“Roderick?” As he tried to think, the knight wiped the sweat from his chest. “I think Roderick is in the back of the building, training some men. Do you need me to fetch him for you, Your Highness?”
“Um... yes. If you don't mind.” Kitt could feel her cheeks getting hot. If she could see herself, she knew she would be blushing horribly.
When the knight left to find Roderick, a panting Miles finally caught up to her. When he noticed the knights in their underclothes, his eyes bulged. “My lady!” he breathlessly gasped. “Dearest Kitt, this is no place for a young lady! Perhaps we could step outside and you could explain what you have in mind...”
“No. I'm not going anywhere,” Kitt firmly told him. “I'm waiting for Roderick.”
“Indeed. And once Roderick gets here, I must absolutely insist that we go outside!” In the corner of his eye, Miles caught one of the half-naked knights staring at Kitt. He hoped the man was a gentleman—or, at the very least, he hoped he would have more restraint than most pirates he knew. Miles couldn't imagine defending her honor against an amorous knight. When Roderick finally rushed over to Kitt, Miles breathed a sigh of relief.
“What are you doing here?” Roderick hissed at her. “This is no place for a princess! In fact, this is the last place you should be! Some of these men walk around naked, you know!” Miles haughtily nodded along with every word he spoke.
“So I've noticed. But I had to find you!” Kitt declared. “It's very, very important, Roderick! Do you remember the conversation we had about stealing an airship?”
Roderick glanced from side to side, praying that no one overheard her. “Let's step outside for a moment. This isn't a conversation to be had in here.” He took Kitt by the arm and led her into the courtyard, at which time Miles could finally breathe again. “Now... what did you want to talk to me about?”
“I've changed my mind about stealing an airship,” Kitt told him. “I know I said I didn't want to get you into trouble... and I really don't... but this is very important.”
“You really want me to steal one?” Roderick's brow was pinched, as if he was pained by her change of heart. Kitt kept hoping she wouldn't upset him. “If I do that, there's no turning back.”
“I'll pay you!” From her pocket, Kitt pulled out a bag of money and presented it to Roderick. It was the money Doon gave her for pretending to be the princess—and it was a sizable sum. “This is all I have, but... I hope it convinces you?”
“No.” Roderick took her hand and gently curled her fingers around the bag. “I'd never ask you to pay me, Kitt. If I do this, I'd be doing it because I care about you.” Roderick closed his eyes and heaved a sigh. He knew it was a terrible decision, but he couldn't disappoint her, not when she looked so desperate. “Very well. If we do this, we have to do it tonight, no earlier than three o'clock in the morning and no later than four. At that time, two of my friends are guarding the skyport. If I promise them a couple of favors, it should be fairly easy to slip onto one of the airships.”
“Thanks, Roderick!” Kitt threw her arms around him, hugging him as tightly as she could. “I appreciate this more than you know!”
“Uh huh...” Roderick was sighing again. Kitt's shoulders sank, because she feared she was letting him down. “I'll come to you tonight when everything is prepared. But for now, I'll see you later.” Without another word, Roderick turned his back on her and returned to the knights' quarters.
“You'll get him in trouble, you know,” Miles warned her. “You'll get him fired... or perhaps even killed. Queen Loreina won't appreciate the theft of an airship.”
“I hope not,” Kitt answered quietly. At the moment, only Doon was on her mind. Her only thought was of Doon getting tortured, of Doon in pain. If Roderick suffered later, she would deal with the consequences as they came.
“And you didn't tell Roderick the whole story,” Miles pointed out. “He probably thinks you want to go home. You didn't tell him about Dovyr.”
“I know, Miles, I know!” Kitt raised her voice at him—which she had never done before. She was tired of Miles' objections. After all, wasn't Doon like a son to him? She couldn't wrap her mind around his reservations, because she was desperate to get to Doon as soon as she heard the news. Kitt was prepared to do anything to get to his side. “I'll tell him later.”
