Mystic's Touch by Dena Garson Page A

all your
thoughts,” Danet grumbled.
    “Does that mean you can hear all of his too?” Gehiji’s eyes
widened in alarm.
    “If I tried, I might be able to.” She leaned closer to Ceros
and added, “But some of us respect the other’s right to privacy.”
    I am trying.
    Yes, I know.
    “I see.” Gehiji cleared his throat. “So what do you need me
to do?”
    Tell him about the council meeting and ask him to find
out what he can about the council members.
    “Let me back up even further,” Danet said. “In case you
haven’t figured it out already, we aren’t sure Ceros’ condition is an accident.
Earlier today, I found a thorn lodged in his neck.” She pointed to the spot
behind her ear to demonstrate where. “I’ve taken the thorn to my father so he
can find out what kind of plant it was from. That should help us determine if
it is related to Ceros’ condition.”
    “The queen didn’t say anything about a thorn.”
    “She doesn’t know. We decided it would be best to not tell
her yet. She’s dealing with enough.”
    Gehiji nodded.
    “I doubt it will take Father long to find an answer,” she
assured him. “Before I was asked by the queen to tend to the prince I learned
two things. First, there is some speculation over the king’s death and whether
or not it was an accident. Second, there is a high council meeting scheduled to
be held in three days. Actually, it’s closer to two now. I was told this
meeting is being called to appoint an interim ruler since the prince has taken
ill.”
    “I thought the queen was the interim ruler.”
    “She is, but only because the prince declared it so until he
could make the journey home. But since he is unfit to rule in his present
condition, the high council is in a position to appoint another. If they so
choose.”
    “And they choose to do so.”
    Danet nodded.
    “What does Ceros want me to do?”
    “He said he needs you to find out what you can about the
council members.”
    “Does he want me to look into his father’s death?”
    Danet looked to Ceros.
    It might help us figure out who could be behind this, Ceros
answered.
    So you do believe someone might be trying to kill you? she
asked.
    I think it is a very real possibility.
    Danet shuddered. Hearing it from Ceros gave it a new
reality. “He said he thought it might help us figure out who was behind this.”
    “I thought as much.”
    Gehiji stood and looked down on Ceros. “He’s completely
vulnerable right now, isn’t he?”
    “I’m afraid so.”
    And I hate it.
    Danet smiled. “Yes, I’m sure Gehiji can guess how much you
hate it.”
    “I can stay here if you think there is a threat.”
    “I think he’s safe for tonight. The queen hand-picked the
guards and I’m here in case he has a medical emergency.” She shrugged. “I might
not be able to fight off a trained killer, but I would be another witness
someone would have to deal with if they did come in.”
    Gehiji smiled. “I don’t know about that. I saw you with that
knife when the councilmen burst in earlier.”
    Knife? What is he talking about? Ceros demanded. Even
in her head it sounded as if he was growling at her.
    Nothing, don’t worry about it. To Gehiji she said,“And you shush. You’re only upsetting him.”
    That made Gehiji grin even more. “Am I?”
    Don’t tell him that. He lives to torment me.
    “Okay you two,” Danet scolded. “Back to the original topic.
I think Ceros is safe for tonight. Any would-be assassin probably thinks they
came close to killing him and it could go either way. Surely they wouldn’t risk
exposure right now.”
    “You’re probably right.” Gehiji agreed. “I don’t like being
so far away. It would take too long to get word to me if something happened.”
    “Which room did they give you?”
    “One halfway down the hall in the southern wing.”
    “Oh. You are quite on the other side of the palace, aren’t
you?”
    Who decided that? As my honored guest, he should have
been put in one