“He’s coming to my kingdom?”
“Yep.” I stared at the letter tight-lipped. The fae prince who murdered my brother was going to be at peace negotiations. I could almost laugh at the irony if I weren’t so filled with rage.
TWENTY-NINE
Morgana walked down to the entrance with her head held high. Lord Abor watched after her with a pointed stare. Others who joined them matched his tensed appearance. My mother joined them, but only to wave good-bye to me. She didn’t hate Morgana, because unlike them, she knew Morgana well. They’d also been trapped on Inferis together. She waved us good-bye, but Abor’s anger stole the moment.
They still demanded her head, but I’d pardoned her, something I was sure would come back to bite me at some point. I didn’t care. I needed to protect my friend. “Ignore them. They know no better.”
She glanced at me sideways. “That sounds like advice I would give you.”
I smirked. “I’ve learned from the best.”
“Is Blaise meeting us out front?”
“Yes.” I pulled my traveling cloak tighter, nestling into the fur trim. It would be much colder in Niferum, and for a moment, I missed the weather in Berovia. I received a letter from Kiros that morning, agreeing to the treaty. Blaise’s terms had been met. He was going to receive the Ring of Immortalem. I guessed he won that bet.
She looked around once we emerged in the courtyard. “Where’s our things?”
“On a ship.” I couldn’t help but grin. “We have new company.” I licked my dry lips as sharp winds stole their moisture. “Remember me telling you of Aquarius and his crew? They’re here. They were found at Moorestown Docks and brought to the dungeons but were released last night.”
“It will be interesting to go by sea.”
“They’re experienced sailors. Our luggage has already been loaded onboard. We only need a carriage to take us to the docks. Their ship was brought to the main port.”
“I look forward to meeting with the people who saved your life.”
“You will have that in common,” I replied and walked with her to Blaise’s carriage. Looking out over the inky-blue sky, I sighed. Morning was barely emerging, the sunlight not yet revealing the curves of the waves or the tall black buildings of Imperia. Stars disappeared as it slowly lightened. The Dagger of Ruin and Sword of Impervius were with Blaise, wrapped carefully, as well as the Amulet of Viribus—locked in a trunk so no one would be tempted or cursed.
“Blaise spoke to the mer king. He’s explained we are retrieving the final Object and will have it all shortly.”
Her forehead wrinkled. “I was concerned after the last sinking.”
“The mer have become more vicious,” I said. “It’s the curse the mer king and Blaise share.”
The black curtain moved back, revealing Blaise’s tortured gaze. He wore a blue tunic with black buttons and patterning. His tousled black hair was unkempt around his crown of silver. When he saw me, the pain in his expression diminished, and a smile was forced. Sympathy and guilt guided my smile back.
“Good morning, love.”
I shook my head with a grin. “Always in such a good mood.”
“Why wouldn’t I be?” He arched a dark eyebrow, a glint of excitement on his face. “I’m taking my girl back home.”
My heart lurched.
Morgana looked between us. “I don’t mind taking another carriage.”
“Nonsense.” He grinned, opening the door. “Both of you, in.”
I inhaled deeply, pulling the ties of my deep-red traveling cloak around my neck, and gave one last look at the castle’s arched entrance and stone steps before stepping in after Morgana. Blaise took my hand, sitting me next to him. His fingers landed on my knee as the carriage grumbled and the horses neighed.
“Aquarius and Bella are probably nervous,” I said, now that the three of us were alone. “They felt like they couldn’t go into Niferum before, when they found me attacked by the feral fae.” I glanced at Blaise. “Because of you.”
He smirked. “Are you surprised to learn I have enemies, love? If so, I fear I may have misled you. I’m not the good guy.” He winked, and I rolled my eyes.
“Be nice to them.”
“They saved your life.” He squeezed my fingers, lifting my hand to his mouth, and pressed a kiss against them, warming the cold settling against my skin. “If they are friends of yours, then they’re friends of mine.”
