“I wish I had that choice.”
“Do you?” I asked him seriously. Nyx seemed so invested in the fucking idea of it all, it was rather interesting he wasn’t.
“I’m not who I used to be, and no matter how much everyone wishes I’d be that person, I think he died in that dungeon.”
FIVE
FAOLAN
The voyage was long, but time was short. I had the deck to myself because most everyone retired. The quiet collapsed around me almost making me uncomfortable. I stood on the top deck, steering the massive ship while watching The Light Kingdom come into view. It’s architecture was like nowhere else I realized, as parts of it came into view. Large buildings with huge windows and all of them airy, which allowed one to enjoy the wonderful weather of the kingdom. The rest of the crew didn’t know it yet, their sight not as good as mine, but we’d be there by morning. I was sure they’d all be eager to get off the ship after the last couple of weeks cooped up in their quarters, not allowed to mix with our passengers.
Sailing at this time of night was almost like being in a trance. If anything, it was the closest to the Goddess I ever felt. Maybe that’s why I kept coming back to the sea.
A creek on one of the deck boards broke me from my trance.
“Who’s there?” I called out, not expecting who answered.
“Tis only I,” the prince replied.
I’d barely seen him the whole voyage. He’d kept to himself and barely left his stateroom. As his cabin was nicer than the restof the ship combined, I didn’t blame him. As far as I could tell, he didn’t want to be here any more than Kol did.
It took me a moment to remember how Nyx briefed me on how to speak to the prince. We didn’t have royals in Kerani, and I had little respect for authority at the best of times, but I had to do this right or risk drawing attention to myself. “To what do I owe the pleasure, Your Highness?”
“No need for formalities. I’m merely restless, and I thought a stroll would help distract my mind. I didn’t expect anyone to be up.” The young prince stepped into view. He was pale and blond, taller than I expected up close and well-muscled for someone who’d never worked a day in his life. Not at all like his father, the King. He must take after his mother.
I inclined my head and bowed. “Sorry to invade your privacy, but the ship won’t steer itself.”
He laughed softly. “As I am realizing. My mistake. I will return to my cabin.”
I held up a hand. “No need, Your Highness. If it’s fresh air you need, this is the best time to take it in privacy.”
“It’s not so much the privacy as the formality I grow weary of. I don’t want to disrupt the crew’s jobs by making them feel like they have to stop and bow. I’m a distraction.”
“Can you blame them? They don’t want to get beheaded or something—” I almost forgot but quickly added, “Your Highness.” To the end.
He looked to the heavens. “It’s Alaric.”
“I don’t think so, Your Highness. I know my place.” I inclined my head again playfully.
“I could order you to call me by my real name,” Alaric teased in return.
“You could, and then maybe I’d have some argument with your father before he sends me to the gallows.” I winked before looking at the sky to get an idea of what he was staring at.
“Have you worked on ships long?” He approached the deck, putting a hand on the carved wood rail. “May I come up?”
“Forgive me for being so forward, but you can do whatever the hell you please, Your Highness.”
“Alaric, please.” He took the stairs one at a time, regal even when he wasn’t trying to be.
“Alaric,” I tested the word on my tongue. “You are free to explore the ship as you please.”
He lowered his gaze, meeting my eyes. “Not that we’ll have much time.”
I cocked my head. “How do you know we’re getting close to shore?”
“I can smell it. Can’t you? The air in the different kingdoms isn’t the same as at sea.”
I lifted my nose to sniff the air, finding a subtle difference I might not have paid any attention to had he not pointed it out. “I don’t think I’ve ever noticed before.”
