“Safe from the world in a lawless kingdom of pirates?Well, Charles has still been threatening to return to Demery.What about Benedict?”
“I have asked him to come with us.”
“To the Isles?”
“Not specifically.But I offered him a place with us.Are you comfortable with that?”
I huffed a laugh.“Well, I’ve grown accustomed to him.And I do want to see… what he becomes now.What of his commission?”Even as I asked the question, I suspected the answer.It was written in the lines of Samuel’s shoulders.
“The Navy will not give him his commission back, and any court he faces will condemn him.”
“Then he stays with us,” I decided.I spoke lightly, but the weight of what I needed to say sat heavy in my chest.“Now, can we discuss another important matter?”
“What would that be?”
“Us,” I said.The word sounded far more casual than it felt, forced out between a teasing grin and an overpowering urge to back away.But I didn’t.“We care for one another.Want one another.But despite your clear intent to keep me about, I have received no proposal, a grand sum of four kisses and one interrupted tryst.”
Samuel pulled back slightly, and even in the low light I saw the flush creeping up his neck.“I…”
I crossed my arms over my chest and stared at him, awaiting an answer.
“Then marry me.”He looked startled as the words left his mouth, as if he was taken aback at the simplicity of the request.“We have discussed it before.”
“That’s it?”
“Please.”
“You must do better than that.”
“Better than… Mary.Should I kneel?Is that what—” He faltered as my face split into a wide smile, and cursed.“Saint, Mary, I beg you.Answer me.”
I began to unbutton his coat.He watched me, breathless, as I pried one button after another and pushed it gently from his shoulders.
“Yes,” I said, and covered his mouth with mine.
***
Some time later, we sought the cool of the deck.Samuel’s hand trailed across my back as he spoke quietly to Mr.Keo, ordering the crew rallied and the ship prepared for departure.We did not risk taking the time to restock—the battered town had little enough to offer, anyway.
“Ready, sir,” Mr.Penn murmured soon after as the crew was assembled on the gun deck.
Sam pulled his hat from his head and addressed the crew.Men and women crowded the deck or perched on the cannons, many sporting bandages and bruises or the startling lack of vanished limbs.
“We are departing Renown tonight.I realize this comes suddenly, and I do not wish to press any of you to a premature decision, but we are not safe here.The Navy violated our contract with the Usti.They stole our Stormsinger.And I will not hide the truth—the Ess Noti and the Black Tide Cult remain our enemies.Myenemies.Anyone who does not wish to share that burden may leave the ship with no guilt, no shame, and my wholehearted gratitude for your service.”
A murmur rippled down the deck, startlement and agreement from some, a few mutters of displeasure from others.
Samuel was unruffled.“However, those of you who wish to remain aboardHartare more than welcome.I cannot yet say what our destination will be, but you will not go without work or pay.All of you, your prize moneys will be put in trust once they become available—please see Mr.Willoughby if you have any concerns about claiming them; he will instruct you.Those of you who have not yet been compensated for injuries, do so immediately.”
Samuel fell silent for a few heartbeats, then spoke again.“Thank you all for staying by me during our time in Mere and this last, hardest of battles.It is more loyalty than any captain can rightly expect.Each one of you has proved yourself invaluable, and if you choose to go, know you will be missed.But I truly wish you all the very best.”
The crew’s response was subdued.There were nods and salutes, and even the grumblers quietened.
Samuel surveyed them for a moment longer, then tapped his hat to his chest and retreated up the companionway.I followed, joining him midships.
“I will head immediately toThe Red Tempestand speak to Faucher.There are too many prisoners, and he was never brought ashore.”His words slowed, and his brow furrowed.“Mary… Where is Benedict?”
We searched the ship, then I remained behind while Samuel and a small party searched the docks.I watched them from the deck, spying—or fancying that I spied—their forms move from tavern to tavern, business to business, searching for Samuel’s elusive brother.
