“That’s a beautiful name. Does it have a story to it?”
“Don’t they all?” he teased as he draped his arms over the railing. “Aeloria was said to be a princess of a kingdom that existed thousands of years ago. She fell in love with a sailor, and they were set to be married when he returned from a dangerous mission. Just as he was returning home, a storm struck off the coast of her kingdom. She could see his ship floundering in the waves, but the crew couldn’t navigate the stars because of the clouds. They were set to be bashed against the rocks on the shore when Aeloria pleaded with the gods to save her betrothed, even if it meant her life. The gods granted her wish, placing her in the heavens as the brightest star. Even the clouds couldn’t cover her light, and she guided them to port.”
“So they lived happily ever after?” I guessed.
“Not this story. Aeloria had offered herself as a beacon of hope to sailors. She couldn’t take back her promise, and there she is in the sky still guiding sailors after all these years so they get back to their sweethearts.”
My face fell. “Then her betrothed-?”
“Probably wed another. The story doesn’t go any further than his arrival and learning about her being up there.”
I lifted my eyes back to that twinkling star. “Does she really shine when the clouds are out?”
“Always,” he confirmed as he smiled at the constellation. “I’ve seen that star shine through the worst storms you could imagine. She’s led me home more times than I could count.”
“Does she face a certain direction?” I guessed.
“She faces the nearest safe port.”
My mouth dropped open. “So she moves?”
“And is seen differently by everyone who stares at her,” he told me as he pushed off from the railing. “But what do you say to having some fun by mingling with those in high society?”
Chapter 23
I blinked at him. “Come again?”
He turned around and leaned his lower back against the railing. “Unless you think you’re too tired.”
“I might be because I swear you just said you wanted to go be among high society.”
Marc grinned. “You don’t want to see what the rich do in their spare time?”
I narrowed my eyes. “I wouldn’t mind seeing that, but why do you want to see it?”
He folded his arms over his chest and chuckled. “Nothing gives me greater pleasure than practicing my skills.”
“Your skills?”
“I’m a pirate. Being on land doesn’t change that.”
My eyes shot open as I realized what he meant. “You steal from them?”
“Among other things, so what do you say?”
I lifted an eyebrow, and my focus fell on the bandanna across half his face. “Are you sure that’s such a good idea? Somebody might recognize you.”
Marc flashed me a grin. “It’s not safe, but it could be fun.”
“I’m not sure I’d enjoy stealing from someone, especially when they caught me.”
“If they did catch you, I’d break you out of prison.”
“Have you done that?”
“Many times.”
“In Cathair? With the Admiralty everywhere?”
