So I Married a Sorcerer (The Embraced #2)(36)

A tear rolled down her cheek, and, with a trembling voice, she sang, “My true love lies in the ocean blue. My true love sleeps in the sea. Whenever the moons shine over you, please remember me. Please remem—”

Her voice broke, and she wiped away more tears. This wasn’t going to solve anything. If she wanted to be the author of her own destiny, she would have to be strong. And smart. And brave.

“Good evening.” A deep voice drifted toward her, speaking in Tourinian.

Rupert. Behind her. Her heart sprang into a quick beat. He’s not a hero, she reminded herself. The scoundrel had kidnapped her. She mustn’t appear nervous or flustered in front of him. Even if she was suddenly aware that she had nothing on but a thin nightgown and cloak. She clutched the edges of the cloak together. Be brave.

“That was a pretty song.” His whisper tickled her ear.

Oh, but there was something about his voice that made her feel weak in the knees. Be strong. She responded in Tourinian, “I thought I would be alone. I didn’t mean to wake anyone.” Especially you.

“I was still awake.” The deck creaked behind her as he came closer. “I prefer to sleep on the quarterdeck, so I can be under the stars and open sky.”

It sounded like he wanted to feel free. But the scoundrel didn’t mind holding her captive. Be smart. “Enjoy the open sky while you can. Once you’re captured, you’ll be locked away for good in a dark dungeon. If not worse.”

“How could anyone capture me when I can simply blow them away?”

She snorted. He seemed so blasted sure of himself. “Full of hot air, are you?”

He chuckled as he reached the railing beside her.

Still wearing that ridiculous mask and hat with the fake hair, she noted. Did he even sleep with them on? She was tempted to rip them off herself.

He frowned at her. “You’ve been crying.”

“Why shouldn’t I? I’m a prisoner here, aren’t I?”

His mouth thinned. “I have no wish to harm you.”

“Then let me go.”

“You will not have any more freedom with your brother.”

That was probably true. She groaned inwardly. “Do you know why my brother wants me?”

“No. But I know he wouldn’t have sent for you if it didn’t benefit him in some way.”

How did kings benefit from using princesses? She thought back to her history lessons. “Do you think he has plans to marry me off to gain an ally?”

His jaw shifted as he grabbed on to the railing. “Perhaps.”

“According to Sister Fallyn, I’m already betrothed.”

His grip tightened till his knuckles turned white. “How…” He gave her a wary look. “What else did she tell you?”

Brigitta sighed. “A terrible story. I’d rather not repeat it. Or even think about it. I…” She turned away as tears burned her eyes. “I come from a family of monsters.”

He was quiet for a moment, then said softly, “Don’t cry.”

She turned toward him. “Don’t pretend to care.”

A muscle twitched in his cheek, but he said nothing.

She winced inwardly. How could she convince him to do as she wished, if she irritated him? “I didn’t mean to sound harsh. The fact is I dread the thought of going to my brother. I really want to be with my sisters.”

“You mentioned them before. How can it be that you have sisters?”

“I grew up with them at the Convent of the Two Moons. We were all left there as babes.”

“Isn’t that the convent that makes books?”

She nodded. “The best books in the world. Transcribed in all four mainland languages.”

“So that’s why you speak Tourinian so well.” He smiled. “A little bit of an accent, but I like it.”

Her heart warmed, then she chided herself. Why should she care what he thought? Or even notice how lovely his smile was? She quickly changed the subject. “Luciana is my oldest sister. We were on our way to Ebton Palace because she’s giving birth soon. I’m afraid she’ll be worried about me, and it might cause harm to her and her unborn child. If you would just send me there, she would be more than willing to pay my ransom.”

His smile faded. “I already told you my reasons for not doing that.”

“I know. There were four,” she muttered, then gave him a curious look. “What was your fifth reason?”

His gaze narrowed, his eyes a shimmering gold. Her heartbeat quickened and once again, she was acutely aware that she was naked beneath her thin nightgown and cloak. As his gaze wandered over her, her skin tingled as if she’d been laid bare.

He turned suddenly toward the sea. “I don’t recall.”

He did remember, she was sure of it, but for some reason he didn’t want to tell her. She hunched her shoulders, tightening her grip on her cloak. He was definitely the most secretive man she’d ever met.

She eyed the fake plaits, her hands itching to jerk the silly hat off his head. But if she touched him or anything that belonged to him, she might have another vision. Would that be so bad? It might give her more clues to figuring out his secrets.

His gaze returned to her, and the heat in his eyes had cooled to clear amber. “Your song was for your sisters then?”