“Keep them, then.” He strode past me, aiming for the front of the ship. “I have no use for dresses and jewels.” A flick of his finger released the sailor, who collapsed on the deck along with a whoosh of water. He shivered while shooting wild looks Lore’s way.
“Is he always like that?” I asked Lord Briscalar.
The lord’s gaze flicked from me to Lore and back again. “Like what?”
“Brooding. Surly. Rude.”
“I heard that,” Lore called out as he rounded the front of the cabin.
“It’s all true,” I yelled after him.
The captain’s eyes widened, and his breath came in startled gasps. He must not be used to a lady bellowing on his ship, or any lady on his ship, for that matter. I appeared to be the only female on board.
Time to retreat.
“If you’ll excuse me, sir,” I said, giving him a deep curtsy.
“Oh, um, yes. Well.” The captain blinked at me for a moment. “Of course. Please enjoy the repast. I believe I must decline. I have pressing matters to attend to on the ship.”
“Thank you for the lovely ceremony. You did an amazing job.”
“Thankyou, my queen.”
Fuck. I was now the Queen of Evergorne. That would take some getting used to.
Lord Briscalar led me below deck again and into my suite, where the nyxin leaped around in front of me as if I’d left him for weeks.
I leaned forward to pat him, making sure I gave his ears solid scratches.
“Your meal waits.” Lord Briscalar waved to enough food to feed the entire ship’s crew, spread out on a high table.
“Would you like to join me? There’s no way I can eat all that.”
“It’s quite kind of you to offer, my lady, but I’ve already eaten.” He patted his belly and edged toward the door. “I took care of everything for the nyxin.”
“I appreciate it.”
“You’re very welcome.” He bowed and slipped out the door, shutting it behind him.
I didn’t feel like eating, though I knew I should. I picked at a few things until I’d taken enough to satisfy Lord Briscalar, then sat on the sofa, fingering the skirt of the gorgeous gown. I’d never worn anything like it, not even to my friend’s wedding when I was outfitted in the finest Lydel Court could provide.
Lovelier than the moonrise, it sparkled with flecks of stars. Sadly, I’d have to remove it and hang it in the closet soon. Perhaps I could wear it again another time. Although Lore gave it to me. Many would consider it inappropriate for me to wear a gown gifted to me by one man while married to another.
Yet I wasn’t sure I could throw it away.
The nyxin hopped up on the sofa and sat beside me, whining, and I stroked his soft fur. Catching a whiff of him, I scrunched my face. “You, my sweet little guy, need a bath.”
I swore he scowled.
Rising, I removed the gown and dressed in a tunic and pants, returning to my usual self. No need to get fur and water all over the pretty gown. I hung it in the closet and stared at it for a long time with all sorts of emotions swirling through me, ones I was determined never to analyze.
I closed the closet door to shut the gown out of my life.
After filling the tub halfway, I lifted the nyxin and placed him in the water.
“Would you like me to add a sweet scent?” I asked him, teasing.
He truly did scowl.