Later on, when she was waiting in her room, Kitt felt like a hamster in a cage. She kept pacing around in circles, trying to think of ways to prepare. She packed her revolver, her money, and some clothes, but she couldn't think of anything else that was essential. She almost nicked a knife from the kitchen, thinking it would be good to have an extra weapon on hand, but she decided it wasn't worth the risk.
Kitt stayed awake for hours, watching the clock, waiting for Roderick's arrival. Three minutes after three o'clock in the morning, he finally tapped on her door. As soon as she heard the knock, Kitt threw open the door and pulled him into her room.
“Is everything ready?” she breathlessly asked. “Are we really going to take an airship?”
“Yes. Everything's underway. Now we have to go to the skyport, and we have to go quickly. Miles is already waiting on the ship.”
“Miles?” Both of Kitt's eyebrows shot straight to her forehead. “Miles is coming? I thought he hated the idea!”
“No, he's coming, and I'm glad he is, because I doubt I could fly the ship by myself. It'll be challenging enough with just the three of us.”
She thought he sounded a bit perturbed, so she had to ask, “You aren't angry with me, are you? You aren't angry that I changed my mind?”
“Not angry.” Roderick briefly closed his eyes and tried to think of a better word. “Perhaps I am a bit... disappointed.”
Kitt didn't say anything else, she simply followed him out of the room with a frown. Roderick had never been anything but kind and supportive, so to hear him voice his dissatisfaction was a shock—not that she could blame him. Kitt knew she was asking him to do something that could potentially put him in peril. But Captain Doon was already in peril, and Kitt knew she had to get to him by any means possible.
They weren't moving quickly enough, so Roderick took her hand and increased their pace. According to Roderick, the hallways would only be empty for a short amount of time. Apparently, they had a three-minute window of opportunity before two of the guards returned to their posts. When they finally reached the skyport, Kitt felt her shoulders relax—at least until she saw two knights pacing around the port.
“My friends,” Roderick said, quickly assuaging her fears. “I've already spoken to them, and they've agreed to look the other way as we pass.”
“I'm sorry...” Kitt winced. “I hope I don't get you and your friends into trouble!”
“They'll be alright. If anything, the blame will fall on me.”
“And me.”
Roderick shook his head. “No. I'll be blamed. I'm the one with the keys to the ship and the knowledge to pull this off. If we're caught, the blame will be mine alone.” When she saw her open her mouth to speak, he quickly interrupted. “And please, Kitt, do not apologize again. I didn't have to help you, but I agreed. This was my decision, and I have already prepared myself for the consequences.”
As soon as they were on the airship, Roderick released her hand. “If you would, wait on the deck. I need to check on Miles, and we need to get this ship in the air. When we're skybound, I'll be back to speak to you again.”
Kitt didn't say a word, she just turned in his direction and watched him go. When he was gone, she decided to explore her surroundings. The Royal Black Wings vessel was much different than Doon's airship. The captain's ship was small, narrow and built for speed, while the Black Wings ship was broad and mighty. Large propellers flanked both sides of the airship, and there were dark flags billowing from its many masts.
A few minutes after Roderick left her, Kitt heard the unmistakable hiss of a mighty steam engine, and the entire floor shook as the propellers whirred to life. As they ascended
into the sky, she could feel the ship's power beneath her feet, rattling her entire body. They spiraled straight into the clouds, and when she turned her eyes skyward, Kitt suddenly felt dizzy.
When the airship stopped ascending and started to cruise, Kitt hovered by the edge of the ship. She decided to admire the view as she waited for Roderick—although there wasn't much to see but darkness. For some time, she watched the dark clouds drifting, then she watched the propeller spin. Having spent many days on Doon's airship, Kitt expected the Black Wings ship to be the same, but this felt like an entirely different experience. She could tell it was a military vessel; it lacked the spark of life that Doon's ship possessed.
“Thank goodness Miles knows how to pilot a ship!” Kitt's body jolted with alarm when she heard Roderick's voice. “Until we reach our destination, we've decided to take turns at the helm.”
“I wish I could help,” Kitt said with a sigh.
