“Scarlett.”
Scarlett returned to the bridge.“Ah, you’re awake.How are you?”
“Rested for a change.We’ve arrived.”He didn’t sound happy about the fact.
“Yes, I guess we’d better get moving.I’ve rechecked our packs and supplies.Everything is intact and ready for us to begin.I’ve decided you shouldn’t go alone.I’m pissed with you for not telling me the truth, but I’ll try to help fight this prince.”She didn’t mention that Daenys had told her everything.She knew thefulltruth about why she was here on Narenda.
“Thank you!”Ransom rose and stretched.“Thank you for agreeing to come with me.I’m sorry I lied to you.”
Scarlett shrugged, admitting to herself if she’d known the truth, she might’ve still agreed to accompany Ransom.If the prince presented a danger to Tiraq and her family, she’d do anything to help keep them safe.Besides, the tedium of resort life was sending her crazy, although her motherwouldtsk-tsk at Scarlett’s lapse in following an impulse.
The thought stole some of her excitement.“Jewels, remember.I don’t suppose you’ve ever found jewels of that shade of blue.It’s a stunning color and not something I’ve ever seen in jewelry.”
“The pale blue?”
“Yes.”
He shook his head.“Most of the raw materials we use are bright, clear colors.I’ve never seen that milky blue before.”
“We should leave.”
Ransom nodded.“We’ll travel as far as we can until blacklight.I doubt my slumber will be restful this eve.”
“You believe the prince will contact you.”
He answered with a sigh.“Daenys says Prince Kalim has to limit his feeding on me because he needs my help.She suspects they’ve depleted their other food resources, so his power is not as great as it might be.”
“That’s scary.”
“Yes, if we’re not successful, he’ll turn to my people to meet his needs.”
Scarlett lifted her chin.“We won’t let it get that far.”
Ransom smiled, but it resembled a grimace.He didn’t believe he’d make it out of this situation alive, and her conclusion was sobering.
What happened if they failed?What happened if she didn’t make it back to Tiraq and her brothers came looking for her?
“Will anyone come looking for you?”she asked.
Ransom met her gaze.“Eventually.You?”
“My brothers.”She imagined them suffering in the same way as Ransom.“They know where I am.”
“How?”
The sharpness of his tone had Scarlett bristling.“Remember the restaurant in the marketplace where we ate?”
“Yes.”
“My sister-in-law owns it.She made the shrink-meals.I told her our destination and for my brothers not to worry.But after thirty cycles, they’ll come for me—if I don’t return earlier.”
Ransom scowled.“We’d better push hard while I’m able.”
“Don’t forget to pack the supplies the Elevenoss gave you,” Scarlett said, spotting the pills and a single bottle.“What are they, anyway?”
“Some of them will help me block the prince, but I need a strategy.Daenys insisted I not raise his suspicions.”
Scarlett strode to the outer chamber and picked up one pack.She slipped the straps over her shoulders, wincing at the weight.
