Defend the Dawn (Defy the Night #2)(102)

“I knew you were involved with a man who has a reputation for treachery and violence,” he says. “I knew you were afraid to speak your mind. I knew—”

“I was not!”

He continues, heedless. “I knew you were determined to help the people of Kandala, risking your life to bring them medicine—which I find admirable. But I also know what it is to be tricked and manipulated, and—”

“I am not tricking and manipulating you!”

“I know,” he says. “I’m talking about what Prince Corrick has done to you.”

“He hasn’t done anything to me. You don’t know him at all.”

“I don’t need to know him. I know men like him. If he wanted to help his people, he could have boarded this ship with determination and valor. Instead, he views every interaction as a battle that waits for a victor. I hoped Kandala and Ostriary could find a new path to favorable trade, but now I’m worried that I’m delivering a prince who will sow discord and start another war just because I’ve poked at his pride.”

“That is not true,” I seethe.

“Oh, it’s not?” Rian takes a step closer to me, and his voice drops. “He lost a battle to me last night,” he says. “So it comes as no surprise that he sought to win another by cajoling you into his bed.”

That’s it. I’m swinging a fist before I fully think about what I’m doing.

Rian’s hand shoots out and he catches my wrist. The motion is so quick that it steals my breath, especially since his grip is tight, and he doesn’t let me go.

“He invited me to his quarters because he was worried you were threatening me.”

“So he didn’t have to cajole you. He just had to frighten you.”

I jerk my hand out of his grip. My breathing is rapid. I wasn’t sure what to expect from him, but it wasn’t this.

“You know I’m right,” he says roughly. “I expected better of you, Miss Cade.”

He’s not right. He’s not.

But in so many ways, he is. So much of what he said echoes exactly what I said to Corrick in the shadows of his quarters.

Rian turns away. “Tell him that if those ships are coming for his capture, I’ll hand him over, and gladly.”

I’m barely listening to him. My heart is roaring in my ears. My breath is shuddering when I get to the steps, tears hot on my cheeks.

But then I realize that this is the perfect time.

It’s early. Most of the crew is asleep. Rian thinks I’m running right back into Corrick’s arms.

But I think of those ships, and I think of that room, and I think of how much we’ve risked already.

Instead of heading for our quarters, I turn the bend and head down the next set of steps.

Kilbourne moves to follow me, but I stop him. “You need to tell Corrick to go up on deck,” I say to him in a rushed whisper.

“But, Miss Tessa—”

“Now,” I say urgently. I swipe the tears off my cheeks. My chest is full of longing and betrayal and uncertainty, but now is the time for action. “Prince Corrick needs to go pick a fight with the captain. Right now.” He inhales, and I add, “Quickly, Kilbourne! Stay in the hallway before anyone in the crew sees me.”

Then I don’t wait. I hold my breath and I skip down the steps.





CHAPTER THIRTY

Corrick

I stare at Kilbourne dubiously. “She wants me to pick a fight with Blakemore,” I say. “Now.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

I draw a long breath. I know why.

But it’s too soon. We should wait. Last night was too tense, too close to real conflict for my comfort. She could be seen, and all of this would unravel around us.

There’s no way for me to tell her all of that without going after her—and the only thing worse than Tessa getting caught breaking in would be her doing it with me at her side.

So I nod, leave my quarters, and head for the main deck. Rocco and Kilbourne both fall in behind me to follow.

They’re both wearing more weapons than they were yesterday. I understand it, but I don’t like it. The presence of more weapons rarely convinces anyone to let down their guard.

As we pass Lochlan’s door, it swings open, and he strides out so brusquely that he almost walks right into Rocco. He quickly falls back, irritation plain on his face. He looks like he wants to slam the door on us all, but he’s not sure he should dare.

Last night, when things went sour between me and the captain, Lochlan spoke up to defend Tessa—and me, in a way. Well, he spoke up to defend Kandala, at the very least. I might not shed a tear if he fell into the ocean, but I can appreciate that he spoke up when it was sorely needed.

And Tessa is right. We’re never going to build trust between the palace and the populace if the King’s Justice can’t get along with one rebel.

“Going up to the main deck?” I say to him. “Join us.”

He scowls. “Is that an order, Your Highness?”

He all but spits the words at me, and I see Kilbourne draw himself up. I put up a hand before he can slam the man into the wall again. “No,” I say with every bit of courtly patience I can muster. “Join us, if you please.”

I watch the emotions play out on his face as he deliberates. He wants to refuse, but I’ve surprised him. I didn’t mean for the words to sound like a challenge, but I can’t really help it.