by Cait Marie
“That’s not your decision.”
He shook his head in disbelief. “You just said I’m the captain, so it is my decision. I choose who joins my crew, not you. It’s my ship, not yours.”
Crossing her arms, Brienne narrowed her eyes. “Yes, well, you didn’t seem to mind me making most of the decisions the last several months while you went back and forth with Ada, fighting your own feelings as much as you argued with her.”
“That’s not fair,” he said.
“It’s the truth.”
“You’re not going. I’m not going to bring you into a battle that isn’t yours just to watch you die. I won’t do it.” Lee shoved a hand through his hair. The thought of losing her made his chest ache. For over a century, she’d been his truest friend.
“If you won’t take us, we’ll board a different ship,” she said. “Shane needs more men. Why shouldn’t he have a group who’ve already lived through this war once?”
“Because you’re not immortal anymore!” he hissed. This was ridiculous. He didn’t understand how they were even fighting about it.
“You think I don’t know that?” Brienne held her hands out to the side and let out an exhausted, forced laugh. “Do you forget I was there? I saw him die. I watched you kill our friend—my…”
The blow struck low, and Lee took a step back. His words stayed clogged in his throat as images flashed through his mind of Ren lying on the ground. Of Ren stepping between Lee’s blade and Brienne. If he hadn’t, Brienne would’ve been the one killed. The thought made him nauseated.
Lee had caught her crying below deck more than once. I watched you kill our friend—my… Her what? It was no secret the two were close friends, and he’d once considered there might have been something going on between them, but he never pressed for details. Perhaps there was a bigger reason Ren stepped between them that awful day.
Lee opened his mouth, but she wasn’t done yelling at him.
“You’re not the only one to lose the people you love in all this, Loxley.”
Lee clenched his jaw. “No, but now you have another chance, and I’ll be forced to watch everyone I love grow old and die. Again.”
“Not everyone,” Brienne said, her tone softening as she glanced over his shoulder.
He closed his eyes and sighed, already knowing who’d be there when he turned around. He’d forgotten Ada was meeting them at the tavern, but more than that, he kept forgetting she was now immortal too. Despite everything, he still didn’t quite know how the princess felt about him. They didn’t know if it was just the prophecy bringing them together. She’d mentioned worrying he felt stuck with her, but that wasn’t the case. Quite the opposite actually.
He’d spent over a century coming to terms with his immortality—the fact that he’d never settle down or find love again. She wasn’t even twenty years old, and now she’d have to endure the pain he’d failed to push away all his life. Everything she knew would change. She was the one whose options were being stripped.
Lee didn’t feel stuck with her. No. He knew he wanted to spend forever with the stubborn woman. He just hadn’t thought that would become a literal forever.
As he faced her, Ada turned to walk away, but not before he caught the glint of tears in her eyes.
“No,” he said, chasing after her.
He grabbed her arm as she headed down the alley and moved in front of her. With his thumbs, he brushed the escaped tears from her cheeks before pulling her in close. He wrapped his arms around her and whispered against her hair, “Adalina, please don’t.”
“What?” She leaned back to look him in the eye.
“Walk away,” he said. “I’m sorry. That sounded worse than I intended back there. I didn’t mean everyone. You know I love you.”
“I do?” she asked, her brows furrowed.
His mouth opened as his heart shattered. He’d told her multiple times, including the previous night when he held her in the growing darkness. For her to question that… “Even after everything, you don’t believe me?”
“I didn’t say that.” She pulled away from him and walked to the end of the narrow pathway.
He followed, trying to come up with the right words. He always seemed to be saying the wrong thing.
“It’s because of everything that I’m not sure,” she whispered. “How much of this is real, and how much is prophecy?”
Lee tilted her chin toward him. “Listen to me, Adalina.” He cupped each side of her face. “It may have been written in the stars long before our time, but they do not have the power to make us love one another.”