“No... it's alright. Miles and I can handle it. The ship's going at top speed, and if we can maintain this altitude, we should arrive at our destination soon enough.” Roderick watched her for a moment, and when she didn't say anything, he added, “We should change the flags before we get to Dovyr's skyport. If I understand the situation correctly, the city is currently overrun by Rory McCray and his men. If they saw one of Loreina's ships flying into the port, I doubt they'd welcome us.”
“Wait... Dovyr?” Kitt's eyes were wide when she spun in his direction. “You know we're going to Dovyr?”
“Indeed. Miles told me. He told me hours ago, actually. He thought I should know the truth before I committed myself to your cause.” Roderick's mouth suddenly dipped into a frown. “I wish you would have told me where we're going.”
“I'm... sorry. I was afraid you wouldn't help if you knew where I was going!”
“And why would you think that?” Roderick crossed his arms and shook his head. “Francis Doon is hardly my favorite person, but he did save my life once. I suppose it wouldn't kill me to return the favor.”
“I'm sorry, Roderick!” Kitt was apologizing to him yet again. How many times had she apologized to him in one night? “I should have told you where I wanted to go. I'm really very sorry.”
“Alright. I accept your apology. And now... if you apologize one more time, I'll have to tie you to the mast and tickle you.” Roderick teased, but she didn't look amused by his threat, so he quickly changed the subject. “You really care for Doon, don't you?”
Kitt started to shake her head, but she couldn't bring herself to lie to him. Instead, she avoided the question. “Why would you think that?”
“Well... it's obvious.” For a moment, Roderick paused to watch the passing clouds, then he continued. “You could go home right now, you know? If you really wanted to, we could turn the ship and head for Lundun. For days, you could have asked me to steal an airship, and you could have gone home. But you never asked it of me, not for yourself. Instead... as soon as you find out he is in danger, you want to rush off to be at his side. Before that, you were always concerned for me, but as soon as you heard about Doon's predicament, you were only concerned for him. You didn't care about me anymore. You no longer cared about the danger you were putting me into.”
“That isn't true, and that's not fair!” Kitt objected. For a man who didn't want to hear her apologize anymore, he was certainly making her feel as if she hadn't apologized enough. “I... I feel indebted to Doon as well. Like you, he saved me once!”
“But he was also the man who captured you to begin with.” Roderick grunted loudly. “I think it's a bit silly to be concerned about a man who was once your captor, but I won't judge you for it.”
“As if you wouldn't rush off to meet Lyneah if you knew where she was...” Kitt whispered under her breath. Fortunately, the propellers were loud, so he missed what she said.
Roderick thought he saw her shiver, so he asked, “Are you cold?”
“A bit.” Kitt scowled at him in the corner of her eye. Even when he tugged off his coat and threw it over her shoulders, she couldn't bring herself to crack a smile. He said he wouldn't judge her, but he already had.
And his words stung her heart.
17
“Why do you look so dour, Tobey?” Lyneah asked as they headed in the direction of Dovyr's marketplace.
“Dour?”
“Yes. Gloomy. Glum. Blue-deviled. You don't look happy.” Lyneah pressed her fingers on the corners of his lips and tried to lift them into a smile. In truth, she was unhappy too. But if Tobey was smiling, she knew it would improve her mood.
“I suppose I am a bit... sad,” Tobey confessed. When they reached the market, he scanned the stalls for something he actually wanted to buy. Nine out of ten sellers were fishmongers, so he didn't feel inspired to part with his money.
“Well... why are you sad?” Lyneah asked with a pout. She grabbed his hand and steered him in the direction of some octopuses—not because she wanted to buy one, but because she wanted to see them up close.
Tobias shook his head at her obliviousness. Did she really not know? “It's your engagement to Rory. It doesn't make me ha-happy.”
“I don't know why that makes you upset.” Lyneah selected her favorite octopus and wiggled one of his many arms, as if she was shaking his hand. “It's my life. It's my decision. And to be honest, it's the best possible decision I could make.”
“Are you serious? It's the worst decision you could make!” Tobey protested so loudly, the vendor scowled at him. “He's not good enough for you, he doesn't care about you, and he's dangerous. If you really think he wants to help you, you're mad!”
