“Your brother did most of your saving.” Eira tried to keep her voice strong and hide the guilt that still lingered at the role she might have played in Yonlin’s misfortune.
She knew the Pillars were cruel, and it was likely that they would’ve put him through what he’d endured in that locked room, or worse, anyway. But she couldn’t escape the idea that if she hadn’t taken that key, thenmaybe…
She tried to force the sense of responsibility from her mind. Marcus had taught her that it did little good to focus on what could’ve been done, or what the outcome might’ve been if a different choice was made. The best thing she could do was to learn and keep moving forward.
“See, I told you I wasn’t just ignoring your plight.” Olivin nudged his younger brother, giving off the air of playfulness. But Eira could see the truth in his eyes—finding Yonlin in that state would be seared into him for the rest of their days. Even Olivin probably didn’t realize how deeply that wound ran yet.
Their conversation was cut short when Adela came over the railing, frosty steps rising to meet her feet before disappearing, as though she were walking on the crest of a frozen wave. The ice merged back with the ship, disappearing save for Adela’s cane. The pirate queen gripped her aid with white knuckles, leaning ever heavier upon it.
“Take them down and find them hammocks,” Adela commanded.
“Among us?” one of the crew clarified. “Not in the brig?”
“Did I say to put them in the brig?” Adela’s tone was curt.
“No.” The pirate shook his head hastily.
“And someone clear this.” Adela gestured to the skies. “Trim sails. Dog hatches. Weigh anchor.” She began to head toward the stern of the vessel. Eira had seen the windows lining the upper portion of the vessel and knew from growing up in Oparium that the captain’s quarters were always the best on the ship and usually in the back.
“You really expect us to just go with you?” Lavette was the one bold enough to step forward from among them.
Adela paused, half turning. The muscles in her face were tense, pulling her lips thin and eyes narrow. “Considering that you all now owe me your lives?—”
“We fought as much as your crew did,” Noelle objected.
Adela’s lips closed slowly. Then curled into a dangerous smile. She slowly stalked back over, coming to a stop in front of Noelle, staring down at her. The younger woman failed to suppress a shiver. There were goosebumps trailing down her arms, visible from where Eira stood.
“Whose ship are you on?” Adela asked quietly.
“Yours,” Noelle answered, finally, somewhat begrudgingly.
“Good. Now can you tell me, who sets the code of conduct on this vessel?”
“You.” Noelle’s stance was still defiant. She still stared up at the pirate queen with her chin extended slightly. But her tone was softening.
“That code of conduct has but one rule: what I say, goes. Don’t mistake my charity for fondness.” Adela leaned forward slightly. Eira didn’t miss the slight wavering in her hands as they gripped her cane. “So if I say sail, we go. And if I say to my crew, kill…”
“I’m dead,” Noelle finished quietly.
“Very good. The alternative is still shackles.” Adela eased away and turned, starting back for her cabin. She commanded, far more harshly than the first time, “Now, get them out of my sight.”
19
Adela wasn’t even gone when Noelle looked over to Ducot with a wounded expression. Her hands were balled into fists, quivering. Though Eira suspected it was no longer just from fear or cold…now it was also hurt and rage.
Even though he couldn’t see the details of her expression, Ducot must’ve sensed a shift in her. Or he was simply savvy enough to understand how it all played out. The betrayal Noelle was no doubt feeling in that moment.
Ducot stepped forward and said gently, “I can show you to your new quarters.”
“Don’t touch me.” Noelle jerked from his touch as he tried to place his hand on the small of her back, down by her hip.
“Noelle—”
“You didn’t even try to defend me, or back me up.”
“She is my captain and this is her ship; I have to do as she wishes.” Ducot’s voice dropped slightly. “And she is like a mother to me. I knew she wasn’t going to hurt you.”
“That’s not what she just said,” Noelle hissed back, gesturing at Adela’s back.
