Defend the Dawn (Defy the Night #2)(38)

I intend to wait with the carriage, but Rocco and Kilbourne are off to the side of the guards, standing at attention, waiting like the others. They’re in palace livery stitched with blue and purple, with a few weapons at hand, but unlike the other guards, they wear no armor.

I think of the king telling me that I can only bring concerns to Rocco, not any of the other guards. He must trust the others to some extent if he’s sending them on this trip—but the warning still gives me pause.

When I approach, Rocco glances at me and gives me a nod. “Miss Tessa.”

“Rocco,” I say. “I’m really glad you’re coming.” I mean it, too. Most of the palace guards are formal with me, but Rocco has always been kind, and a bit more open. He and Thorin saved all of our lives when the palace was under attack, and that’s created a bond among us all that seems to transcend rank and title.

Rocco nods to the man standing beside him. “Kilbourne will be with us as well. Guardsman Silas is already on board.”

Kilbourne isn’t as tall as Rocco, but he’s easily as broad across the shoulders. He’s a bit older, too, probably close to thirty, with short blond hair and ruddy cheeks.

“Kilbourne,” I say. “I’m glad to make your acquaintance.”

“As am I, Miss Tessa.” He smiles. “I’m honored to be chosen for the journey.”

There’s an interesting weight to the way he says that, and I’m trying to puzzle it out, when Rocco says dryly, “He means it’s good pay. Kilbourne’s wife is expecting their first child.”

Well, that’s charming. “Congratulations!”

His smile widens, and his cheeks redden further. “I didn’t want to leave her, but Sara all but shoved me out the door. I want to buy her a house before the baby comes.”

He looks as aloof and indomitable as the rest of the king’s personal guard, but when he talks about his wife and future baby, his eyes sparkle, and I can hear the affection in his tone. Not just affection: excitement.

“When is she due?” I ask.

“Late autumn, we think.”

“And she’s feeling well?”

His eyes soften even more, and he nods. “Very well, thank you.”

I like him. I’m glad he’s coming. There’s something very calming about his presence that has already eased my nerves.

“No armor?” I say to them.

“It’s traveling with us by chest,” says Rocco. “We’ll have it once we arrive in Ostriary.”

A male voice speaks from behind me. “If an armored guardsman goes overboard, he turns into an anchor.”

I turn to find Captain Blakemore striding down the gangway leading to his ship. His dark hair is a bit windblown, and his eyes are in shadow, but despite all the guards, he looks more relaxed here than he did at dinner. He’s clearly at home on his ship. His jacket is unbuttoned, revealing a short dagger belted at his waist.

“Miss Cade,” he says, then offers me a bow.

As I curtsy in return, my cheeks warm in spite of myself. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to anyone treating me with courtly manners, especially outside the palace. “Captain Blakemore.”

“The guardsmen won’t be going overboard,” Rocco says, and there’s a note in his voice that somehow makes it sound like a warning.

“I rather hope no one will be going overboard,” the captain says brightly. He offers me his arm. “Miss Cade, would you like to come aboard?”

“I have things that I need to keep with me.” I pause. “I can wait for a porter.”

“As you like. But I hate to leave you in the rain when some of the others have already selected their rooms.”

Oh.

I’m not sure what to say or do.

Captain Blakemore’s eyes search mine. “Ah, forgive me. Will you be sharing quarters with Prince Corrick? If you’d like for him to be present to choose, I can offer—”

“Oh! No. I—we—he’s—I—” I break off and flush again, because I wasn’t expecting a question like that—and I’m definitely not ready with an answer. I can’t imagine Corrick would expect us to room together. “I’m here as an apothecary. I will have my own quarters, Captain.”

He watches the emotions play out on my face, then straightens. “Of course, Miss Cade. I apologize. My assumption was too bold.” He pauses. “Once again, I sense that I have asked a question that might … put you at risk.”

“No! I’m not—he’s not—” I break off. His expression is so earnest. It makes all my stammering feel foolish.

Rocco saves me. “Miss Cade has earned the king’s favor,” he says. “And his protection.”

Again, the words carry a hint of warning, and the captain’s eyes spark with intrigue. “Noted.”

I’m not sure what to say to that either. A lick of wind carries across the dark water to swirl between us, ruffling his hair and swirling my skirts. A few drops of rain nip at my cheeks.

“There’s a storm coming,” I say. “Is it safe to leave at night?”

“The winds will put us well ahead of it.” He smiles. “Water is water, Miss Cade. Tonight won’t be our only night at sea.”

“Oh. Yes, of course.” Wind whips between us again, stronger this time, and I shiver as more rain strikes my cheeks.