So I Married a Sorcerer (The Embraced #2)(52)

“Fine.” Rupert dropped the hat and mask on his bed, then rummaged through a dresser for a clean scarf.

“We’ve moved out to sea, circling close to Danport to keep an eye out for pirates,” Stefan said.

“Good.” Rupert wadded up the new scarf in his hand and threw it on his bed.

Stefan’s eyes narrowed. “Is something bothering you?”

“No, of course not.” Rupert peered out the doorway to see if Jeffrey was returning yet. No sign of him.

“Expecting someone?” Stefan asked.

“No.” Rupert noticed the dubious look on his friend’s face. He wasn’t fooling Stefan. “I’m expecting a reply.” He gritted his teeth. “She refused to have dinner with me.”

Stefan sighed. “I know the feeling.”

The door to the ladies’ cabin opened and Jeffrey came out.

“What took so long?” Rupert demanded.

Jeffrey winced. “I had to fetch her a quill and ink.” He handed Rupert a sheet of paper.

He unfolded it. It was the same paper he’d written on.

It is imperative that we talk. I thought you wanted to be in control of your own destiny. What happened to that?

And underneath his words, she’d written:

I was in control until you stopped me. Take me to Ebton, and I will convince King Leofric that you are harmless, so he need not hunt you down in the future to destroy you.

Rupert scoffed. Was she threatening him? And since when was he harmless? He was the most powerful man on the ocean. He strode to his worktable and wrote another message beneath.

Whether you wish to make a deal or issue useless threats, you should have the courage to do it to my face.

He marched back to the door and shoved the folded note into Jeffrey’s hands. “Give her that!”

“Aye, Admiral.” The boy walked slowly back to the ladies’ cabin.

Stefan arched a brow. “Are you arguing with her long-distance?”

Rupert clenched his fists. “You’re right. I should go there myself—”

“No.” Stefan planted a hand on Rupert’s chest to keep him from moving. “Nothing will be gained from seeing her in anger. Leave her be.”

“I need to talk to her. I need to explain what her bastard brother is planning to do to her.” Rupert grimaced. “It’s going to upset her. I don’t want to…”

“I know.” Stefan gave him a sympathetic look. “You nearly caused a tornado when you found out. Wait a few hours till you can be calm.”

Rupert took a deep breath. Stefan was right, as usual. Both he and Brigitta were too agitated right now.

Jeffrey exited the ladies’ cabin and trudged toward them. “Here.”

Rupert unfolded the paper as he walked into his room.

A man who hides behind a mask shouldn’t talk about courage.

Damn, she knew how to hit hard. His mouth curled up in a smile. What a strong and fearless woman. She reminded him of the wildcats that roamed the mountains of northern Tourin.

He dipped his quill and wrote:

I will have the courage to show you my face on the quarterdeck tonight. If you have the courage, join me beneath the stars. I will be waiting.

He folded the letter and handed it to Jeffrey. “There is no need for a reply.”

“Thank the Light,” Jeffrey muttered as he headed down the passageway.

“Well?” Stefan asked.

With a sigh, Rupert leaned against the doorframe. “Either she’ll see me tonight. Or she won’t.”

Stefan lowered his voice to a whisper. “Are you falling for her?”

“Don’t be ridic—”

“It’s a legitimate question that could change everything. Are you falling for her?”

“It changes nothing.” Rupert glanced at the ladies’ door as Jeffrey went inside. “No matter how I feel, I dare not trust her.”





Chapter Thirteen

A few hours later, just as Brigitta was finishing her supper, a clap of thunder sounded overhead.

Sister Fallyn dropped her knife and fork with a clatter. “Oh dear goddesses, a storm is coming.”

Brigitta ran to the window and peered outside. Dark clouds were gathering in the sky, blocking out the setting sun. In the dim light, the ocean looked dark and agitated. A few drops of rain blew through the narrow opening to land on her face.

Blast. How could she meet Rupert on the quarterdeck now? Their meeting would have to be postponed.

She winced when a crack of lightning shot through the dark sky. “If this storm moves to the mainland, the lightning will strike Luciana’s husband.”

Sister Fallyn jumped to her feet. “We must pray it doesn’t strike us and set the ship ablaze!” She made the sign of the moons.

“I’m sure we’ll be all right.” The ship rocked suddenly, causing Brigitta to fall onto the window seat.

“We’ll be sick if we eat any more.” Sister Fallyn stumbled toward the bed. “I need to lie down. And pray.”

As the nun crawled under a blanket, Brigitta closed the window and secured the latch. Rain now pattered against the glass at a much faster rate, but at least the rocking of the ship wasn’t too bad. So far.

She’d never been at sea before during a storm. Surely, since Rupert could control the wind, he would keep them safe. It was odd, though, that when the rain had started, her first thought had been that she wouldn’t see him tonight. Instead of feeling concern for their safety, she’d felt disappointment.