Warrior (Princesses of Myth #2)

White lace curtains blew out and I scooped up the folds and tucked them back as I entered. “Thanks for coming.”


He snorted a laugh. “Yeah, funny.” Striding across the snowy carpet to the far wall, he eyed my bed. Made of New Zealand rimu, the posts smooth and round rose to the ceiling. A white netting canopy trickled over the edges, ready to be drawn down at night. Turning toward me, he leaned one hip against the headboard, as far from me as the room allowed. “You wanted to talk. Let’s get this over with.”

I tapped my chin. Hmm.

“Why aren’t you speaking?”

“I don’t know what to say.”

“Say see you later, Silas. I agree we never lay eyes on each other again.” He rolled a hand in a continuing motion. “I can’t wait to hear that.”

“Silas.” I crossed the room toward him and he sidestepped, knocking against my bedside table. A framed photograph of my first ride on this station tipped and he caught it as it fell.

In the picture, I’d been three years old, my short legs flapping over the sides of Dad’s dark leather saddle. A far-too-big Stetson on my head had threatened to wobble off, although the grin on my face said it all.

“You like horses?” His gaze moved from the picture to me.

Unable to help myself, I crept closer. “I love them. Do you?”

“Yes. I’ve been riding since I could walk. Even coming into my ability to ’port hasn’t stopped me from riding every chance I get.” He replaced the photo. “How’d you come to be with Wincrest when Faith was raised by her mother?”

“There’s no easy way to say it.” I teared up, because the memories had resurfaced today.

“Hey.” He caressed my arm, making my skin tingle. “I make a great listener, even though it doesn’t appear that way.”

“I died at birth, is what happened. My father brought me home to bury me, and as he did, my heart restarted from the teleportation jump. He called the healers and notified Donaldo. My father would never jeopardize my mother’s safety, so I remained with him. There’s likely more to it, but I don’t know the finer details. They’ve never been spoken of.”

He pulled in a deep breath, his chest rising. “You look well now.”

“The healers who saw to me were the best.”

Sliding his hand around mine, he wrapped his fingers tight. “I can’t push you to release me from our bond, but you must know it has to be done. Do you feel what I do?”

“Yes.” I sighed, wanting to know more about him. “You’re adamant then, you won’t help me?”

“The bond builds.” He stroked my palm with his thumb. “Fast. We can’t allow it. I’ve told you all I know and I can’t think of anything else.”

I closed my eyes at the truth he’d uttered.

Think. Even I saw we had to end this if I had all his information. “There’ll be one condition. I’d like one man’s release for another’s, Saunder’s father.”

“You mean the boy from the stables? His father?”

“Yes, Tawson Rivera was taken at the battle of Eventide two years ago. If you free him, I’ll free you. That’s my deal.”

He gave a low growl, which made me jump. “If you agree, I’ll give you what you want. I do this for the child.”

“I can see that.” He dropped my hand. “Which is hard to argue with.”

“Silas, I grew up without one of my parents and I understand how Saunder feels. If it’s within my power to see his father returned, I have to. Those are my terms. They’re quick and precise, and you’ll have what you want from me in the end.”

His gaze narrowed. “What about your request for my aid. We both understand no more will occur?”

“Of course, and I keep my word once given. I will release you.”

He inhaled, deeply. “I’ll go speak with Carlisio and return with his decision.” Bending his head, he gave me a short bow. “Take care, my mate.”

His mate? Not for much longer. “You too.”

So fast, he flashed away.

Gone.

My mated one had left.

I swept my hand through the air where he’d been, my heart a heavy weight in my chest.

This moment hurt.





Chapter 2




I heaved myself over the gelding’s silky back and into the saddle, my outback shirttails flying free behind me.

A new day had dawned and after having kept to myself for most of the previous one, repeating my conversation with Silas in my mind, I was finally ready to speak to Goldie.

She trotted in beside me on a bay mare, her blond hair breezing out underneath her black Stetson. She wore low-rise jeans and an emerald half-button shirt, the rich color stunning with her violet eyes.

“Let’s go.” She grinned, slapping the reins on her horse’s rump.

I followed suit, giving my horse his head. Adrenaline pumped, blood flowed through my veins and invigorated me. This was life, riding free across the greatest plains of this world.

“I miss our races!” I yelled into the wind, digging my knees in to urge the horse to a faster speed. “Usually you cheat.”