All the Stars and Teeth(24)
I lower my face toward the basin and scrub my skin clean. The water turns cloudy from rouge and creams as I wash away the memories of the night. Ferrick continues to stand there with a sour face and worry in his eyes all the while. Finally, when I can no longer take his insistent staring, he says, “So much for our engagement, huh?”
I drop my focus to the basin. “Now’s not the time.”
“Well, when is the right time? I’ve been trying to talk to you about this for weeks.”
“There’s nothing to talk about—”
“There is!” The words are so exasperated that they take me by surprise. My mouth screws shut as his face turns from pale to pink, cheeks flushing. Drawing a deep breath, he says more calmly, “There is. I know neither of us asked for this, but you’ve known how I feel about you for years, Amora. I know I’ve never been more than a passing thought for you, but I truly believe you’re the right heir for Visidia, and I’ll help make that a reality in whatever way I can. Then, once we’re home … I want you to know that I plan to be good to you. I didn’t have the chance to say it before, but I really want you to know that.”
The concentrated way he looks at me would be enough to make most people shrink back, but I don’t. I can’t tell him I love him, or act like I’m pleased by his words, because he knows how I feel—there will never be anything between us.
“For now, I need you to focus on the task at hand.” I know it’s not what he wants to hear, but it’s all I can offer. “We need to protect Visidia.”
His lips press together and he dips his head in a small nod.
I’m thankful when Bastian’s footsteps fill the hall, sparing us any further awkwardness. He carries pieces of clothing draped meticulously over his arms, taking care not to wrinkle the fabric.
“These no longer fit me,” he interrupts, “but I had to keep them anyway, because … I mean, look at them.” Bastian sets the clothing in my arms. The shirt’s linen is smooth against my skin.
“The stitching on this is phenomenal.” I lift a ruby coat from his arms to admire.
Bastian makes a noise of appreciation in the back of his throat. “Isn’t it? It cost two black pearls and a full pouch of sea glass, so I’d hope it’s perfection.”
“There’s no way a pirate can afford that,” Ferrick grumbles.
Bastian’s chin lifts with defiance. “A pirate’s salary is as infinite as they want it to be. But if you must know, I wooed a very lovely girl for it. The daughter of Mornute’s finest tailor.” He rolls his shoulders back with initial pride before realization strikes. “Speaking of which, we’ll have to avoid that shop.”
“You’re horrible.” I press the clothing to my chest. Earlier, I’d thought my outfit and adornments lovely. Now they suffocate me with memories of being consumed by my magic. Nothing would be better than ripping them away, changing into something light, and crawling into the hammock.
I brush past both boys and start toward my cabin.
“We’re set to sail to Ikae?” I ask, not looking back.
“Aye,” Bastian says. “With Keel Haul’s speed, we’ll be there before sundown tomorrow.”
I nod. “And tell me again how stopping there is going to help us find Kaven?”
Tipping his head back against the wall, Bastian’s arms fold across his broad chest. A lazy smile spreads across his lips as he says, “You know, Princess, the wonderful thing about my owning this ship and you needing to borrow it is that I’m the one who gets to call the shots—something you must not be used to, I know, how awful. But we’re going to stop in Ikae to get information, and that’s all you need to know.”
Hand on my cabin door, I shoot the boy a dirty glare. “Fine, keep your secrets. But remember that if you try anything, I’ll stab you without a second thought.”
“Are you flirting with me? It’s a bit hard to tell, considering how terrifying you are.”
I turn away from him as my neck and cheeks warm, not about to let him see me flustered. “You’re insufferable. Once we’ve found Kaven, know that I plan to throw you overboard and make this ship mine.”
“Well, no one can say that you’re not honest.” I don’t see him laugh as I let myself into the cabin, but I hear it. “Rest well, Princess.”
I slam the cabin door shut with a huff. What an awful, arrogant oaf. The day I’m able to commandeer this ship as my own and kick him into the sea will be a fantastic one, indeed.
Casting aside all thoughts of Bastian, I set to work tearing off my clothing. I remove my necklace and bundle it inside my cape, tucking it and the lovely sapphire gown into a corner for safekeeping, my neck and shoulders cold in their nakedness as the weight of my adornments disappears. The bundle of Ferrick’s severed hand draws my attention, but I’ll deal with it tomorrow.
For now, I change into the linen shirt and loose cotton pants. I wrap my satchel even tighter around my waist to hold them up as I climb into the hammock.
This low, the waves sound more ferocious than they are as they beat against Keel Haul. The ship rocks gently against the ocean, and the rhythmic lull makes my eyes heavy. Against the low creaking of wood, the moans of wind, and the sloshing of waves, I find sleep easily.