Mystic's Touch

Dena
Garson

Blush sensuality level: This is
a sensual romance (may have explicit love scenes, but not erotic in frequency
or type).

When Prince Ceros returns home to
take his place on the throne, he falls prey to a mysterious malady that leaves
him unable to speak or move, though his thoughts and awareness remain intact.
Danet, a talented healer, realizes the prince is alert inside his body. The two
are able to share thoughts telepathically. Unfortunately her connection with
Ceros may bring unwanted attention to her abilities and result in her
banishment from the city.

Their unique bond grows as Danet
races to find a remedy for the prince’s condition. Desire turns to love, which
makes Danet fear for their future when he awakens. They seek out the villain
attempting to take the throne and endeavor to find a way to stay together.

Inside Scoop:
Ceros’ secret
shifter status adds complication and intrigue to their budding romance.

A
Blush®
fantasy romance
from Ellora’s Cave

Dedication

To my mom, who has always been my biggest fan. She’s told
me, “You can do anything you put your mind to,” since I was learning to walk.
And by golly, she was right! Love ya, Mom!

Acknowledgement

I need to send a big thank you to Jennifer Schmidlin for her
critiques, suggestions and calming words. Whenever I feel like I’m going off
the tracks and taking my manuscript with me, she’s able to show me that no, I
just need to take a little step to the left. *hugz*

Okay…saving the rest of my gushing for later.

Massive yellow paws pounded into the hot desert sand as he
ran. His heart beat a rhythm in his ears and kept him moving toward his
destination. Behind him, sand as far as the eye could see was marked with his
passage, allowing the man on horseback to follow without being seen.

Neither the reflection of the dual suns on the white sand
nor the heat radiating around him stopped the creature.

The goal was too important.

A hazy spot appeared on the horizon. The creature altered
his course slightly and doubled his efforts. The spot grew with each ridge he
crossed until it shifted and took shape. A tree emerged from one side of the
creature’s vision.

He crossed another dune and detected color in the distance. Greens
and blues.

As more dunes were conquered, the almost indistinguishable
tree became a cluster of palms. Nearby were a few other plants and a pool of
water.

Yet another ridge was crossed.

The creature slowed not far from his goal, but within easy
sight. When he crested the largest mound he stopped at its pinnacle. As he
stood atop his chosen platform, blue eyes scanned the horizon for prey or enemy.
His breath seemed to be taken more for scent than as a result of his race
across the sand. When seemingly satisfied with what lay before him, the
creature descended.

Cresting the next sandy mound in place of the creature was a
man. His face and body were darkened from the suns. His golden hair glistened,
much the way the creature’s had. The linen wrappings he wore did little to hide
his masculine form. The only testaments to his station were the golden bands
bearing the king’s seal wrapped around his upper arms and the royal-purple sash
around his waist.

Muscles rippled gracefully as he marched over the final ridge
then into the shadiest area of the oasis. His sandals were silent as he strode
toward the glistening pool. The only warning of his arrival to the small party
waiting there was the sudden unease of their steeds.

“My prince.”

A man dressed in robes the color of wine dropped to his
knees, his head bowed deeply. Behind him, four others, dressed similarly,
dropped to their knees and mumbled a greeting. Only one man remained standing.

“Cousin. At last you made it.” The standing man crossed the
span between them to clasp forearms with the prince.

“Aleric. Good to see you,” Prince Ceros greeted his cousin
coolly.

“Don’t tell me you ran all the way from Shirghada.” Aleric
frowned. “And alone, no less.”

“No,” Ceros said with a slight grin. “I am not so foolish, Cousin.
My escort is just beyond the third dune.”

Aleric looked in the direction the prince had come as if to
judge whether or not he spoke the truth.

“You doubt me?”

“Of course not,” Aleric said smoothly. “I was merely trying
to judge how far they had to travel so we could leave as soon as they arrive.” He
quickly added, “Assuming that they will be traveling on to Licosia, that is.”

Ceros simply nodded. “Who have you brought with you, cousin?
I assume by their robes they are members of the council.”

Aleric made the introductions to the three council members. As
he finished, a solitary man appeared at the edge of the oasis. He was similar
in age and build to the prince but with dark hair on his head and chest. The sword
strapped to his back marked him as a soldier. The beads that hung from the single
braid in his hair indicated he was a high-ranking, decorated warrior.

Everyone went silent when they noticed him.

