Protector (26 page)

Standing in the doorway, I did a double take. Wow. The room was three times the size of what I had back home. And from the size of that bed–I would get lost in it.

Heading across the polished wooden flooring, I gripped one of the four carved hardwood posts that rose high above the bed to support a canopy of sheer lace netting. I pushed one corner of the lace aside and ran my fingers over the violet silk covers. So pretty, with detailed stitching in mauve and gold thread.

I scratched my ear. This would take some getting used to.

Turning to the double glass doors partially hidden by the softest snow-white curtaining, I set one hand to the fabric’s fall and tucked it back, hoping like crazy I didn’t mark it.

“Oh.”

Right before my eyes was Dralion.

The moon was full and high, and at first glance, far larger and more orange than Earth’s moon, and above it, a black blanket spread across the sky, teeming with millions of diamond-like stars.

I looked down, the moon’s glow casting itself over a two-hundred foot rocky cliff, one that dropped steeply to where I heard a raging ocean–The Great Orbiting Ocean, I suspected, from Davio’s lesson on the beach.

I pinched myself and stepped out through the opened door onto a rectangular balcony surrounded by an ornate, waist-high inky-gray pillared railing. Under my feet were gray tiles and in the corner, two chairs pushed up to a latticework round table.

I looked out to the rocky cliff face and ’porting, I was there, standing on the precipice and staring down its craggy side. The ocean was eerily beautiful, almost beyond magnificent in its violent splendor.

Then I turned on my heel, for I knew I would see the palace. Wind whipped my hair about as I gazed up. So unreal. It was four floors in height and constructed of large blocks of gray-black stone. From each of the many corners, a slender tower rose to double the height of the palace, at least a dozen towers visible from my position. This residence was a fortress, although a stunning one with light shining from behind stained glass from the largest of the windows.

I shivered as the wind picked up, looking west to where exterior iron gates closed in the property. Beyond them were darkened outbuildings, and after squinting, I made out a forest of trees in the distance.

I wrapped my arms around me and rubbed as the ocean spray drifted to this high point.

Time to return, for I couldn’t travel any further this night.

I flashed back to my balcony. This new world held half of my roots. I had not felt the depth of that knowledge so greatly until this very moment.

I breathed in deep and touched a hand to my heart.

“Excuse me, milady, may I enter?”

I swung around–that must be Jilly.

“Yes.” I stepped back into my room as a young woman entered holding a tray. She popped a quick curtsey, her full-length blue skirts touching the ground as she did.

“Milady, I’ve brought you a supper tray with tea and biscuits. My name is Jilly, and I’m the head of the eastern wing staff.” She set the silver tray on the hardwood bedside table, and adjusted the white apron tied off at her waist.

“It’s nice to meet you.”

“As it is nice to meet you.” She smiled. “May I be of any assistance?”

I nibbled on my lower lip. “You’re so young.” Oops. I clapped a hand to my mouth. “I’m sorry. This aging thing still catches me off guard.”

Her eyes brightened. “Prince Alexo said you were raised on Earth, but I am a full generation older than you. I have two grown daughters and two teenage sons–and nothing catches me off guard.”

“Then I could use some help. I have no clothes for tomorrow. I seem to be turning up all over the place without them.”

“I will see to that. Simply tell me what you prefer.” Curls of mousy-brown bounced around her pixie face as she searched an apron pocket. She pulled out a notepad and pencil. “Here we are. I’ll jot down what you’d like.”

I raised a brow. “Um, low-cut jeans and I wear t-shirts of any color. I like skirts and blouses and summer dresses.”

She scribbled down my requirements.

“Also training pants and sports shirts–I run daily.”

“Shoes, milady?”

“Yes, size seven, please. Is it truly appropriate to send someone to Earth for such purchases?”

“Yes. You will wear what you desire. I’ll have one of our warriors, a young woman by the name of Alexxis, go shopping at one of your malls on Earth. Alexxis loves to shop. And for local clothing, we have a tailor and I’ll send him to you whenever it is necessary for specialty items.”

“Thank you.”

“If you will, allow me to show you your amenities.” She spun around, heading toward one of the two side doors. I followed her. “This is your bathroom, and everything you should need will be stocked, but if you have any particular requirements, let me know.”

I peeked in, seeing a deep white porcelain bath and a separate shower. A mirror hung the entire length of one wall and there were thick white towels sitting atop a vanity.

Opening a second door, she flicked on a light to a dressing room that was way too big for what I’d ever need. “This is where your clothing shall be hung once Alexxis returns with it. I will instruct her not to disturb your sleep in any way.”

“That’s all right–I sleep deep.”

She headed toward the service she’d brought in and poured a cup of tea, passing it to me with a smile. “Do you have any questions?”

“Is there a training room in the palace where I can run in the morning? I’m not keen to head out into unfamiliar territory yet.”

“Yes. There’s a training facility on the ground floor.”

I tapped my head. “Could you show me the image?” At her confused look, I added. “I have forethought.”

Her mouth opened. “You mean like Prince Alexo. Oh, that’s wonderful.” The prince said you were his daughter, but I wasn’t aware you held the rare strength skill.” Jilly clapped her hands. “This is exactly what our people need. The image is in my mind. Take it.”

Her exuberance had me smiling as I connected and took the image. And wow, what a training room. There was a lap pool, three lanes wide and indecently long, while the remainder of the area included cross-trainers and treadmills and weights, all so very similar to what one would find at any local gym.

“I see the Wincrest family like my home world’s conveniences.”

“They do, and why not since travel is open to them. The warriors’ facilities outside the main gates are also as well-equipped.”

