“Just a sister.”
“It’s wonderful that you have someone.” Conred scratches the top of his head. “I wasn’t so lucky.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.”
“It’s not your fault. Besides, after I spent some time in the refugee center in Meriva, I was adopted after just two months. So I’d say that was fortunate.”
Ah. That explains why I don’t remember his face. I grew to know everyone at the refugee center over the years.
Conred points to the captain’s quarters. “Captain Solyen adopted me.”
“Oh. That was kind of him.”
“Yeah. But other than the fact that he was lonely, I think he just needed a new chief mate. He tells me he wants to passEmelliedown to someone one day. He doesn’t have children of his own, so…”
“He would leave the ship to you.” I nod as it sinks in. “His heir.”
“Yep.” He takes a step back and looks past me to the others. “The people you’re traveling with are an interesting bunch.”
“Yeah,” I half laugh, half scoff at the comment. “I’ve heard that quite a lot lately.”
He studies each of them with a faint, intrigued smile. “You all seem very close…but distant. I can’t quite put my finger on it.”
“Yeah, well…” I let the words go. I’m not quite sure how to explain our crew, either. Our relationships are complicated at best and a shit show at the very least. And mine with Thane? Well, our lines have blurred—a lot…
“Anyway, I was just about to go inside for some tea and sweet rolls.” Conred points at a door across the deck with a half-moon window. “Would you like some?”
I light up at the mention of food and tea. “I’d love that.”
Chapter 44
Emellie’s interior smells of wet wood and cinnamon.
Beds are built into the hull of the ship, held by metal beams. They are all neatly made with white sheets and gray quilts. A small galley is set up in a corner at the far end, where Conred prepares the tea and rolls.
I sit at one of the two square tables and enjoy the cinnamon scent wafting from a batch of freshly baked cookies on a tray.
“Would you like one?” Conred asks, cocking his head at the cookies on the counter as he prepares the tea. “Beka makes them. He’s the quiet one with the nick in his ear. He’s a good chef but an even better baker.”
Conred approaches the table with a tray of rolls in one hand and a steaming pot of tea in the other.
“That’s all right.” I reach for a sweet roll. “This roll looks incredible. I’ll have to tell Beka I’m a baker, too.”
“Are you?”
“Yes—well, I’m more of a baker’s apprentice,” I explain.
Conred bobs his head as he picks up the teapot and leans over to pour the hot liquid into two tin mugs. As he does, a gold chain falls from his neckline. Attached to it is a pendant shaped like aCwith a pearl embedded in the center of the letter.
I can’t help but gasp when I see the necklace. It looks so similar to mine.
Oh, how I miss my necklace.
Conred catches me looking at the bauble.
“Pearls make me think of home,” he comments with a wistful smile, sliding one of the mugs my way.
I lean in to get a closer look. “Me too. Your necklace is really nice.”
