So I Married a Sorcerer (The Embraced #2)(35)

A sudden gush flooded Luciana’s legs. With a gasp, she stared down at the growing puddle around her slippers.

“What’s wrong?” Maeve cried.

“Not to worry.” Mother Ginessa assured them. “The babe has decided to come early.”

“There are two of them.” Luciana touched her belly. “And I thought I had a few more days.”

“They will most likely be born tonight,” Mother Ginessa replied. “Sorcha, let’s take her to her room. Maeve, inform her husband—”

“Holy goddesses,” Gwennore whispered. “Tonight the moons are embracing.”

Everyone stilled for a moment as they realized what would happen.

Luciana’s children would be Embraced.

*

Hours later, Brigitta was gazing out the small window in their cabin. There wasn’t much else to do. She didn’t want to disturb Sister Fallyn, who had finally drifted off to sleep on the narrow bed. And since the sun had set, it was too dark in their room to read the book Jeffrey had left.

With nothing to occupy her thoughts, her mind kept wandering into forbidden territory—Rupert. Who was he really? He seemed well educated, so what sort of circumstances had led him to become a pirate? Why did he disguise himself with a mask and false hair? Had he been forced to leave Tourin because he was Embraced?

There had to be some clues in the vision she’d seen when she’d last touched him. Arrows in the back. Blood and screams. An ambush? Her view of the scene must have been how Rupert had witnessed it, and the flood of grief and terror she’d felt had also been his. What a terrible experience!

Since it was her first vision from him, she suspected it was his most powerful memory. Not only traumatic for him, but a defining moment that had changed his life forever.

It was the strongest vision she’d ever received from anyone. And she’d passed out the first time she’d touched Rupert. Was it because she’d never encountered someone hiding as much as him? Or was there something special about him? What if he’s your tall and handsome stranger? a small voice inside her wondered, but she quickly rejected that thought.

He’d taken her against her will by threatening the lives of her sisters. He intended to ransom her for gold. According to Lieutenant Helgar of the Tourinian navy, he was an evil sorcerer, responsible for destroying their ships and burning the officer.

But he defended Sister Fallyn. He protected the town of Danport from the bad pirates. He sent the Eberoni navy away without harming them. And he helped Sister Ellen escape to the safety of the Isle of Moon.

Hero or evil sorcerer? With a groan, she stood and stretched her legs. She didn’t know what to think. Her emotions waffled between anger and insatiable curiosity. And something more, something that made her heart race whenever he was near and watching her with his golden eyes. Or floating his deep voice to her on a soft breeze that tickled her ears.

Stop thinking about him!

She needed a diversion, she decided. If everyone was asleep, she should be able to walk about on deck. She’d already changed into the pretty nightgown from Sister Ellen, so she threw her cloak on top, then eased into the dim passageway. The sound of Jeffrey’s soft breathing emanated from the far end of the corridor. Moonlight filtered in from the open doorway at the top of the stairs, and she inched toward it, silent in her bare feet.

On deck, she could spot only two sailors at the bow of the ship keeping watch and a helmsman resting on a trunk on the quarterdeck. A large pelican was roosting on top of a closed barrel. She glanced up at the crow’s nest. Empty. Rupert must be asleep somewhere. Good. The last thing she needed was him staring at her as if he was trying to read her mind. How embarrassing it would be if he knew how much he was in her thoughts!

She wandered to the midship port railing. A lantern was lit there, surrounded in red glass. Over on the starboard side, a blue lantern was lit. As she gazed out to sea, she saw more red and blue lanterns. Nine of each. This must be how the ships in Rupert’s fleet kept up with one another at night.

A gentle breeze caressed her face with fresh, salty air. The sea lapped against the sides of the ship with soft, swooshing noises. Overhead the twin moons were embraced, the smaller Lessa resting in front of the larger Luna. Together they shone more brightly than usual, and the ocean beneath them sparkled as if jewels had been scattered as far as she could see.

But she was too worried to enjoy the view. What would become of her and Sister Fallyn? And what had happened to the dog, Brody? She could only hope she’d been mistaken and he’d remained on board with her sisters.

“Please be all right,” she whispered.

And how was Luciana doing? She must know by now that Brigitta and Sister Fallyn had been taken. If only there was a way to let Luciana know she was safe. Brigitta didn’t want her to worry when her baby was due so soon.

A pang of self-pity pricked at Brigitta. She would miss the child’s birth. Miss the birthday celebration for Luciana and Sorcha. By the goddesses, she missed all of her sisters something fierce.

Tears burned her eyes as she realized she might never see them again. Even when she was free from Rupert, she’d be under Gunther’s control. And since the mainland kingdoms were often at war, she doubted her brother would let her live with a neighboring king and queen. He might not even let her visit.

The words from the Song of Mourning filled her head. Bereaved women from the Isle of Moon sang it whenever they lost their men at sea. Right now, it felt like she’d lost her entire family.