Page 1 of A Warrior's Heart

Chapter One

Malik

“Again!” I circled Nereus, watching his movements.

His reaction time was decent but still too slow. In the time it had taken him to see my attack and dodge it, I could’ve easily taken his head clean off his shoulders.

“Yes, sir,” he panted, righting himself. Sweat matted his brown hair, scrapes covered his arms, and his knees were bruised from the countless times he’d been knocked to the ground.

What mattered was he got right back up.

Training recruits for the king’s army had kept me busy over the years, yet my mind still wandered to Prince Lorcan and how I should be at his side, keeping him safe. He had insisted I return to Avalontis though. He and his mate had moved to Emerald Cove, a seaside town in the surface world, and had settled down there with their young son.

“That’s enough for today,” I said. “Wash up and meet in the mess hall.”

“Yes, sir.” Nereus nodded before joining the other men nearby.

I left the training field and made my way down a narrow path toward a spring. I was covered in dirt and sweat and didn’t want to enter the palace in such a state of disarray. After removing my clothing, I dove into the cool water, finding it refreshing after a long day.

Floating on my back, I stared up at the large dome that surrounded the kingdom. The sea thrived on the other side of it, and I watched a school of fish swim by.

Avalontis was unlike anywhere else in the world. The underwater kingdom was surrounded by a magical barrier, allowing the merfolk within to walk around in their human forms and enjoy life as most humans did. There were swimming holes, gardens, and forests of colorful trees. Our home had been created by magic. King Triton had wanted a place for the merfolk to live together in peace.

And we did. For the most part.

I only stayed at the spring long enough to rinse off the grime. Once I was dressed, I walked toward the palace. The structure could be seen in all areas of Avalontis, for it was grand and golden and stood higher than any other tree or building.

A man approached me on the path.

“Evening, sir,” Dathan said, bowing his head. His dark blond hair curtained around his face with the action. He was a servant for the royal household. “The king has requested your presence in his private dining chambers.”

I had intended to eat with my fellow warriors in the mess hall, but the king’s invitation couldn’t be ignored. An invitation, perhaps, but one I couldn’t refuse.

“Very well.”

When we reached the palace, the guards outside the entrance saluted me. Once upon a time, I had been the captain of the army. Enemies far and wide knew my name. Feared it.

I nodded to the guards and kept walking.

The entrance hall exuded luxury: gems in the tile floor, jewels entwined in the chandelier, and gold-lined columns. The king fancied shiny trinkets, and signs of that fondness could be seen all throughout the palace. I took the grand staircase up to the second floor and walked down the long corridor to my chamber.

If I was to dine with the king, I wanted to change out of my training clothes and put on more suitable attire.

Before reaching my chamber, I saw a familiar face in the hall. And, just like it had done for the past few years when seeing him, my heart beat a little faster.

Troy.

Light brown hair fell to his shoulders, some of the strands braided and pulled back, and gold shimmered on his eyelids, emphasizing his violet eyes even more. The netted top he wore did little to cover his softly toned chest, and his trousers hugged his ass and hips to perfection.

I stopped my approach and watched him a moment. He stared at Lorcan’s old bedchamber with a forlorn expression.

“Standing outside his door won’t bring him back.”

Troy startled. “You nearly gave me a fright.”

“Nearly?” I stepped closer. “I believe I succeeded in doing so.”

He curled his nose and put his hands on his hips. “I don’t need any of your sass right now.”