“Ah, Gehiji.” The prince walked away from the group to greet
the newcomer. He said a few things to the warrior before returning with him. “Gehiji
Talasona has been a close friend for many years. He is to be paid all respect
and courtesy due an honored guest.”

“Of course,” Aleric once again spoke for all of them.

The men tipped their heads and murmured greetings.

Once the courtesies were completed, the prince turned to
Aleric. “Have my sisters arrived?”

“They have. When we left, they were enclosed with the
queen.”

“Good. And what of Mother? How is she handling the news?”

“As to be expected of a queen. She grieves, but she may be
counted on to maintain a strong front for the people of Licosia.”

Ceros nodded. “What preparations have been made so far?”

“You mother insisted we wait until you arrived to light the
funeral pyre. She felt it was your right and your honor to send your father on
his journey to the afterworld.”

Ceros nodded again. “Are there others to escort us to the
palace?”

“No, my prince. Just the council elders.”

Ceros grunted. “Let us be off then.”

“You do not require refreshment before we go?”

“No. I am anxious to see Mother.” He glanced at the four
council members who had made use of the limited shade nearby. “If they require
rest, we will continue on unescorted.”

“Oh.” Aleric glanced to where the other council members
stood. “I believe we can be ready to return as you do.”

“Fine.”

“We brought extra mounts in case yours were weary.”

“Thank you. I believe I will take you up on that offer.” He
looked to Gehiji, who shook his head. “Gehiji will continue to ride his own.”

“As you wish.” Aleric bowed his head respectfully. “Oh, one
other thing.”

Ceros paused expectantly.

“We brought the ceremonial headdress for you to wear as you
enter Licosia. The council felt it would be good for people to be able to
recognize you and know that you have returned.” He shrugged. “After all, you’ve
been away for many rotations of the suns.”

“I know, but I didn’t want to create a scene with my
return.” He grimaced. “Are you certain the headdress is necessary?”

“I’m afraid so.”

Ceros nodded.

Aleric gestured for one of the servants to step forward. The
servant carried a wood box covered with elaborate carvings.

Ceros groaned as soon as he saw it.

With great ceremony, Aleric removed the polished metal.
Sunlight reflected off the rounded side and point. Other than its tall,
elongated shape, it was a fairly simple crown. Ceros often wondered if his
predecessors had been short men who needed the height of the crown to feel big.

Someone had replaced the silky fabric that lined the edge.
Probably in an effort to ensure his royal head wasn’t stressed by the weight of
so much gold, Ceros thought sarcastically.

Thank the Gods it wasn’t covered in gemstones.

“If I may,” Aleric gestured to Ceros’ head with the crown.

“Very well,” he said with a sigh. He went down on one knee
in the sand to allow Aleric to reach him. The headpiece fit snugly and pinched
when Aleric put it in place.

“There,” Aleric said with a smile. “Your mother will be
pleased.”

Ceros stood and returned his smile. At least he hoped it was
a smile and not a grimace. “Shall we?” Ceros gestured to their mounts, anxious
to reach home.

“After you,” Aleric said.

When they reached their mounts, Ceros took his reins and
greeted his eligari with softly spoken words. As he stroked and soothed the
animal, he checked the fastenings. Aleric stood nearby, looking at him as if he
had lost all good sense. Ceros wondered when Aleric had become so stuffy and
formal. Perhaps he had just been gone too long.

Before he could climb onto the back of his eligari, Aleric
stopped him.

“I haven’t had a chance to tell you that I am sorry about
your father. He was a beloved leader and he will be missed greatly.”

Ceros nodded. “Thank you. I just hope Mother is doing as
well as she says.”

“It’s hard to say. Your mother is a strong woman and doesn’t
always let on when things are bothering her. Even when she should be asking for
help.”

“True,” Ceros said with a slight grin, then grimaced. “I
hate that I couldn’t get here any faster.”

“I’m sure she understands.”

“She does.”

Aleric clasped Ceros on the shoulder. “I just hope everything
is as you expect.”

Ceros held Aleric’s gaze for a moment. “As do I.”

Aleric patted Ceros once more then headed to his eligari to
mount up. Ceros watched him for a moment, wondering what to make of Aleric’s
comment. He felt a trickle of unease and wondered what he would find when he
reached the palace. There would be many things to catch up on. Many people he
would have to familiarize himself with. Old friends with whom he would have to
become reacquainted.

