Sky Pirate (Belles & Bullets Book 3)

by Caylen McQueen

“How dare you!” Lyneah shrieked in his ear as she held him. “How dare you leave and forget to tell me!”

  “I'm s-s-sorry...” Tobias winced. “I wanted to tell you, but you were in the middle of your coronation, and time was scarce.”

  “Don't make excuses!” Even though she reprimanded him, Lyneah gently caressed his cheeks. “I love you and I don't want to lose you... so please stop taking risks! If you keep making me worry, it'll be the death of me!”

  Kitt, who was standing behind Tobey, could feel her eyes expanding at Lyneah's words. The princess was in love with Tobias? Had she heard that correctly? Was the new queen actually in love with Kitt's childhood friend? It was too astonishing to believe.

  “I'm sorry, Lyneah.” he repeated his apology, this time without a stutter. “I won't leave again. Not without telling you first.”

  “And no more dangerous missions!” She gently jabbed his chest. “No more.”

  “No more,” Tobey agreed before turning to Kitt. “And now you finally get to meet each other face-to-face. Kitt, this is Lyneah.”

  “Queen Lyneah...” Kitt whispered, sounding slightly awed. When Lyneah's eyes fell on her, Kitt dipped into a curtsy. “It's lovely to meet you, Your Highness.”

  “It's lovely to meet you too,” Lyneah echoed her. “And please, you needn't be so formal. Any friend of Tobias is a friend of mine. I sincerely apologize for failing to release you from the dungeon as soon as I claimed the castle.”

  “It's alright. You weren't the one who put me in the dungeon, so you needn't apologize.”

  “Was it my mother who put you there? Of course it was...” Lyneah tugged on Tobias' shirt, pulling him closer so she could hold his hand. “Speaking of which, what happened to my mother?”

  “Gone,” Doon answered before anyone else could. “She... escaped. But we left her with absolutely nothing. I can't imagine she could pose much of a threat.”

  “That's unfortunate.” Lyneah sighed. “I wonder if it's worth expending my resources to attempt to track her down. As long as she lives, there's always a chance she could return.”

  Kitt couldn't stop staring at Lyneah. Though she appreciated the new queen's friendliness, Kitt couldn't believe she neglected to acknowledge one very glaring detail. Looking at Lyneah really was like looking at a reflection, albeit a reflection with different hair. “So... it really is uncanny, isn't it?”

  “Indeed,” Lyneah agreed. “The similarities between your face and mine are truly staggering.”

  “People couldn't tell us apart, but I always thought they exaggerated.” Kitt leaned a bit closer to the queen, trying to get a better look at her nose. It looked slightly different—but Kitt had broken hers before, and it never healed properly. Apart from their noses, they were nearly identical. “Now that I see you up close, I understand why everyone believed I was you.”

  “And I was mistaken for you as well.” Lyneah smiled up at Tobias. “By Tobey, as I recall.”

  “So even my childhood friend thought you were me?” Kitt lightly jabbed his stomach. “Tobey, how dare you!”

  “I'm sorry!” Tobias exclaimed. “You really do look very bloody similar!”

  “And yet... I could always tell the difference,” Doon boasted. The women looked incredulous, so he explained, “When Lyneah turned up in Dovyr. I knew it immediately. I knew I wasn't looking at my Kitt.”

  My Kitt. Doon's arbitrarily spoken words must have echoed in Kitt's head at least a dozen times. Was that really how he felt? Did he think of her as his?

  “Kitt, as I said, it's wonderful to finally meet you,” Lyneah told her again. “You're welcome to stay in the castle as long as you wish.”

  “I appreciate that, but...” Kitt tried to check Doon's expression, but his gaze was turned toward the sky. Apparently, he no longer cared to be part of the conversation. “I think Doon is taking me back to Lundun.”

  “I see. Well... you're more than welcome to return at any time. I mean that. It's really the least I can do after treating you so poorly.”

  “You didn't treat me poorly. It's fine!” Kitt smiled at Lyneah, and when the gesture was returned, goose pimples erupted all over Kitt's arms. They even had the same smile. “Now... if you don't mind, I'd like to borrow Tobias. It's been ages since I've seen him and I'd like to talk to him.”

