our mate does too, then we can use that connection to weave the mind-merge along. Once this weaving is learned, it releases the strict three-day rule. Have you heard of that?”

“Of the three-day rule, yes. But not the weaving along the telepathic connection.” My chest swelled and my heartbeat nearly bounded from it. “So there is a way around the death sentence?” This was the best news.

“That’s correct. Of the four of us here with mind-merge, two have telepathy, as do our mates. Our lives are much easier.”

Silas cleared his throat. “Hope and I have a telepathic connection.”

Elizara clapped, beaming at us. “Wonderful. I will teach you how to weave the merge along the link, Hope. It takes a little practice to perfect for there is an intricacy to the method. The twin you spoke of, is she telepathic?”

I slid my hand into Silas’s. I had to take care not to expose who Silas and Loveria truly were. The Sols knew Maslin was a warrior, and warriors and protectors did not mix. Silas was here, but I had not said he was from Peacio. Davio, though, was a different matter. He was a prince and his name known, the chance of a connection being made far greater if I spoke of him.

Silas threaded his fingers through mine. “We cannot speak Davio’s name. It is one passed down through the Loveria line. We must keep quiet. As yet we don’t know these people.”

“That’s what I just thought.”

To Elizara, Silas said, “Faith and her mate are both telepathic, but neither have successfully forged a link with the other. I know it’s unusual, but it’s what’s happened.”

“Oh.” She pressed her hands to her mouth. “They must keep trying.”

“After hearing this news, I’m sure they will.” He squeezed my hand. “A Wincrest and a Loveria mating is unheard of. Their blood wars too greatly, and even though they trust each other because of their mated bond, fundamentally their blood continues to fight. Davio believes this is what’s halting the formation of his telepathic link with Faith.”

“We fight.”

“Not like they do. I am a Carver. My mother and Davio’s are sisters. There is no direct Loveria blood flowing through my veins. It is only Loveria and Wincrest blood which battles in close contact.”

Goldie rubbed my arm, her solid presence firm at my side. “Elizara,” she said, “why was Katerin exiled? That’s a harsh penalty.”

“Katerin used her skill of mind-merge in an offense which had to be punished.”

“An offense?” I asked. “How exactly?”

“I can speak of it, but only between you and your mate.” Elizara looked at all those assembled, and without another word they slowly dispersed, the girl skipping away after the others.

“May I stay?” Goldie asked.

“I apologize, but the answer Hope seeks truly must be kept between the mated ones.”

“This sounds worrisome.”

“A little, but it is private and that is understood, even by those in this compound.”

“Are you sure?” Goldie didn’t appear convinced.

“I’ll be fine.” I gave her a hug. “I’m sure I can deal with whatever Elizara tells me. Nothing could be worse than the three-day deal.”

She squeezed me in return, whispering in my ear, “The moment you call me telepathically, I’ll ’port back. In the meantime, I’ll go check in with Alexo and update him. That’s if he’s not watching you now. Are you sure you’re happy for me to go?”

“Yes. I’ll see you later.”

“Take care.” She shimmered and disappeared.

I scratched my head, my mind buzzing with all the possibilities of Katerin Sol’s banishment.

Silas breathed heavily. “I fear your news too, Elizara.”

“Even though the one with the skill merges only with their mated one, if we wish we can merge with another.” She edged closer, lowering her tone. “It is so uncommon we rarely speak of it, but Katerin did this, taking over another man’s mind, and in doing so, she directed his actions while holding that control. We considered what she did an offense of the greatest order, its punishment equally as harsh.”

“Are you saying I can control Silas’s mind?” Oh no, he wouldn’t stand for that, nor would I consider merging my mind with any man other than him. “That isn’t something I can even contemplate.”

“Merging our mind with any other than our soul-bound one is detestable. But the taking of our mate’s mind and holding it in our control happens without their consent.”