Still rather awestruck by this Rhimodian, she had to shake herself into the moment and stop staring at the soldier.
And that was what he was. A soldier. He had that stature about him. Freya saw soldiers every day in the palace. They were around her and the Imperial Princess all the time.
Except for today.
Today, they had not been surrounded by soldiers as they usually were… The realization hit her so strongly, it almost made her gasp.
And now she was at the mercy of a Rhimodian.
What his intentions were, she didn't know. Was his goal the same as the Rhimodians as a whole? Her mind raced in dozens of directions, trying to ascertain the threats all around her.
Her thoughts darted to Caoimhe and Eleanor. Were they alive? What had become of them and the rest of their party? Had others escaped the ship?
Had they been rescued?
What about the Rhimodians? Did they do this to them? Blow up their ship? Was it their government? Or a small group?
Was peace a trap?
Calm.
You'll have to think through this, Freya.
And you can't think if you're panicked.
She pushed herself from the ground, still disoriented, but it was getting better.
The Rhimodian held out his hand.
Freya hesitated.
Should she accept his help? He did wreck the two of them. Who was to say he wasn't going to kill her at the first opportunity?
Then why are you still alive? He could have killed you already,Freya reminded herself. He would have had several opportunities without her ever knowing. It would have been simple.
They'd crashed in the water.
He could have left her out there. Her dress would have weighed her down and drowned her.
Yet he hadn't.
She accepted his hand.
"Slowly," he said as he braced her while she stood.
She swayed. The heavy wet fabric made her wobble as it slapped around her, sticking to her legs and arms.
"Your clothing is not efficient."
"It was not designed for its efficiency."
"An illogical idea."
"Terrans are not always logical," she said as her balance returned. “Designed for honor and respect. Not swimming.”
“Efficient clothing would be more practical.”
She moved a few steps away from him and took in the landscape. “It is more for ceremony than practicality.”