  “Oh. Um. Of course.” Lyneah's smile vanished as she relinquished Tobey's hand. Though she tried to be accommodating, she was reluctant to let him go. Lyneah wanted him with her, but she didn't want to be too selfish. “I'll miss you, Tobey,” she whispered to him.

  “I'll miss you too.” Tobias' response was considerably louder, and Kitt looked incredibly intrigued by it. Her surprise was compounded when Tobey and Lyneah parted with a kiss.

  “Oh my...” Kitt whispered to Tobey as soon as she had him alone. “Queen Lyneah is smitten with you? Really?”

  Tobey took Kitt's arm and led her into the castle. “More like I'm smitten with her,” he corrected her with a grin.

  “And how did that happen?”

  “Lyneah's a wonderful, wonderful woman. She's lovely, kind, clever and strong. But if you're asking why she likes me... I haven't the slightest idea.”

  “You're sweet, Tobey. I'm sure that's why she likes you.” Kitt lightly nudged him with her elbow. “And now that she's got you wrapped around her finger, I'm assuming you won't be returning to Lundun with me?”

  Tobey slowly shook his head.

  “Well... that's a shame. And by the way, your stammer has improved a lot. I barely even notice it now! The love of Lyneah must have straightened you out!” When she realized her friend was blushing, Kitt smiled. “I still can't believe the princess is in love with you!”

  “Believe me, Kitt, I can't believe the princess is in love with me! In no way am I good enough for her!”

  Kitt started to protest, but as soon as she opened her mouth to respond, she saw Prince Malik and Ryas heading in her direction. As soon as Malik spotted her, he exclaimed, “Ah! Catherine! That is your true name, correct? You're out of the dungeon?”

  “I am.” When she realized Malik and Ryas were holding hands, she felt a strange sense of satisfaction. “And please, call me Kitt.”

  “Have you heard the news?” When Malik exchanged glances with his boyfriend, they shared the same odd grin. “My father is dead.”

  “King Roen?” Kitt gasped. “Dead? Really? How?”

  “No one knows how it happened or who is responsible... and to be honest, I'm not sure if I care to know. Whatever you do, please don't offer condolences. My father was a bastard, as you well know. He won't be missed... not by me, or anyone!”

  “He certainly wasn't my favorite person in the world,” Kitt confessed. “So what are you going to do now?”

  “Now that I know you're safe, I'll be returning to my country soon. And now that my father is dead...” Malik's grin broadened as he studied the chiseled profile of the young man at his side. “Ryas and I are free to be together.”

  “And no more whipping boy!” Kitt exclaimed. “I can't say I'm sorry to hear that.”

  Malik suddenly bowed. “I know we didn't always get along, but it was an honor to know you, Catherine.” When he saw the sneer on her nose, he corrected himself. “Kitt. I do hope our paths cross again one day.”

  “As do I,” Kitt agreed. “I'm glad I got to know you better, Malik.”

  After parting ways with the prince and his lover, Kitt and Tobey continued down the hall. When they were at a safe distance, Tobias whispered, “Who was that?”

  “My husband, believe it or not.” When Tobey's jaw dropped, she quickly explained, “Before you panic, you should know it was only brief, and it was never consummated. As soon as they found out I wasn't the real princess, the marriage was dissolved, so I wasn't too terribly scarred by that strange arrangement.”

  “Well... I'm g-g-glad to hear it. I guess?” Tobey's lips were twisted with concern. “Not too terribly scarred doesn't sound especially promising, though.”


  When they entered the garden, Tobias' shock increased. Carol was sitting on Kieran's lap, and their lips were feverishly locked. It was such a passionate kiss that he was almost embarrassed to catch them.

  As soon as her mouth left Kieran's, Carol smiled and waved, as if it was no big deal. “Oh... hi, Tobey!” she exclaimed. “Sorry. I hope you're not too jealous. Err... I'm guessing you're not, since you and the princess seem pretty close. I don't know how Kieran talked me into locking lips with him, but it happened, and you know what?” Carol shrugged. “It's not so bad.”

  “Not so bad?” Kieran snorted at her words. “That was a damn fine kiss, girl, and you know it!”

  In the corner of his eye, Tobias could see Kitt's perplexed expression, so he explained, “This is Kieran and Carol. They helped Lyneah on her mission.”

  “Uh huh!” a winking Carol agreed. “She couldn't have done it without me!”