There would probably be enemies waiting as well. Unfortunately
those would take longer to uncover.

Ceros climbed onto the back of his eligari. As he settled
himself into the saddle, he felt as if the ground began to dip and sway. He
shook his head, trying to clear the feeling. He looked around the oasis to get
his bearings, but everything was fuzzy and out of focus.

“My prince, if you will lead the way?” the voice echoed.

Ceros’ eligari danced nervously beneath him.

“Ceros?” Gehiji’s voice registered from somewhere to his
left. “Are you okay?”

“Something is not quite right, Gehiji.” Ceros turned in the
direction of Gehiji’s voice, but he couldn’t focus on his face. “My eligari
seems to disapprove of carrying me.”

“I’m not sure it’s your eligari.”

Ceros felt someone grab one of his arms and pull.

“Ceros? What’s wrong?”

The edges of Ceros’ vision became fuzzier and dark gray. “I
think I need to dismount, Gehiji.” He tried to lift his leg to remove himself
from the saddle, but only felt the rush of air as he slid to the ground.

“Your highness!”

“Ceros!”

The voices faded further and further to the back of his mind
and darkness swamped him into oblivion.

By the Gods, why can no one hear me!

Ceros continued to yell until even the voice in his head
began to sound hoarse. Still no one responded. There were people in the room. He
could hear them moving about and whispering. Since he couldn’t turn his head,
he couldn’t see anything except the same ceiling view he’d had since he’d awakened.

Could be worse. My eyes could have been closed.

He tried to move an arm, a leg, a finger. He tried to turn
his head again, but nothing worked that he could tell. One of the physicians had
told his mother earlier they were bewildered by what ailed him. They only know
half of the puzzle. His body may not be responding to any of the pokes and
prods as they tested his reactions, but he could feel everything, hear
everything and see the few things that passed through his line of sight.

He simply had no control over his own limbs.

It was frustrating beyond belief to not be able to communicate.
He tried to tell them he was alive and functional inside his shell of a body.

Thank the Gods his mother insisted they feed him what they
could. So far it had been water and broth mixed with some kind of herbs. All
spooned in small quantities as someone encouraged his throat muscles to work. Ceros
knew his body would soon wither away if they didn’t find a cure for whatever
was wrong.

With nothing else to do, Ceros replayed his memories of the
morning and tried to discern what happened. He’d had no unknown food or drink
since he and Gehiji left Shirghada. They’d packed their own rations before
leaving and traveled alone.

Gehiji was no threat. He’d protected Ceros’ back more times
than he cared to think about. And Ceros had done the same for Gehiji.

He remembered meeting Aleric and the council members at the
oasis on the outskirts of Licosia. After that, his memory became clouded.

When he woke, his father’s old physician, Darius, was
speaking with his mother. He couldn’t see her, but he was sure it was his
mother who clung to his hand. Darius said he didn’t know what was wrong but
promised to consult some colleagues and dig through his tomes to find an
answer.

His mother came and went several times through the day, but
her own physician had cautioned her against staying and exhausting herself when
there was nothing she could do to help. Ceros hated being the cause of more
grief for her. She had just lost her husband, the father of her children, her
king. She was probably worried she would lose him too.

What if the throne were in jeopardy?

If it hadn’t already been chilled, his blood would have run
cold at the thought.

His father’s death had been labeled a hunting accident. Even
though he knew how many things could go wrong on a hunt, Ceros felt there was room
for speculation.

Ceros had been away from the royal court and the related politics
for years. There would be no reason for anyone to hold a grudge against him. If
his present condition was the result of someone’s attempt to kill him, it would
most likely be someone who felt he or she had a chance to gain power, or
perhaps even rule over Licosia.

He ran through the list of people who would step up in power
if he died or was deemed unfit to rule by the council. While he’d been away, he
allowed himself to get caught up in the politics of Shirghada instead of
Licosia. He didn’t readily remember all of the highest-ranking council members.

In his present condition, he couldn’t ask anyone. He couldn’t
even make a list of the names he did know.

Damnation!
If he got out of this predicament, he
would remedy that problem as quickly as possible. He allowed himself a string
of curses to relieve some of the tension he felt building up inside.

That’s a very creative use of more than a dozen curses.
And all of them used in a single thought too.

Ceros was startled by the sound of a female voice inside his
head.
Oh Gods, I’ve finally gone mad. Now I’m hearing voices.

