Warrior (Princesses of Myth #2)

“Thanks.” Saunder passed them across then raced out the gate.

Holding a hand to my chest, I wished for all the world Saunder had his father back. I’d never handle losing my own. I loved my dad, and I cherished our close bond. Which was why, deep down, his decision to keep my existence a secret hurt, no matter his reasoning.

“You’re wanted, and loved.” Goldie’s gaze softened as she crooned to the huge chestnut stallion.

The wind tickled my hair about my face. “Are you talking to him or me?”

“Both of you.” The stallion lifted his sleek head, pushing into Goldie’s hand as she petted him. “Although he listens better.”

Coming around in front, I dug into my pocket and pulled out a bite-sized treat, which I was never without. “Here, boy. Hope loves you more. Don’t you forget that.”

Dropping his nose into my palm, he gobbled the treat. I scratched between his silky ears. We had two-hundred breeding mares, and this stallion loved them all. “Maslin said you’ll be seeing the girls tomorrow. I know you’re looking forward to that.”

Knocking his muzzle into my shoulder, the stallion let out a throaty snicker. Oh, he knew exactly of what I spoke.

Goldie laughed. “Now that we have Lieska’s information, the facts surrounding Alexo’s decision to bring your mother home to Dralion makes more sense.”

I scuffed my boot along the dusty ground. “She’s not an Earthling as he’s always thought. That means I’m full-blooded.” Donaldo had never held my Halfling status over my head, for in his eyes I was innocent of my birth. Yet we all knew what he expected of my father. For years Donaldo had demanded Alexo choose another. If my grandfather could have found my mother and removed her from the equation, he would have. My sister was highly skilled, which meant the mated bond had prevailed and the line continued. Knowing Kate was a Magioling must be the sweetest news for Donaldo.

I stroked the stallion’s neck. Only half our people discovered they were soul-bound, but I wanted the strength of the commitment. Goldie did too. We’d spoken of it often. “I want the mated bond because I know how precious it is.”

Goldie’s gaze roamed the horizon where Rocky Ledge ascended. The Ledge, a massive red rock sitting on the plains, ran as far as the eye could see with a vivid blue, cloudless sky above. “You don’t have feelings for any other. That’s a good sign you’re mated.”

“My poor sister though.” I set a shaky hand to my chest as I traced the scar I’d had since birth. I hated remembering that time and this mark was a firm reminder of the tragedy of my birth.

Of my death.

Of the doctor’s scalpel which had cut my skin.

To protect my mother, Dad had said very little over the years. I’d gone into surgery, and the physician had done all he could to restart my heart, but my life had ended before it had even begun, right here on Earth.

Goldie hugged me, covering my hand. “Don’t think about it. You’re a survivor. You died the day you were born, but today you live. Give Alexo what he’s asked for. His wife never expected to see him again, and when she finds out about you...”

Neither of us knew her, or how she would react, but going by Dad’s request I remain away, more than just the discovery of Kate Sol’s family line was afoot.

With a sigh, Goldie released me then set her booted foot in the stirrup. “I’ll take this one for a run. While I do that, you check on Saunder and make sure he gets to his tutor.” She hoisted herself into the saddle, the leather creaking as she settled. “I believe Maslin said he was going to take some of the men with him down to the river for today’s flooding. He wants some of the cattle moved. We have a station to run. Let’s get to it.”

I stepped out of her way as the stallion pawed at the ground. She rode out the gate, and off.

Hanging over the top of the half-beamed railings, I studied the land. Wincrest Station grazed thirty-five thousand head of cattle, although we were somewhat shy of that with the current drought. Dralion meanwhile, several times the size of this nation, housed a massive desert, along with isolated snow-capped mountains and boggy rainforests. Great areas of inhospitable land forced us to build our villages only around the far reaches of the coastline. The cattle we reared and the horses we bred on this station provided for those back home.

Goldie and her horse soon became a speck in the distance and my thoughts returned to my sister, mated to Davio Loveria.

What I wouldn’t give to have even one-tenth of Peacian soil under Wincrest control. It was rich and fertile land and always beyond our reach. Huh, insufferable Loverias.

I jumped down, and a small cloud of red dust plumed at my feet.

Endless red dirt.

It worked its way into every fiber of our clothing, our hair and our skin.