She sighed. “I ju—”
Lee looked down to see what had cut off her words, but Ada was staring down the alley. A hooded figure stood in the shadows. The hood shifted enough for him to see a familiar face, and Ada sucked in a breath.
“How—?” he started to ask, but Ada was already running.
Lee caught up to her easily, but Nayani had turned away. She walked at a brisk pace down the next street, and they followed. They needed answers from the witch. Real answers this time.
Nayani disappeared around the corner, and Ada cursed ahead of him. The proper princess he first met—even if he hadn’t known who she was in the beginning—was long gone, and it probably should not have made him as happy as it did. He adored this adventure-seeking, cursing-like-a-pirate princess.
They rounded the corner of the building and stopped at the busy street. Lee put a hand on Ada’s back as they searched the square.
“There!” Ada pointed, and he caught a glimpse of a sweeping dark green cape as the witch ducked into one of the buildings.
Together, they pushed through the doors and ran through the labyrinth of halls out onto the main streets of Ferda. Lee grabbed Ada’s hand, not wanting to lose her in the throng of the market they’d come out to. They followed her through the city, trailing after glimpses.
By the time they reached the district nearest the river, in the rundown corner of Ferda, Ada’s breath had turned ragged beside him. And not a soul was in sight.
“Where did she go?” Ada asked, hands on her hips as she gasped for a deep breath.
Lee turned, looking around the woodsy area across the water. A small, rickety bridge led to the other side. It didn’t look solid, but she had to have crossed it. They’d come out to a dead end, blocked off by buildings on either side. There was nowhere else she could have gone.
“You’re sure it was her?” Lee asked. Though, he knew he’d seen the silver-haired woman too. He just didn’t understand why or how she was there instead of the Sannwyn Isles. Stories depicted her as the guardian of the isles, keeping them safe for the last thousand years. If she was here, what did that mean for the peaceful southern islands?
Ada nodded and moved toward the bridge, coming to the same conclusion. She slowly put one foot on the wooden planks. Lee moved to stand behind her on solid land. The river wasn’t wide here, but the current was quick, and he couldn’t tell how deep it was. Multiple bridges dotted this side of the village, but it would take too long to reach a sturdier one and circle back.
Ada walked at a glacial speed, testing each step before moving forward. The wood creaked and groaned. Lee watched her feet as she slowly made her way across. When she reached the dirt trail on the other side, he let out a breath.
He crept after her, cautious with each movement.
“Don’t break through,” she said, amusement filling her soft voice.
Trying not to laugh at the reminder of their first visit to the Sannwyn Isles, he gripped the unsteady rails on either side and quickly leapt the remaining distance. A small shriek escaped Ada as he landed next to her, nearly toppling into her. He grabbed her around the waist while she laughed.
“Not funny,” he said against the side of her neck before turning back to the task at hand. Looking over his shoulder to make sure she followed, he headed down the winding path.
Once again, they spotted a glimpse of the cloak and trailed a
fter the witch who seemed to wait for them. She led them deeper and deeper into the forest—so unlike the swampy areas they’d traveled before to see her. Had they both not been immortal, Lee would have insisted they return to the village. They had no idea what lay at the end of this path, but at least he knew the girl beside him couldn’t be harmed. Not fatally at least.
“Wait,” he hissed, reaching out a hand to stop the princess. Nayani disappeared into the trees, veering away from the path. “It’s one thing to follow a ghost down a path, but into the deep, dark woods?”
Ada smirked up at him. “Scared?”
Only for you. “No. I just feel like we should at least try to limit the number of times we do something stupid.”
“Come on, it’s been a while since we’ve had a ridiculous adventure,” she said, laughing as she stepped into the overgrown grass.
“Weeks, Adalina.” He groaned but followed after her. He’d follow her anywhere. “It’s only been a few weeks.”
