All the Stars and Teeth(33)

His face smooths, eyes brightening with drunken delight. “You’re so wonderful. That is”—he hiccups—“so nice.”

“Yes, Ferrick, it’s incredibly nice.” I press a gentle hand to his shoulder and guide him forward. “Now go pick out some outfits.”

For a moment he simply stands there, looking at the spot where I pressed his shoulder with a tiny smile. I roll my eyes and get back to work.

A fitted navy shirt made of linen catches my eye. I snatch it up and drape it over my arm, letting myself pretend for a moment that I’m out shopping with friends. That we came all this way not to end a rebellion, but simply to travel and be merry.

My evening in the tavern with Ferrick and Bastian has spoiled me. In there, it was almost easy to believe that none of this was happening. That my demonstration of magic was excellent, and I’d finally proven myself strong enough to end my training and sail the kingdom.

But the tavern was a beautiful lie.

I focus instead on the task at hand. I don’t need gowns, but clothing loose enough for me to move around; just not so loose that they snag on Keel Haul’s rigging.

Since I’ve always been fitted for clothes, the pants are a mystery to me. I hold them to my waist and use my imagination to determine whether they’ll fit. I drape a few pairs, all in a variety of pastel Ikaean colors, over my arm for good measure. The coats are next. I make a grab for a scarlet one that’s similar to the one I’m borrowing from Bastian when my heart stops cold.

On the hanger beside it, there’s a coat as iridescent as opal.

Zudoh.

I jerk my hand back like it’s poison, and hear a sharp intake of breath behind me. Bastian’s gaze is hard on the coat.

Though Kaven may be making a stir, Zudoh’s been banished from the kingdom for years. So why does this shop have Zudian clothing?

This only confirms Bastian’s been telling the truth—Kaven’s reach is spreading. We have to move quicker.

When I turn back to the pirate, his expression darkens. But he doesn’t seem surprised. “Let’s get going,” is all he says before reaching behind the coat to check the wall.

Ferrick stumbles across the room, laughing quietly to himself as he grabs hold of whatever he sees, careless of whether it will fit. I sigh and add a few things for him to my pile. My arms grow weak from the weight of all the fabric, but still I grab two thick capes—one for me, another for Ferrick—and a wide-brimmed hat because I like the way it looks. Though I already have one pair of boots, I snatch another for good measure.

I’m confident I cannot hold anything else, no matter how small, when my eye catches sight of a sparkling morganite necklace. I go to take a step toward it when the ground rattles with what feels like a dozen pounding footsteps.

“Quiet!” Bastian demands from somewhere behind me. He drops to a crouch as the shadows of several figures pass the window. I press myself flat against the wall and peer through, squinting to see the colors they wear—capes in an intense sapphire blue. Silver trim and a shining royal emblem catch the light of the oil lamps as they pass.

Visidian soldiers.

“No one gets off this island. Search the ships!” one of them yells, waving the rest of his group forward while four soldiers remain on the docks.

I try to flatten myself further, but I can only suck myself in so much. “They’ll know we’re here the moment they search Keel Haul.” I think of the gown and sapphire jewels that sit in my cabin. Surely no one else in Visidia would own such items. Bastian’s eyes narrow, skimming briefly over my satchel. I shift the clothes in my arms to cover it. “We’re not fighting my soldiers.”

“Then we have to hide.” Bastian flicks a look at the back wall, and I wonder what it is he’s searching for back there. But there’s no time to ask as Ferrick, very drunk and very confused, starts waddling toward a display headpiece. Bastian grabs at his foot with a hiss, and Ferrick gasps.

Though nerves urge me to clamp my eyes shut, I force myself to watch so that I can prepare to run.

Someone steps toward the glass. His sharp face is lit by the glow of the lamp as he peers into the shop.

It’s Casem. I swallow a gasp as he catches my eye. My guard’s face tightens, and if I didn’t know better, I’d think he was more afraid than surprised.

When he starts to open his mouth, I shake my head quickly, willing silence into him. Neither Bastian nor Ferrick can see him, and I want it to remain that way.

Don’t say anything, Casem. One word, and I’m as good as dead.

“Please.” I mouth the word, and something in Casem’s expression cracks. He runs a tongue over his lips, and again I shake my head. His hesitation is obvious in the worrisome way his hands twitch against the glass.

“Anyone in there?” another soldier calls from outside. I suck in a breath and shut my eyes, awaiting my fate.

This is the end of my journey, and I’ve nothing to show for it. Visidia will be left without a fit animancer. Aunt Kalea will take my place, and with her dual magics, the kingdom will fall.

“No,” Casem answers. My eyes flutter open as he steps away, giving me one last look before turning his head. “It’s empty.”

“Hurry up, then!” yells a voice I don’t recognize. “We need to find the princess quickly, before anyone else does.”