Free Tiva Boon: Royal Guardian by Jenn Nixon

session that Tiva was picking up far too many emotions. The exercise opened her mind further than she can cope with at such a young age. I believe her empathic abilities require quick training, she’s been exposed to an extraordinary amount of suffering and anger today.”
    “What can we do?”
    “First,” Riin spoke, “we need to give her a neural suppressant.”
    “Medication? No, she is too young, there must be another way,” D’laja said.
    “Have you taught her the Calming?” Delos asked and she nodded. “Good…Tiva, can you hear me?”
    “Yes, sire.” she said.
    “I need you to clear you mind. Try and stop all the thoughts from entering your mind.”
    “There are too many.”
    “You must try. Your mother and I will help relax you.” He took her hand in his and glanced to D’laja. She stroked her daughter’s forehead.
    Tiva did as ordered and attempted to clear her mind. The rage and horror from all in the hall floated through her thoughts. She tried to quiet them, tried to force them away. The strength of her mother and the king filled her. As they cleared their minds, Tiva felt the mental whispers of the others weaken. She gripped the king’s hand tight.
    You are doing well. His words entered her mind.
    She jumped up from the sleep couch, terrified, and backed away from the group.
    “Tiva, speak of what is wrong...” D’laja said, eyes wide with fear.
    “I, he…no…I don’t understand.”
    “You must relax, child. You must trust me.” Delos stood and moved toward her then whispered, “Your mind is very open and susceptible, that is why you heard me. Do not be alarmed or scared, just try to close yourself to the invading thoughts.”
    It is your thoughts that are invading me.
    I know Tiva, I am sorry. I was unaware you were so in tune with your abilities. I didn’t mean for you to sense what I was feeling or thinking. I will be more careful in the future.
    Tiva clasped her hands together and hung her head. She didn’t move. A tear slid down her cheek and D’laja rushed to her side pulling her tight against her body.
    “We will Calm. I will teach you to shield emotions and thoughts. I will let no harm come to you, precious one.”
    “Yes, mother,” she said.
    “D’laja, take her home. I will send word of your kin’s ceremony after I speak with the Vicars. Spend time with your family until Kevler returns. I shall inform you if anything is needed.”
    “Yes, sire. Thank you.”

*
    Tiva sat alone in her room staring out her window. Her mind felt clearer, but her spirit carried a burden she did not wish to bear. She begged her mother to allow her to stay home when the families attended the mourning for Towt. Her mother agreed under the condition that she watched her siblings.
    She spent the day with Remock and Bintu, but played very little. The twins tried to cheer her up with pranks and games, nothing worked. They were unaware of the seriousness of what had happened.
    She was not as fortunate.
    When D’laja returned from the ministry house, Tiva hid in her room until evening meal. Once through with the meal and clean up, she went back to her room.
    The wind shifted during the day, yet it felt the same as it blew through her room. The moon shone with the same beautiful silver light as the nights before. The grass danced and the leaves on the trees swayed the way they always did. However, not all was the same. She felt a change inside herself— both familiar and unnatural. She understood neither.
    The death of her cousin struck her in a manner she was unprepared to handle. She saw death and the scars of battle on the floor of the great hall. She felt the lifeless bodies, the fear of the others, and the anger of the king. Tiva attempted to understand what her spirit was feeling, loss, sadness, guilt, among others. As she thought back to the king’s speech, she realized she was the youngest witness to the event. Zenid did not appear in the hall with the other trainees. Perhaps that was