Her quiet chuckle floated back to him as they made their way through the dense forest. The tall trees blocked out most of the sunlight in places, creating a more difficult path. Twigs snapped beneath their feet, accompanied by the occasional mumbled curse by both of them as Ada stumbled over and over. The last time, Lee had grabbed her around the waist just before she hit the ground, and then he didn’t release her again. He wasn’t having much more luck, but he could keep his balance better than his clumsy princess.
“And if you recall,” he added, continuing their earlier conversation as the dirt evened out, “our last adventure didn’t exactly go well.”
“If you’re referring to the cave incident—”
“Incident? Ada, you nearly drowned!”
“But we didn’t.”
“Then, you were kidnapped and locked in a dungeon,” he went on, ignoring her retort. “And then, you…”
His words trailed off as the shadows broke and they stepped into a clearing. The sun sparkled down onto the bright green grass. The area wasn’t large, but it was like they had walked into a different world. Compared to the dark forests around it, this beautiful meadow didn’t fit.
“What is this place?” Ada whispered, moving forward.
Lee reached to lace their fingers together. He looked up at the tall, stone tower at the center of the clearing. “I have no idea.”
Chapter 9
Shane
Shane’s arms tightened around Gwyn. She hadn’t visited much in the past few weeks, and he missed her. After her adoptive father’s death, she’d taken his position as unofficial leader of O’ Chwedlau. Given that the group was formed by her ancestor—Lee’s sister, Willa—it felt right that Gwyn now led them.
The church basement was full of people Shane had started to think of as friends. He’d come to talk to them about Rayerna. He didn’t want to ask them to put their lives on the line, but he didn’t know what else to do. They were running out of time and answers.
“What brings you here?” Talia, Gwyn’s aunt, asked as they gravitated toward their usual table in the corner of the large room. Despite being underground, light filled the space with the help of lanterns Shane had brought in. Though they might have started out as a rebellion, Shane trusted these people and didn’t want them to think they needed to continue hiding. They’d refused any acknowledgment from the crown, wishing to keep their secret watch over the kingdom, and he’d agreed. However, that didn’t mean they needed to sit in the dark or scrounge for supplies. O’ Chwedlau began with a group of thieves stealing from the royal family and nobles to help those less fortunate. They served others before themselves.
Now, the royal family aided them in any way they could. There was no reason to steal what was freely given.
Shane glanced to Phillip beside him, who nodded his encouragement.
“We’re going after Michel. He broke the treaty and killed many innocents in the process.” The betrayal still hurt. Shane had once thought of him as a brother. “We’re going to war… but half of our men will not fight with us.”
He explained to Talia how Michel was the imposter king—that the story of the lost prince she’d told him of months ago was true. Then, as Shane told them what was discussed and planned earlier that day, Gwyn’s eyes widened. She covered her mouth with a hand, slowly shaking her head.
“We’re not soldiers, Shane.” Her tone held regret alongside disbelief. “I will spread the word and send whoever is willing to fight, but I cannot promise a great number. Our people are still getting over the effects of the Kald.”
Though they’d treated the people, Shane knew she meant more than their health. They’d lost loved ones as well as businesses when families could no longer work. He’d tried to help as much as possible, but they were a stubborn bunch.
He laid a hand over hers. “Thank you, Gwyn, for everything.”
They’d gone through so much together. And through it all, she’d stood by his side. Even after their brief kisses and shared moments, she’d pulled away, telling him the truth of Phillip’s feelings. If she hadn’t, he didn’t know how long he would have gone on without knowing. He liked to think he would have figured it out eventually, but he’d been completely oblivious.
“How is your sister?” Gwyn asked.
“She’s adjusting. With Lee back, she’s doing better.” He’d confided in Gwyn weeks ago with all that had happened and how worried he was for Adalina.
“Good. Good.” She nodded, seemingly distracted. With a deep breath, she gave him a smile and pushed to her feet. “All right, well, if we’re leaving in a few days, I have a lot to take care of.”
Standing, Shane said, “You don’t have to go. You’ve already done so much.”