  “And it'll be my last mission for awhile... if not forever. My injuries are rather severe. I can't walk without limping.” Kieran suddenly pushed Carol off of his lap and dropped her on the bench beside him. “And this girl probably shouldn't be sitting on me right now. She's going to reopen my wounds.”

  “Wounds?” Tobey asked.

  “Aye. Doon got me good.”

  This time, Kitt's curiosity was piqued. “Doon did something to you?”

  “Aye,” Kieran repeated. He lifted his shirt, showing off the immense white bandage around his midsection. “We dueled. I lost. I'm not proud of it, so I'd rather not talk about it. At least the bastard didn't kill me.”

  “So, are you two...” Tobias pointed at Kieran and Carol, “are you two officially together now?”

  “No!” Kieran answered before Carol had a chance. “We're just having a bit of fun.”

  “Yeah,” Carol agreed. “I felt sorry for him after he almost died, so I decided to let him kiss me.”

  “Well... uh... alright.” Tobias wasn't quite sure how to respond, so he raised an eyebrow and backed away. “I'll, uh... I'll leave you to it, then.”

  “Francis bloody Doon...” Tobey and Kitt could hear Kieran muttering to himself as they continued along the path. “Never lost a duel in my life... then he comes along... need to get a rematch one day...”

  When Tobey glanced over his shoulder and saw them kissing again, he shook his head and chuckled. Turning his attention back to Kitt, he asked, “Are you sure you want to go back to Lundun after all of this? If I was you, I'd stay in the castle... at least for a little while.”

  Kitt sighed. She had considered staying in the castle. When she imagined her stepmother's disapproving scowl, she certainly felt tempted. But she had a good reason for wanting to go home. “Getting back to Lundun has been my goal since the beginning of all of this. In a way, I feel like this won't be over until I get back there.”

  “That seems like a silly reason to go back!” Tobias unabashedly offered his opinion. “You should stay.”

  “No. I should go. Just as you should stay in the castle with Lyneah. Maybe one day I'll return for a visit.” Kitt's eyes suddenly lit up. “And hey... who knows... maybe you'll be a king by the time I return?”

  “King? D-d-d-on't be ridiculous!” Tobias snorted at himself for stuttering so much. Every time someone pointed out his improved speech, regression always followed. “Lyneah might like me, but to suggest she might actually marry me is a bit ridic--”

  “Roderick!” Kitt suddenly gasped. “And Aislainn? And... they're holding hands?”

  “Ugh. Roderick.” Tobias was considerably less excited to see him. Lyneah's former boyfriend could only ever be a rival. However, seeing Roderick with another woman gave Tobias some relief.

  “Hello, Miss Lake.” When Roderick greeted her, he sounded strangely formal. Or perhaps it wasn't so strange—after all, he was always proper. “I suppose this will the last time I see you before you return to Lundun. I'll... miss you.” With Aislainn at his side, he was a bit reluctant to tell Kitt how he felt.

  “And I'll miss you too, Roderick,” Kitt echoed the sentiment. “Thank you so much... for everything you've done for me. You've been an invaluable friend and companion. Honestly, I can't thank you enough!”

  “I haven't done anything to warrant such praise.” Roderick's gaze suddenly dropped to his feet, as if he was ashamed. “I couldn't stop your wedding... I couldn't get you out of the dungeon...”

  “You stole an airship for me!” Kitt reminded him. “I wouldn't call that nothing!”

  “Speaking of which, I know you're returning to Lundun with Captain Doon.” Merely mentioning the other man's name was enough to sour Roderick's expression. “Are you sure you'll be safe with him? Do you want me to come with you?”

  “I appreciate the offer, but... I trust Doon,” Kitt said—and somewhere in the back of her mind, she wondered if she was a fool. She had seen glimpses of goodness in Doon, but he had also stabbed her in the back more than once. Roderick probably thought she was mad for placing her trust in Francis Doon, and she could hardly blame him. “He says he's taking me back to Lundun... and I believe him.”

  “I don't.” Roderick snidely snorted.

  “Well... I do.” Before she could elaborate on her reasons for trusting Doon, Kitt heard a familiar yapping noise. As soon as she saw Barnabus rushing toward her, Kitt squealed. “Baby!” She scooped the terrier into her arms and held him to her chest. “Ohhhh I've missed you, I've missed you!”

