Enchanter (Princesses of Myth #3)
Joanne Wadsworth
For my son, Cruise, who amazes me with his ability to invent and discover. You are so precious. Hugs.
Acknowledgements
I have the best family, and huge thanks go to my hubby, Jason, and kiddies, Marisa, Caleb, Cruise and Rocco. I love your smiles, and for giving me tons of time to write.
To my amazing editor, Penny Barber. You’re so dedicated, and I’m one of the luckiest authors to have you.
For my readers, this series lives because you joined me, taking the journey to where imagination and magic soar. If you can dream it, you can do it.
And here’s to another dream of mine, to Silvie and Guy’s story. I’ve been longing to share this one with you.
1
Unbelievable. My best friend had some nerve. Sprinting down the edge of the football field, I had to get away from my urge to crush Faith like the dry grass beneath my sneakers. I dodged the running back with eyes only for the rugby ball and hoped he’d slow Faith enough for me to get away.
“Silvie Carver, slow down,” Faith yelled.
“You have forethought. You should have seen this coming.”
“I didn’t know you’d get this angry.”
“I didn’t know you’d dump this kind of news on me.”
Chasing me, she ducked and dodged around the team. “Your temper should come with a warning.”
“I’m a redhead. Get used to it.” Hah! Faith’s forethought was what needed a warning.
“Okay, so I shouldn’t have just blurted out my problem.”
“Ya think?” I made a beeline for the far gate.
“Let me try this again. It’s not like my forewarning has happened yet.”
“But it’s going to.” She was gaining on me, had hardly lost a breath, while I panted madly.
“Damn right it is. My skill is so freakin’ annoying. Flaring up all over the place, and at the worst times.”
“Your king is a tyrant. I have my own king and country to worry about. I want nothing to do with yours or Dralion. Nothing.”
“Best friends forever, Silvie. He’s my grandfather and I need your help to figure this all out.”
Now I had the stitch. It shot down one side. Skidding to a stop, I clutched my ribs. “Ugh, I really need to get more exercise.”
Faith whizzed past then jogged back. “Thank you. I just need you to listen.”
“I’m not listening. I’m unfit, if you didn’t notice.” It was alright for her, being so highly skilled and all. She ran every morning at dawn just to get rid of her excess energy. Me, I snoozed. No use rolling out of bed until absolutely necessary.
“I’m really sorry about this coming disaster.”
“The disaster is Donaldo Wincrest.” Heck, saying his name out loud was enough to set me off. “I can’t stand him. Your grandfather’s always sending his warriors onto Peacio’s shores, with my people in the firing line.”
“We can’t choose who we’re related to.”
“It’d make life a lot easier if we could.” Bummer, though, that she’d found out she was a Wincrest. Eighteen years and she’d never known.
“At least we can choose who our best friends are, and you’re mine.”
“Geez, I hate your forewarnings. Why can’t we just have a regular school day? Death and disaster should be off limits.”
“My forewarnings don’t work that way.” She squeezed my shoulder. “My father is the last person any of us expected him to be, but I love him and I’m dealing with the cards dealt.”
“I’m dealing too, but not if it involves Dralion.”
“C’mon, pleazzze.”
I didn’t dare look into her eyes. Those stupid pleases of hers niggled at my heart and got me every time. “My king sent me to Earth to watch over you when we were kids, not your newfound family. Carlisio Loveria wouldn’t appreciate it if I ended up getting my nose stuck in the enemy’s business.”
“I can’t ask anyone else.” She tweaked my chin. “Hey, you’ve gotta look at me.”
“No.” Her voice was pitched just right too, making my “no” not nearly strong enough.
“You’re a sister to me, and Magio is all so new.”
Damn. Not the sister card. Stand strong. Don’t fold.
“Silvie, the battle between our nations, and the fact I have a mate I can’t speak about, is difficult, but at least I have you. We’ve always stuck together.”
“I can’t go against my country. Ask your mate for help. Davio loves slashing his sword around. Just mention Wincrest’s name, and my cousin’s your man.”
“I can’t tell Davio about my vision.” She paced in front of me, clutching the sides of her denim miniskirt. “I’ve already used my forethought and factored him into the problem. The results weren’t pretty. He’s one totally obstinate prince. I need you, not my mate.”