I sipped and set the pretty teacup down, taking two biscuits–chocolate coated toffee pops of all things. “Does Alexxis shop the supermarkets, too?”

Laughing, Jilly retrieved the empty tray. “There are certain foods like chocolate your family adores.”

I stopped mid-bite–my family?

I tingled all over at the sound of those two words for it was the truth. I now had a family. It wasn’t only my mother and me–there were others.

Jilly backed away toward the door. “Goodnight. I will see you in the morning.”

“Yes, in the morning.”

The door clicked shut behind her, and I smiled as I looked out over Dralion, at least some of my uncertainties melting away.

Faith.

I groaned and I mean I truly groaned. It was just as well Belle was the only Peacian I’d created a telepathic link with.

It’s late, Belle.
And it wasn’t that I didn’t wish to speak to her, it was that I didn’t wish to have anything intrude on this special moment.

How are you?

I’m good–and Davio?

He requires an update.

Is he with you?

Yes. We’re in the castle’s recreational room, and
he’s pacing a hole in the floor. This is where we relax at times, but not right now. No one will retire. He’s so agitated. Silas is ready to knock him out.
A very loud sigh came clearly through my mind.
So, if you don’t mind, an update. Davio needs to know of Donaldo.

A shiver chased down my spine.
I can’t speak of him. It doesn’t feel right.

Just a second. Davio is tapping on my shoulder and I need to be the intermediary.

I waited, counting as twenty-two seconds passed.

Okay, let me remind you these aren’t my words but his.

And then it came.

You will speak of Donaldo. I need to know what occurred on your arrival, what has happened every minute since and I want it word for word.

Now, it would take a genius not to know that statement hadn’t been coming, still, I snarled as I heard it.
You can tell him my mother has sacrificed her freedom for mine–she is bound to Dralion.

I flicked the lock on the balcony’s doors and crossed to my bed.

Sacrificed what freedom?
Belle’s tone rose with the question.

My mother is spellbound to Dralion. She cannot leave. Ever.

Why would Wincrest do that when she is from Earth? Argh, Davio is breathing down my neck. Give me a second to pass on what you’ve said.

I ground my teeth together and pulled off my jeans. I left my t-shirt on as a makeshift nightie and tucked myself into bed.

Twenty-eight seconds later, she was back.

You can still move about freely?
Asked in a tightly controlled tone.

Yes, but I will not be leaving my mother. This place is new for me, as it is for her. Give me a couple of days. We both need to settle in.

She gasped.
Can you not come now? Even for a few minutes?

No.
I had not forgotten that my mate had kidnap on his mind earlier.
I’m sorry, but I have to say goodnight.
As far as I was concerned, this conversation was at an end.
Tell Davio to stop pacing and to sleep tight.
Then I closed down the link and for a moment considered blocking it only I didn’t. It seemed I couldn’t go that far.

* * * *

I stretched as the first rays of dawn warmed my face. Again, I needed to run, my legs throbbing. Throwing back the violet silk bedspread, I opened my eyes to the sight of clothing–piles and piles of clothing draped across the bed-end settee. What had happened to a few new pieces of clothing? The contents of an entire clothing store lay in heaps at the end of my bed.

I crawled down the mattress and sat near the largest pile, pulling new and very expensively labeled pieces across my lap. Registering that these were mine, I slowed my inspection and grinned. There were leather jackets and pants and cute cable-knit sweaters. There were jeans of every color, t-shirts and blouses, skirts and dresses. Enough for all the seasons. I would have to sincerely thank Alexxis–she surely knew what she was about.

“You’re up,” Jilly gasped, halting on her tiptoes as she came out of the dressing room. “Alexxis needed assistance with hanging your clothing, but she had to dash off to do the same for your mother.”

“Thank you, and pass along my gratitude to Alexxis.” I whipped up onto my feet, searching and finding some training clothes and pulling them free. “I don’t mean to be rude and run, but I have to head to the gym. Excess energy and all.”

“I understand.” She motioned toward the dressing room. “If there’s anything missing, let me know.”

“I will.” I jumped to it, changing and ’porting off to the gym.

I skipped straight to the closest treadmill of which there were three. I turned up the speed and elevated the slope, humming under my breath. Arms pumping–so good.

“Faith.”

My mother. Over my shoulder, I watched her cross the room.

I jabbed the stop button and hopped off the platform, hugging her. “How’d you know I was here?”

“Alexo gave me a tour. I asked him to leave me alone to speak with you for a few minutes. Get back on the treadmill,” she said as she shooed me away. “Your father explained you have to run each morning to deal with excess energy.”

I scrunched up my face, but did as she bid. “You worry too much.”

“It’s a recreational hazard.” She rocked back onto her heels as she eyed the increase in my speed. “That’s really fast and you can keep that up for two hours?”

“Yes, now tell me how you’re feeling?” My words were a demand for I didn’t wish to wait.

She exhaled. “Your father is such a stranger to me, and it’s not easy being in such close proximity.”

“Is there even a little love? You were once mates.”

“No, honey, I don’t love him anymore. How can I when he left me and never thought I was strong enough to handle the slightest of explanations?” Her hand rested on the side bar. “I pined for him for years. I was lost and lonely, and I vowed never to let another man into my heart to hurt me in that way again. I’m afraid I can’t ever allow your father back into mine.”

“Where are you sleeping? ’Cause my bed is big enough to fit ten people.” I liked the thought of bunking down with her, as we’d done when I was a child.

“I’ve got my own suite of rooms next to Alexo’s and, for obvious reasons, I need to stay there.” She gave my arm a quick squeeze. “What I need is for you to resume your studies. I can see you’ll have two lives to live, one on Earth where you’ll need to complete your education, and one here in Dralion where there’s a future to embrace.”