Confusion washed over his face, and he opened his eyes, revealing their pools of oranges and yellows. “What?”
“Right now. We can leave. Why are we even going to the First Kingdom if neither of us wants to be there?”
“You know that’s treason, right?” he asked, and I couldn’t believe he cared.
“You are going to leave anyway.”
“And?” He breathed out more smoke, flames licking around his teeth as he spoke.
I’d never wanted to be set ablaze more in my life. “You clearly don’t give a toss about remaining for your duty. Why subject me to mine?”
“It’s different.” He grabbed me and moved me back as gingerly as possible, which was quite disappointing considering how easily he accomplished the task.He pushed past me and headed for the stairs.
“It’s no different.” I followed him below deck.
“I made a vow to Nyx to bring you back safely, and that is what I’m going to do. It’s better if we don’t interact. It will be easier on both of us,” he said when we were below deck.
“That’s ridiculous and you know it,” I said low to avoid rousing any crew.
“No, it’s the only solution.” He turned to head for the hold and then met eyes with Nyx.
He stopped dead, and Nyx just glared. He was enraged, I could feel it vibrating from him, and I didn’t know how Faolan would deal with it. Would he make an excuse for me?
“I found the future queen above deck. I am escorting her back to the hold.”
Arsehole.
But I didn’t get a chance to kick him for it or reintroduce him to my blade as he quickly turned and disappeared, leaving me with a very annoyed Nyx.
“I just needed some air,” I said, knowing it was a pathetic excuse.
“I am well aware that your current conditions are not ideal, but we are in a very precarious situation, and I would appreciate it if you would give your cooperation to our efforts to ensure your safety,” Nyx seethed.
I had no words to respond with. I simply nodded and returned to my box like a youngling under punishment.Leaving Nyx to probably go and tear a strip off Faolan for being a part of my escape. Why had I thought it was a good idea? I felt worse now than before.
“Where were you?” Nova asked when I climbed back into my cot. “I thought you left.”
“There’s no way off this damn boat. Where would I even go?”
Kol laughed from his hammock just outside the crate. “You won’t get another chance now either. Nyx will be on top of you at all times.”
I made a frustrated sound and sank into my bedroll. “Did you know about this?”
“What?” Both Kol and my sister said at the same time.
“About Faolan.”
Nova frowned, puzzled, because, obviously, she didn’t know. My question was for Kol.
“Oh,” Kol looked a little sheepish.“That.”
I shook my head. “Does everyone know except me?”
“What do you speak of?” Nova asked.
“I wouldn’t say everyone,” Kol said in a woeful attempt to soothe. “Only the dragons of the group.”
“And me,” came Alaric’s voice from the other crate.
