My throat seized, and I couldn’t stop the jolt running through me when Darcke captured my gaze. His eyes narrowed when I fought to continue the steady pace with which we’d been walking.
“That’s Borje, Darcke’s right-hand man.” The girl with the white, almost violet hair came up to my side. “From what I heard, he hadn’t been back here since he lost that eye. He doesn’t like people.”
“Do any of them?” I responded, keeping my head down to avoid the warriors’ scowls.
The girl gave a short laugh, and despite every warning beating the air, my lips twisted as she overtook us. Pretending to adjust the clean leather tunic I’d switched into, I peeked at the five men. It was strange how many of these warriors who were supposedly critical to holding our borders now gathered at the Hird.
I hurried to keep up with Viljan. “Can you send a letter to my mother?” I breathed. “I want to know what they’ve found out about what happened before we left.”
Viljan was quiet for a second, but finally curiosity won over his anger. “You think it’s connected.”
I bounced my head forward. “Why would they be here otherwise? The Hird doesn’t need the king’s best men. Something is going on, and it doesn’t seem like Gustief or his men are going to tell us.”
“I’ll talk to your father’s guards to see if they know anything.”
“Thank you,” I replied, slowing down again until Rakkel was by my side once more. A quiver running through the wood beneath my boots was the only warning before the five men began walking through the crowds, looking at the arm rings all initiates wore.
“They’re dividing us into groups,” Rakkel said.
“Show me yours,” I demanded.
Relief flooded me when the mark on Rakkel’s silver band was the same as mine: five lines to representthe five heirs and the waves with which we rode the five seas surrounding our nation. Viljan turned, lifting his band in the air, and while I still needed to stay away from him, I couldn’t help being glad when the same five lines marked his silver band.
“Let me see.” Torden waved for my wrist when we reached him. As I gave him my hand, allowing it to rest in his, he chuckled before stating, “You’re with Darcke.”
“Of fucking course.” Darcke shook his head as he gestured for Rakkel and Viljan to head up on the brow leading to the ship with the deep gash. “That way.”
“You could at least be civil,” I said.
“Why?” His drawl swept over my skin like a freezing winter storm. “I don’t pretend to be something I’m not.”
Torden squeezed my wrist before letting me go. “He bites as hard as he barks, so just… don’t steal his ship again, and stay out of his way.”
“It’s hard to stay out of someone’s way when he keeps getting in mine,” I replied, ducking under Darcke’s arm.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t fast enough for his other hand. My legs dangled in the air as he dragged me back by the collar of my jacket, bringing my face so close to his that the musky scent of salt-stained skin and driftwood baked in the sun all day folded around me.
“If you’re going to be on my ship, you will respect her,” Darcke said, his tone so low I doubted anyone else could hear him.
“I have all the respect for her.” I tried to keep my chin up, even if it was challenging when only my toes touched the wooden brow leading to the ship he was defending. “It’s you I’m struggling with.”
Viljan froze at my reply, and when he spun and fear etched itself across his features, guilt made me wince. I shouldn’t have attracted more attention. Darcke hated me, and from what he’d seen of me, could I really blame him?
He was right in that I’d acted spoiled and lied and madereckless decisions. I had none of the honor our people—and especially us heirs—were expected to.
My toes curled in my boots. We were so close to the bonding—so close to ensuring Viljan would be able to lead our people when I inevitably angered the gods enough that they had me killed. I couldn’t risk it because a man got under my skin.
“I’m sorry,” I forced out through my teeth. “I will respect you both.”
Darcke’s brows drew in, their darkness contrasting with his pale hair, as foreign as his accent.
“I mean it,” I added. “I won’t talk back.”
His eyes went between mine, and I held my breath until he set me back down on my feet.
“I’ll believe it when I see it,” he said as I started walking toward Viljan.
Turning my head over my shoulder, I gave him my most fake smile. The one-eyed warrior walked up to Darcke as he took a step toward me again, and I couldn’t read what crossed the man’s face as he whispered something to Darcke that made me whirl forward.
