My arms feel like stone as I lift them over my head. Silas removes my shirt, the soaking wet material sticking to my body. I drop my arms, too exhausted to help. He then moves to my pants, slowly pulling them down. They hit the floor with a wet thud, and a pool of water quickly dampens the rug.
Before standing, he plants soft kisses along my hips, traveling up slowly before towering over me once more. My core tingles from his touch, but exhaustion overrides my senses. I lean into his warm chest, standing bare before him. He wraps a blanket around my shivering body before lifting me in his armsand carrying me to a nearby chair. The soft, warm fabric feels like floating on a warm summer cloud.
He steps away, grabs a stunning black gown from a small dresser next to the bed, and extends his hand toward me. His hungry gaze lingers on my bare body, and he peels his eyes away, stopping himself.
“I was seconds away from diving into that water to find you,” he says.
“I’m okay,” I assure him.
“We are exhausted and nearing Andorwood. Don’t worry about the ship. Like Larkin said, it wasn’t the first time I wrecked, and I honestly believe it won’t be the last.”
“How many ships have you destroyed?”
He pauses, obviously in thought. “Three, I think. But one wasn’t my fault, I swear.”
“Gods,” I mumble. “Reckless?”
“Younger me was a fun time.”
“Fun,” I mockingly say back. “I’m sure other words were used to describe you.”
Silas smiles. “You’d be correct.”
The water still trails down my body, and a shiver runs up my spine.
“Get dressed,” he says. “Someone is anxious to meet you.”
I stand once more, placing the delicate fabric over my head. The dress hugs my curves and pools on the floor like fresh rain. A slight shimmer dances across the fabric, mimicking a galaxy of stars.
“Breathtaking,” Silas whispers. “And perfect for Andorwood. We tend to gravitate toward dramatic clothing here. And from what I’ve seen you wear in Daramveer, you’ll fit right in.”
I smooth the dress around my hips when a knock on the door startles me, snapping my head in his direction. Nerves tingle inmy stomach, and I quickly run my fingers through my messy, still-wet hair.
“Silas,” I whisper. “You never said who wanted to meet me?”
A devilish grin spreads across his face as he strides toward the heavy cabin door. He peeks out, then waves for someone to enter. The dim lighting makes it difficult to distinguish who is approaching from the hallway. Silas closes the door as the woman comes into view.
She looks familiar, sharing the same facial structures as Silas, though there’s no scar above her left eye. Her pitch-black hair cascades past her shoulders, and she stands about my height. From her perfectly plump face, I can tell she is a bit younger, but not by much.
She wears the same black armor as Silas and the men I met earlier, and curiosity swarms me. She walks toward me with purpose and confidence, but I remain rooted in place, devoid of emotion.
Silas steps behind her, allowing the woman to stand before me. She places both hands behind her back and angles her head, studying me intently, as if she has waited for this moment for a very long time.
Silas smiles. “Briar, I would like you to meet someone.”
The woman smiles ear to ear with the exact same sarcastic smirk that he has, and that’s when I know.
“Briar, this is Fenmore Nastronde—top Commander of the Andorwood army, and my younger sister.”
Chapter 4
Fenmore grabs my shoulders, squealing, and pulls me into her. I flinch against her warm embrace, my sore body protesting the touch.
“Oh, shit. I’m so sorry. Did I hurt you?” She pulls back, her brows knitted in concern as she scans my body, as if checking for injuries.
I notice a stunning necklace hanging low on her chest. The dark green jewel dances in the candlelight, and I can’t help but be entranced by its beauty. The jewel seems to pulse, and I fight the urge to reach out and touch it. She notices my gaze and wraps her hand around the necklace, smiling.
“It was a gift from my mother,” she says. “She has one just like it.”
