But not yet.
Arrows rained down on the deck, Mara and another Ithicanian protecting her with shields, but above, she heard a scream. Then another, and a body fell from the rigging to hit the deck with a heavy thump.
Ahnna kept her course.
They struck another vessel, the crunch of wood deafening, and below, those they’d imprisoned in the hold began to scream. The ship shifted lower, moaning its death knell, but Ahnna ignored it, her eyes on theVictoria.
The jewel of Harendell’s navy seemed to understand it was a target now, but the sailors weren’t moving quickly enough. Sails billowed, and the ship rotated, but it was pinned in by the ships intended to protect it. The wind chose that moment to die, every sail falling limp, and Ahnna smiled.
Then her smile faltered. Because standing on the deck, dressed in a golden gown, was Lestara. And in her arms was a child.
No.
Across the waves, Ahnna swore that Lestara gave her a smile of triumph, and a scream of fury tore from Ahnna’s lips. With a heave, she threw her weight against the wheel, trying to turn the dying ship.Trying to avoid a direct strike that would kill the very child she’d aimed to save.
The ship moaned, momentum driving it onward, turning slightly to port. Then a bit more. And then it shuddered as the rudder broke free.
The sailors on theVictoriawere making progress, but it wouldn’t be fast enough. Ahnna howled, and the ships impacted.
Her great fortified monstrosity scraped down the side of the flagship, splintering oars and sending everyone aboard toppling. Ahnna was knocked off her feet, but in a flash, she was running. Leaping down stairs and heading to the starboard rail. Her boot hit it, and she leapt, tumbling across the deck in a roll.
She was on her feet in a heartbeat, sword in hand, running toward Lestara, who was sprawled on the deck with the crying baby in her arms.
Kill her. Kill her, and end this!
Weaving between soldiers who were trying to regain their feet, Ahnna angled her sword so that she’d hit Lestara but not the baby, only for a heavy weight to strike her in the side.
In a heartbeat, soldiers were piled on top of her, driving the air from her lungs.
Her sword was ripped from her hands, and her wrists were tied behind her back.
“Would you like me to slit her throat, Your Grace?” a familiar voice said, and Ahnna turned her face to find Archie Bennett holding a knife to her throat.
With the help of servants and soldiers, Lestara had righted herself, though she ignored the sobs of the child in her arms.
Her goddamned shield.
Righting the crown on her head, Lestara gave a serene smile. “That is not proper conduct, Archie. Keep her restrained. She might be useful in negotiations for surrender.”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
“Are we damaged?” She gave the baby a slight jiggle, then an annoyed glare when he didn’t cease crying.
“Casualties among the oarsmen, but we’re seaworthy,” the captain called, then from above, a voice shouted, “The Cardiffian fleet has arrived.”
“Wonderful of my father to be on time.” Lestara sighed. “Keep the princess on deck. Let her watch as we finish this.”
103
James
“Why is she turning?” Tarynshouted. “Why isn’t she ramming them?”
James didn’t know. But whatever the reason, Ahnna had made the decision too late. While the blow wasn’t direct, her ship still scraped alongside theVictoria,the sound of crunching timber loud as the vessels slid past each other.
As the ships parted, theVictoriaseemed seaworthy, but Ahnna’s vessel gave a mighty groan and began to sink, bow first.
“Go!” he shouted. “Hurry!”