I leaned over, pressing my lips against his. His lips curled into a smile as we kissed. I pulled away, my cheeks heated. Morgana was sitting across from us, kindly averting her gaze to the window as if she had no idea what we were doing. “Thank you, for everything you’ve done for me,” I whispered, because it meant more that way, like a secret held between us. “I love you.”
“I love you too.”
The corner of Morgana’s lip twitched as she suppressed a grin. I moved my gaze to where she was sitting.
“Did you pack the books?” I jolted, realizing I’d forgotten.
“Yes.” Morgana’s brown eyes regarded me, matching the golden and dark hues in her hair. She was taller than me, as tall as Blaise who stood at six feet. Her small waist and hips lent to a willowy appearance. She was beautiful. I couldn’t understand why Licia would turn his back on her when she was clearly interested in him. He wasn’t good enough for her in any way, yet he was the one rejecting her. I shook my head.
“Something you want to share?” she asked, titling her head.
“Nothing.” I swallowed thickly. What she told me about Licia was between us, and not even Blaise would hear it from my mouth. She wasn’t used to being vulnerable, and she’d trusted me with something that made her feel that way. She and I were the same in that regard.
I peeked behind the curtain as we rode over the old bridge and into Imperia. Tall buildings illuminated as the first rays of orange wavered the horizon. The first bustles of morning could be heard as the briny, salty air whipped through the curtain. As we traveled through the market, the scent of basil, smoke, and coffee overpowered the smell of the sea. Coffee was newly imported and could only be found in the richer parts of Magaelor, such as Imperia. In Berovia, I remembered, it was more common, at least at the castle. I recalled Kiros drinking it on more than one occasion.
Red-and-white striped awnings stretched over long tables, where lunas placed their fabrics or foods for sale. The people behind the stalls hollered deals at the early passersby, while customers haggled back. Eggs were stacked in baskets at one stall. They were a delicious shade of golden brown and were jumbo size. I wondered if we got our eggs from that farmer at the castle.
“How did your lords take you leaving?” Blaise’s voiced snapped me back to the inside of the carriage. I closed the curtain and sighed. Fortunately, we weren’t using the royal carriage today, which meant people wouldn’t be chasing us down.
“They didn’t take it well, at all, but there’s nothing they can do about it. They seem to think I should have stayed until Vahaga returns, which we all know,” I whispered, “isn’t going to happen.”
He squeezed my hand once again. “I’ll keep you safe no matter what happens.”
I gave him a look. “No matter what happens?”
“If your lords go against you.”
“That won’t happen. Even they aren’t that stupid. Besides, I left Adius behind to manage things for me while I’m gone.”
Morgana interjected. “It was a smart move.” She then moved her stare to Blaise. “Winter is right. The lords wouldn’t turn on her or try to do anything against her. With Vahaga gone, they are weakened.”
He put his hands in the air in a show of surrender, a teasing smile on his lips. “I was just saying.”
I shot her a thoughtful look. “We’re close,” I said, smelling the fishy air. “Aquarius and his crew were brought around to this port.”
“I’ll have to meet you there. I’ll be going on my own ship.”
“I know. Besides, I doubt Aquari
us would allow you on his.”
Amusement danced on his features. “I’m sure he, like everyone else, could be persuaded.”
“Not him.” I raised my eyebrows, challenge swallowing my expression. I couldn’t help it. I always took the bait of a game between us.
“Want to bet?”
I licked my lips. “You need to go on the royal ship, remember?”
“Maybe I’ll change my mind.”
Morgana’s eyes rolled. “Winter, I think it best we go alone. While I’m sure Blaise could, if he wanted, persuade your friend to board his ship, you could use this time to bond with your new ladies. They’ll be meeting us there.”
I nodded. She was right. I had no recollection of Lady Penelope, although she would have been introduced to me at the Ruby Circle. Lady Mai, however, had left a lasting impression. She had braided my hair before the council meeting and we played a game of cards, but aside from that, I hadn’t spent any time with her. Including Nissa, I now had three ladies. It felt strange. Since I could talk, I had refused ladies-in-waiting, sticking to maids who served my basic needs. I’d never been fond of friends, but the older I got, the more I craved human interaction.
