The wind caught the sails with a powerful rush, and the Zephyrus surged forward, her hull slicing through the waves as she left the harbor behind. Vantner shrank in the distance, its familiar skyline dissolving into the morning mist.
Vivienne gripped the rail, the salt air sharp in her lungs as her fingers dug into the polished wood.Did my parents stand here, watching the kingdom fade? Did they know they might never return?A tremor ran through her hands, her palms slick with sweat.We have to find them. They need to come home. Briar and I need them to come home.
Beside her, Lewis stood in quiet contemplation, his gaze locked on the receding shore. The weight of their departure hung between them, an unspoken acknowledgment that this journey was larger than either of them had imagined. She forced herself to loosen her grip, exhaling as she willed her arms to unlock from her sides.No turning back now.
"Commander Thorne," Captain Garrett’s voice rang over the deck, "secure the lines and prepare for the open sea."
"Aye, Captain!" Thorne barked, immediately relaying the command.
"Theodosia," the captain called, his tone expectant. "What is our course?"
Cirrus stood near the ship's wheel, his white-blond hair catching the wind, looking every bit the seasoned navigator. "West by southwest, sir."
"Set the course, Commander," Garrett instructed.
Thorne signaled the helmsman, who gave a sharp nod before spinning the wheel, aligning the ship with the unseen path ahead.
Captain Garrett drew in a deep breath, the scent of salt and freedom stretching a smile across his weathered face. He opened his sea-green eyes, his gaze bright with exhilaration. "Commander Thorne," he called, his voice full of anticipation, "all ahead full. Let’s show our new friends what our lady can do."
* * *
With the Zephyruscutting smoothly through the waves, Commander Thorne led Vivienne and Lewis on a brisk tour of the ship. Below deck, the scent of salt and aged wood thickened as they descended into the hold, where barrels and crates were meticulously arranged. Laverna Omphrey, the Purser, stood arms crossed, sharp eyes assessing them like a merchant appraising goods.
"I know exactly where everything is and how much of it there is," she stated, her tone leaving no room for doubt. "If you try to help yourselves, I’ll personally ensure you leave this voyage one finger short."
Vivienne and Lewis exchanged wary glances, but the Purser had already moved on, counting inventory under her breath.
The orlop deck housed additional storage and the ship’s infirmary, where Doctor Mercer would soon have Lewis elbow-deep in medical work. The gun deck, a level above, was lined with rows of imposing cannons, each secured with thick ropes to prevent them from rolling in rough seas.
Florence Solandis, the gunner, leaned against one of the cannons, arms draped lazily over her chest, chewing a fresh wad of tobacco.
"Same rules as Laverna," she said, voice casual. "Except instead of a missing finger, you’ll be finding out firsthand how much of a hole a cannonball leaves."
Lewis gave repeated, aggressive nods, and Vivienne added Florence to her mental list of people not to piss off.
The crew quarters were compact, hammocks strung between the beams, with wooden chests tucked beneath them for personal belongings. The scent of salt, sweat, and damp wood lingered.
"Mr. Blume," Thorne said, gesturing toward a hammock in the far corner, "yourtrunkshave been stored beneath."
Lewis eyed the tight sleeping arrangements, adjusting his glasses. "Lovely."
Vivienne searched the room, brows knitting when she didn’t spot her own trunk.
Noticing her confusion, Thorne explained, "The captain has assigned you to the officer’s quarters."
Her relief was instant, though she tried to suppress how grateful she felt. Personal space. Privacy. A door that locked. She wouldn't have to sleep in a cabinet of sweaty sailors.
Thorne barely waited for her reaction before turning back to Lewis. "You settle in. I’ll escort Miss Banner."
Lewis gave her a concerned glance, but she offered an encouraging nod.I’ll be fine.
The walk to her cabin was silent, save for the rhythmic creak of the ship beneath their feet. The officers’ cabins lined a narrow hallway, adjacent to the captain’s quarters.
Stopping at the third door, Thorne pulled a ring of keys from his belt, selecting one before unlocking the door and handing it to her.
"Do not lose this," he instructed, his tone clipped. "There’s a spare in the captain’s quarters in case of emergency. Do not have an emergency."
Vivienne resisted the urge to roll her eyes as he swung open the door.