  The dog rapidly licked Kitt's nose as she cradled him. The more his tongue touched her, the more content he looked.

  “Barnabus was very naughty,” Aislainn tattled on him. “He made quite a mess of the furniture in Roderick's cottage.”

  “Oh no... Barnabus... you didn't!” Kitt gasped. “You bad boy!” But he looked so adorable, she couldn't stay angry with him. Barnabus was Doon's dog, through and through. No matter how many times he was an insufferable rascal, she always found it in her heart to forgive him. “I'm so sorry, Roderick. If you want me to try to replace your furniture, I can.”

  “No. It's quite alright.” Roderick dismissed her offer with a wave of his hand. “Lyneah said I could have my job back. I'm a knight again... so I'll be able to pay for any replacements soon enough.”

  “If you say so.” Kitt lowered Barnabus to the ground and turned her attention to Aislainn. “So... you and Roderick... are you...?”

  “Aislainn's my girlfriend.”

  Aislainn was gulping for breath when she heard Roderick's unexpected answer. “Girlfriend?”

  “Ah... yes. I've been meaning to ask you, Aislainn.” Roderick smiled sheepishly as he dragged a hand through his messy black curls. “Will you be my girlfriend? You brighten my days. I like being near you. If not for you... even now, I would have been wasting away in that stupid pub. You saved me.”

  “I... ah... um...” Aislainn lifted her head and whispered into Roderick's ear. “But you're too good for me...”

  “Nonsense. You're too good for me,” Roderick countered her. “I hope I didn't put too much pressure on you. Perhaps I shouldn't have asked you to be my girlfriend in front of--”

  Aislainn lightly kissed Roderick's lips. She hoped that answer would be sufficient.

  “Well, you're very lucky. Both of you,” Kitt said. “You're wonderful people and you deserve all the happiness in the world.”

  “As do you, Kitt,” Roderick replied. “I hope you find the happiness you deserve when you're back in Lundun.”

  Kitt started to shake her head, but she stopped herself. She didn't want to part ways with Roderick on a sour note, but she knew it was a ridiculous thing to suggest. The odds of her finding happiness in Lundun were slim to none.

  After saying farewell to Roderick and Aislainn, Kitt and Tobey continued their stroll. When the sun started to set, she decided to turn around and head back to the castle—but not before giving him the biggest hug of her life.

  “I'll miss you, Tobey!” Kitt whimpered against his shoulder as she held him.
“I'm so proud of you! No matter what happens next, you'll always be my best friend in the entire world!”

  “And you'll always be my best friend, Kitt. Always.” Tobias gave her a light squeeze before his arms fell away from her. “And if you ever need me, you should know I'll always be here for you.”

  “Lyneah's a lucky girl,” she told him with a smile. “A lucky, lucky girl! She better appreciate what she has!”

  In a way, Kitt envied Lyneah.

  Being in love with Tobias Robb had to be easier than being in love with Francis Doon.

  Thirty Seven

  “Let me see your wounds, Doon.” As she demanded to see his injuries for herself, Kitt ripped Doon's coat from his shoulders. She wasn't giving him a choice. “I heard they were bad, and I need to make sure you're taking care of yourself.”

  “They're not so bad,” Doon claimed as she shucked his coat from his arms. “I've been injured so many times, I've gotten good at ignoring pain.”

  “Is that supposed to make me feel better?” When Kitt tossed his coat aside, Doon's cigarettes fell from his pocket. Her eyebrow raised when she saw them. “Wait... I thought you were quitting that particular habit?”

  “I am!” Doon swiped the pack of cigarettes from the ground and tossed them on his desk. Kitt had forced her way into the captain's quarters almost as soon as the airship took off, and she wouldn't stop fussing over him like a mum. “Soon.”

  “You're going to start smoking again as soon as I'm gone, aren't you?” He didn't deny it, so Kitt assumed she was correct. Even though she didn't appreciate Doon's constant need for a cigarette, she wondered if it was time to stop giving him grief about it. After all, they would soon be parting ways—potentially forever. Without another word, Kitt lifted his shirt over his head and threw it on the bed with his coat.

  “My hip's injured too. In fact, the wound's still fresh,” Doon told her. “If you're going to insist on seeing that one, should I start removing my breeches now, or...?”

  “Is it really bad?”

  He shook his head. “It's just a standard bullet wound.”