“I’m actually looking forward to it, and with the mer king temporarily eased since Blaise saw him, it should be smooth sailing.”
Morgana’s eyes widened as we neared the docks. The sun poured light through the cracks around the curtains. “I should do a reading before we embark.”
I nodded, letting her pull her cards out and place them next to her on the plush cushion. Once she appeared satisfied with what they said, she shuffled them and put them back into her bag. I saw one card as the wanderer. It was the same one I’d gotten before I’d landed back in Berovia, but this time, Berovia was coming to us, and with raising the dead and sacrificing a princess, I prayed this would be the last big journey I had to go on. Some peace would be welcome.
The waves crashed, sounding in the distance as we pulled up. Stepping out, my eyes flitted to the grandest ship with tall sails. Its mast swayed against the sunrise, which glistened in a hundred shades of red and orange.
Aquarius walked toward us, his smile wide with pearly white teeth. His sea-sprayed hair tousled against the rising gusts coming from the ocean. His skin was golden, kissed by the sun from long travels. His knee-high black boots sat against brown pants held by a gold belt. When he reached us, he dipped down and pulled me into a hug. “Thanks for helping us out there, darlin’.”
“It’s the least I could do after all you’ve done for me.”
He released me and extended his hand toward Morgana with a devilish grin. “I’m Aquarius.”
Her voice lightened. “I’m Morgana.”
His gaze passed over Blaise and to the carriage behind us. “We should get going if we’re going to get yah both to Niferum by tonight.”
Blaise took one step forward, clearing his throat. I waited for the snarky remark or anger at his being ignored an introduction. Holding my breath, I looked from Aquarius to him.
Blaise nodded once. “Winter tells me of your heroism.”
Suspicion crowned Aquarius’s eyes. “I wouldn’t call it heroic. We were just in the right place at the right time.”
Neither broke eye contact. “Thank you for saving her life,” Blaise said.
Aquarius tipped his head to the side. “We wouldn’t have needed to the second time if you had those feral fae under control,” he snapped.
I shuddered on thinking about them, faeries who’d gone so dark they were deemed feral. I remembered when they had taken me to the gallows and tried to hang me from a noose.
I inhaled deeply. I was sure Blaise was going to snap. His eye twitched a flicker, only enough to be seen if we were watching him closely. “I’m working on it.” He paused. “You’re welcome in Niferum whenever you need to find relief from the sea.”
They both stood the same height, all of them towering over me. I waited for Aquarius to say something back, but instead, he shook his hand. I couldn’t believe Blaise was being so… normal.
“Here’s to new friendships.”
Blaise nodded. “Yes.”
I raised my eyebrows. That was too weird. Good, but weird. Blaise was being, well, nice. “Thank you again, Aquarius. Let me say my good-byes and I’ll come aboard.” I gestured toward Morgana. “I think Morgana would like to meet Bella. I hope she’s well.”
He took Morgana’s arm and helped her onto the ship. “Come aboard. Winter’s told us so much about you.”
I waited for them to leave, then turned on my heel to face Blaise. “Okay, so give.”
He brushed down the front of his tunic, a knowing smile curving on his face. “What?”
“Why were you being nice?”
“Do I need a reason?”
“It’s you. So yes.”
He chuckled. “I’m simply trying to lessen the number of enemies I have.”
I stroked my chin. “Mmhmm.”
“Really.” He tucked a lock of hair behind my ear. The gentle act made my heart race. “Like I said, love, he saved your life.”
He was being nice… for me.
“I love you.” He leaned down and kissed me softly at first, then our kiss turned animalistic. A part of me worried about who was watching, but the other half didn’t care. I held onto him, running my hands up his back and to the nape of his neck. He pushed his hand against my lower back, pulling me against him with a ferocity he usually reserved for when we were alone. He pulled away, breathing fast, torture in his eyes. A low growl escaped his lips as he gripped my arms, looking me deep in the eyes. “I love you so much.” He rested his forehead against mine. “I’ll see you tonight.” He paused for a moment, just staring at me, then pulled away and walked to his own ship.