Lyneah was impressed that he got through so many sentences without stuttering once, but she kept the thought to herself. “Oh, I'm sure you're correct. I'm probably a fool for trusting him... but it's a leap of faith I have to make. I don't have any other option.”
“Of course you have an option! For one, you could choose not to be miserable for the rest of your life!” Tobey exclaimed. “Even Kieran doesn't like him. His own br-br-brother doesn't like him. That should tell you something!”
“Pleeeease,” Lyneah groaned. “Can we talk about something that isn't Rory McCray? For once, I'd like to escape my miserable life and enjoy myself. You're usually the only one who makes me happy, so to hear you berate me like this...”
“I'm sorry,” he quickly apologized. “I won't mention him again.”
Lyneah grabbed Tobias' hand again and pulled him along with her. When she stopped at one of the few stalls that wasn't fish, her eyes lit up. “These are cute,” she said, pointing at the array of handmade jewelry. She picked up carved wooden rose and admired its intricate detail. “Adorable, even.” The old shopkeeper looked so pleased by her praise, he smiled from ear-to-ear.
“Then pick out your favorite one. I'll b-buy it for you.” When he decided to buy her a gift, Tobias' smile rivaled the shopkeeper's.
“No, I can't let you do that!” the princess protested. “You don't have money, do you?”
“Of course I have money! I do have a job, remember?” Tobey leaned down, trying to get a better look at the charms and trinkets on the table. “I'd love to buy something for you. If it would make you happy, it would make me even happier to make you happy.”
Lyneah giggled at his slightly confusing sentiment. “Alright. You can buy me a gift... but I want you to pick it out. It'd be more meaningful if you did.”
Tobey plucked a few of the charms from the table, closely observing each one. He cradled one of the necklaces in his palm and squinted one eye, as if trying to discern something. Lyneah thought he looked adorable as he pored over the jewelry. He took the decision much more seriously than most men would.
“Alright, this one!” he finally announced. After a brief haggle with the vendor, he handed Lyneah his necklace of choice. When she held it up, her smile grew. A slightly lopsided clay heart dangled from the end of a simple leather string.
“It's precious!” Lyneah exclaimed as
she slung the necklace over her head. “Thank you, Tobey!” Her arms flew around his waist and squeezed. Any excuse to steal a cuddle from Tobias was a good excuse. There was something about him that made him extremely huggable, almost to the point that she hated to let go.
“You really l-like it?”
“I'll adore it forever.” With her arms still around him, she gently rocked him back and forth. When she finally released him, she was almost tempted to hug him a second time. “You're really very sweet, Tobey.”
“Thank you.” He smiled and blushed at her compliment, but he didn't keep his smile for long. “I-I-I um... I-I wanted to talk to you about something, though. I'm afraid you won't think I'm very sweet when I tell you.”
“Oh no...” Lyneah clapped both of her hands over her face, as if hiding from bad news. “Then tell me quickly, because I can't stand to be disappointed!”
“I-I-I...” Tobey took a deep breath and willed his tongue to speak more clearly. “I should think about going home soon. I was thinking about booking passage back to Lundun... possibly as soon as tomorrow.”
“No!” Lyneah practically screamed in protest. “No, you can't go! You have to stay!” Her mind grappled for a reason to keep him with her, but none of her reasons were good enough. “You have to stay so I... can reward you. When the castle is mine, I'll have access to its coffers. I'd like to give you a reward for helping me get to Dovyr.”
“But I never wanted a reward,” Tobey reminded her. “And besides, I was basically useless. I don't even deserve a reward.”
Lyneah adamantly disagreed. “You were never useless! You were my friend when I didn't have one. You were...”
“Useless,” he completed her thought with a chuckle. “I was. I really was.”
“Well...” Lyneah's eyes were filled with silent panic as she glanced around the Dovyr marketplace. She was desperate to keep Tobias close to her. His kindness had somehow become essential to her survival. “If... you don't want to stay for a reward, can you stay because you're my friend? Please?”
A Lost Princess (Belles & Bullets Book 2) Page 11