She’d risked her life for this kingdom by kissing him when he was infected because they needed to test the antidote Viktor, the scientist currently sitting in a dungeon, had created. It turned out, because of the faint traces of Heulwen in Gwyn’s bloodline, the Kald could not touch her. When Lee turned up with the flower shortly after that, they had their solution without needing to test what Viktor claimed to be a cure. Shane had no doubt it wasn’t real anyway.
“Are you serious?” Gwyn raised a mocking brow and crossed her arms. “This is my fight too—my family. Michel is responsible for Marley’s death, don’t forget. Not to mention it is my family’s throne he sits upon.”
The mention of Marley pulled at Shane’s heartstrings. He’d tried sneaking Michel out of the castle when he thought his father would kill the then-prince. Gwyn and her best friend, Marley, had helped, but all three were caught as Shane hid in the shadows of a secret door. Marley was killed instantly while Gwyn was tossed into a cell. Only later, from Adalina’s accounts, did Shane find out Michel had been working with the former king all along.
“We’re grateful for your help,” Phillip said when Shane had taken too long to respond.
“Well, you’re going to need the best sword fighter you can get if you’re going to be that outnumbered.” She smirked, and Phillip narrowed his eyes.
Shane laughed. It was no secret Phillip held that title, but Gwyn could definitely hold her own.
“Plus, I’m a pretty decent shot with a bow.” She winked, and Phillip relaxed with an eyeroll. Now that he knew there was no reason to be jealous of Shane and Gwyn, Phillip actually got along well with the woman. They taunted and teased each other, but it was in a fun, loving manner now. And Shane was grateful because she’d become a close friend he intended to keep around.
“Come on,” he said, grabbing Phillip’s arm to lead him back outside. To Gwyn, he added, “We’ll see you in a couple days. But let us know if you need anything before then.”
“I will.”
Out in the sun, Shane released Phillip. They walked along the peaceful, cobblestone streets through the square. A few children ran by laughing, and it reminded Shane of the two sitting back in the castle right now. He didn’t know how to tell them they’d be left behind yet again.
“
What’s wrong?” Phillip asked as they made their way out of the hidden neighborhood.
They both headed in the same direction without discussing it. Right now, he needed more than his best friend or his sister. He needed a parent—someone who would stay here while they went off to war. Someone to lie and tell him everything would be fine.
Phillip opened the front door to his mother’s home, and Shane immediately sought out the woman. Mrs. Lavens stood from her chair when she saw them entering the small drawing room off the entrance.
She set the book she’d been reading on a side table just as Shane reached her. When he wrapped his arms around her, she didn’t hesitate to return the embrace.
“What’s wrong?” she asked, mirroring her son’s concern.
Shane couldn’t answer though. Little footsteps entered the room, and he heard Carys asking Phillip if everything was all right. Finally, Shane pulled back and cleared his throat.
“Sorry,” he whispered. “I just…”
Mrs. Lavens put a hand to his cheek, her thumb brushing away the single tear he couldn’t stop from falling. “Come, sit in the kitchen, and I’ll make us some tea.”
Shane turned to follow and was met by not one but two pairs of matching hazel eyes watching him. Carys held Phillip’s hand, but as soon as Shane neared, she let go to reach for the king.
Her arms went around him as he scooped her up, and she said, “I’m sorry you’re so sad.”
He let out a soft chuckle. “I’m all right, but thank you.”
Phillip patted his shoulder as Shane walked past him toward the kitchen. As he calmed, he noticed the strong scent of vegetables and beef wafting through the house. It warmed him more than the fire in the hearth as they entered the cozy room. It made him feel at home—comforted. More than he ever felt at the castle lately.
Shane sat at the table across from Carys, and Phillip took the spot on his right. Mrs. Lavens poured tea into two mugs from the teapot she’d apparently already made and brought them over. She kissed the top of Shane’s head, squeezing his shoulders before heading to the remaining chair.
