Page 22 of The Ranger

Makama let out a little squeak. “Holy guacamole, he’s strong.”

“Markhel!” Vale hissed. “Let go of the counter.”

He shook violently, then did, balling his hand into a fist. “She is near.”

“No duh,” Makama said. She went to the hotel windows and peeked out. “I don’t see anyone. What does she look like?”

“I have no idea,” he rasped. “I have not seen her since she was a child.” He straightened, gasping for air, and the pain subsided. He stood breathing like a winded horse and glanced at the dining room. It was empty. Good. The last thing they needed was for any of the locals to witness him getting pounded by a Call.

“That was more difficult to watch than I thought it would be,” the prince confessed. “And this just started?”

Markhel, still trying to catch his breath, nodded. He headed for the dining room. “She must be heading home.”

Makama headed for the lobby doors and went outside.

“Where is she going?” Prince Vale asked no one in particular.

“She wishes to know what Maida looks like.”

“Well, it would be nice to be able to identify your intended. Aren’t you the least bit curious?”

He turned his agonized face to the prince, who cringed when he looked at him. “It does not matter. She will please me.”

“What? How do you know?”

Markhel found a table and sat. “A mate becomes the desire of the other.”

“Well, that’s... handy,” he quipped.

“It depends on the pair, but it happens, especially among those with royal blood.”

“Do you have royal blood?” Vale asked.

“Some.” He stared at the table and tried to relax as Makama returned.

“I saw a wagon leaving. It was driven by a girl with brown hair. She looked a little younger than me. Maybe seventeen, eighteen?”

“She would be eighteen,” Markhel said and closed his eyes.

“I don’t believe it!” came a woman’s voice.

He opened his eyes as Rosie, the hotel’s cook, came to their table. “Mr. Markhel!”

“Mister?” Makama mouthed.

He ignored her. “Rosie.”

She smiled, but it quickly faded. “Are you all right? You look pale.”

“I am fine. And hungry.”

“Then you’re in luck. I’ve got fried chicken, beef stew, or turkey.”

“I will have the chicken and the stew.” He nodded at Prince Vale and Makama. “My friends.”

“How do you do?” Rose greeted. “What can I get you?”

Makama ordered the chicken, while the prince got the turkey. As soon as Rosie left, Makama studied Markhel and shook her head. “She’s right, you don’t look good. Vale and I didn’t start looking like you do now until after we’d spent a bit of time together. Days in fact. Is this normal?”

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