You haven’t gone any more mad than I,
the voice attempted
to reassure him
.

That isn’t a comforting thought.

The voice laughed, the light sound dancing through his mind,
soothing some of his frustrations.

Who are you?
Ceros asked.

There was a pause before the voice answered.

I don’t think I will reveal that just yet.

Do you know who I am?
Ceros asked, allowing his royal
breeding to show in his voice.

I believe so.

You don’t know for sure?

I didn’t at first, no.

How long have you been listening to my thoughts?

I first heard them this morning, but mistook them for
echoes from somewhere within the palace. When I realized no one else could hear
you and sensed how frustrated you were, I began looking for the source.

How is it that you can speak to me? Inside my thoughts,
that is.

The voice paused again.
I cannot say.

Cannot? Or will not?

A little of both I suppose. If it makes you feel better,
I don’t think I can hear all of your thoughts all the time.

What do you mean?

This is the first time I’ve heard anything. Today was, I
mean.

That makes me feel somewhat better.

I suspect that your thoughts were projected due to your
intense emotional outburst.

Ceros considered her theory. It made sense.
Do you think
that anyone else can hear my thoughts?

Again the voice paused.
It’s doubtful.

Why you then?

The voice sighed, or so it seemed.
Will you allow me to
find the answer to that question before I tell you?

Do I have a choice?

The voice chuckled.
Not really.

Then by all means, take your time. I’ll be here. Waiting
patiently.

Now, now. No need to be petulant.

Me? Petulant?

Yes, you.

The voice laughed again, easing some of the tension that built
up again. He was so relieved to have someone to talk to he couldn’t bear the
thought of breaking the connection, no matter who it was.

How do I know you’re real, not a drug-induced illusion?

He felt the bed dip as someone sat next to him. That same
someone grasped his foot over the linen sheet that covered him.

Can you feel that? s
he asked.

Feel what?
He was hesitant to assume anything.

Me, touching your foot.

Yes.

Do your drug-induced illusions usually touch you?
Physically, I mean.

It was Ceros’ turn to chuckle.
No, not usually.

Well, then, I must really be here.

I guess so.
Thank the Gods. Ceros knew he wasn’t
really holding his breath, but it felt like it.

I heard that, you know.

You mean I have to censor all my thoughts now?

No. But if I’m somewhere nearby and you’re upset, you
might want to.

You have to be near me to hear my thoughts?

I think so. It’s only a theory. One I’ll test here in a
moment, since I need to leave before anyone returns.

Do you really have to go?
He hated the panic that
rose with the thought of her leaving and never returning.

People will wonder why I linger if I’m seen in your room.

When will you be back?

It’s almost time for the evening meal. I need to find
someone who may be able to answer the question of why we can hear each other’s
thoughts. I doubt I’ll be able to return until tomorrow. Perhaps while everyone
is busy with the midday meal.

Can you do something for me?

If I can.

Will you get a message to my friend, Gehiji? Him and only
him. Tell him that I am alive, inside this body and I will need his skills to
find out who did this to me.

What reason would he have for believing me?

Ceros thought for a moment. She was right. Even if she could
get a message to Gehiji, he would likely dismiss it as the fanciful wishing of
a woman. Or worse, he could become suspicious of her intentions and try to keep
her away.

Tell him that I will return the telos he gambled away if
he is able to find out what and who was behind this.

A telos? Do I even want to know what that is?

If you deliver my message and I recover from this,
whatever
this
is, I will tell you the story.

Very well. I will seek your friend out. But I won’t
promise to tell him how I know.

Fair enough.

A sound from somewhere nearby sent the owner of the voice
scurrying to her feet.
I must go.

You will return.
Ceros knew it was more an order than
a question, but he didn’t care. He needed her to return. As much as he hated
it, he needed her to keep him sane.

Yes. I will return as soon as I can. You should sleep. It’s
the best thing you can do to heal the body.

Ceros snorted.
Like I have anything else to do.

He heard a door open and close but didn’t hear anyone moving
about the room. Something twisted in his chest knowing she had gone.

I will return.
The voice whispered in his mind, easing
the knot forming in his chest.

A moment later, he heard her asking,
Do you still hear
me?

It was faint and he wondered if it was due to proximity or
barriers between them.

Yes, somewhat.

Interesting.

What is?

I’ll tell you tomorrow.

He chuckled and wondered what just happened.