THIRTY
The ship rocked against the caress of the waves, spraying the deck with washes of white foam. The sun rose higher in the pastel-blue sky, telling me it was going on noon. Bella emerged above deck, her rose-red hair tied back into a tight ponytail, which ran the length of her back. A sword hung from her belt, and a red necklace swung from her neck, used to channel her elemental magic. Curiosity burned as she approached.
“Bella!” I exclaimed.
“Winter.” She kissed both cheeks, then pulled me at arm’s length to get a better look at me. “You look so much older than we last saw you. It’s not been a year yet.”
My lips pulled into a tight smile. “The pressures of being queen.”
She gave me a sympathetic nod. “I can only imagine.”
“Where have you been?” I arched an eyebrow. “We didn’t see you yesterday.”
She placed her hand over her stomach. “I was sick, that’s why I stayed down in our cabin, but I’m feeling better today.”
“I’m glad you’re feeling better. I was wondering when I’d get to see you.” I smiled. “Where’s Aquarius?”
“Taking a nap. He spent most of the night awake, worried about the mer attacking.”
“That will stop soon.” I didn’t elaborate. “I should let you know, I already told Aquarius when we boarded so I’m not sure if he mentioned it, but Kiros is coming to Niferum for peace talks with my kingdom.”
“He did tell me.” She looked down, tight-lipped. “Be careful. After everything you told us about him and his father, I wouldn’t trust his intentions.”
“I know.” A lump formed in my throat. “But he’s not in a strong position. His own people are fighting back at him because of the dragons, as well as the firedrake wielders, and he’s a new king managing a court. Another enemy is the last thing he needs.”
She looked up at the cloudless sky, watching birds flock overhead. “Fate may just be on your side then.”
“Let’s hope so. It would be nice to be on the right side of it for once.”
She placed a hand on my shoulder. “Your friend is quite interesting.” A chuckle bubbled in her throat.
“Morgana? Yes.”
“She re
ad my fortune. We like her. She’s got good energy.”
I placed my hand against my chest. “Honestly, Bella, I’d be lost without her.”
“I can tell she cares for you deeply.”
I peered over her shoulder. “Speak of her and she shall appear.” I grinned at Morgana. “We were just talking about you.”
“All good things,” Bella said and took a step back. “I’ll leave you both to it. I need to make sure they’re pulling those sails right.” She cursed under breath. “Sloppy work, as always!” She marched off to berate one of the crew, and I gave Morgana a look.
We both laughed and walked to the side of the ship. My fingers gripped into the sturdy wood. I remembered when the mer had attacked his ship and I’d used the ancestors to aid me in keeping the crew safe. It felt like a lifetime ago, and if I had known then what I knew now, I’d never have used them, and many more would have died.
“Does it hurt? Knowing the truth about the ancestors and spirit realm?” I asked Morgana.
“Yes.”
Her answer stunned me, but I didn’t know why. She always found a way of justifying every life event, so I half expected another speech about how it was meant to be. “It hurts me too.” The sea sprayed us, and I rolled my shoulders back. “We’re almost there.” I touched her hand, sensing her tremble underneath my fingertips. “What is it?”
Her worried gaze flicked to mine. “Nothing to concern you with.”
My stomach knotted. “Anything that worries you concerns me.”
She exhaled slowly. There was a shake to her words before she smoothed them. “W-Winter. I want you to feel confident. You tell everyone you’d be lost without me, but I need you to know you can do things on your own.”
My eyebrows knitted together. “Why is it so bad to depend on you?”
She turned to face me looking downward, sadness pinching her features. “Because you don’t need to. You have the power in here.” She touched my forehead, and a splintering pain shocked through my skull. I jolted back, pressing my fingers into my head. “Ouch!”
“Winter?” Morgana’s voice floated, and reality distorted. The ship morphed into a cool, earthy place where the smell of wildflowers lingered with pine. My breath hitched as I looked up. I felt as if I were going to die. Every part of me was broken, and I couldn’t breathe. My cheeks were raw under tears, and my fingers shaking. Something had gone horribly, and I was suffering.
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