Save the Sea (Saved by Pirates #3)(26)

“A lot of people wouldn’t be starving, that’s for sure,” she says, and then I remember what happened before I found out about her being the heir. We have big problems we need to sort.

“We have to leave, and go to the mermaids now,” I tell her.

“Why?” she asks.

“Part of the deal I made with the sea god means I need to find a crown. It’s with them,” I tell her, and I know I need her with me. They might not attack us if Everly can be at my side and speak with me. She has their blood, and she is their people. When Everly meets my eyes, I know I don’t have to tell her all that. She knows what I’m thinking.

“Then I’m at your side. I can fight really well, and I guess we should bring Tyrion with us. He is a brilliant fighter, too,” she says, not mentioning the main reason she needs to come, but I know better than to push her on it. She has said she is at my side, much like I’m on hers always.

“Sure,” I grin, and then nod my head at the door. “Are you and Tyrion together?”

“No, he is my best friend. I mean, I think he is as hot as anything, but he never has tried to take it further. I don’t think he likes me that way, and I won’t risk our friendship by trying to find out,” she tells me, her eyes drifting to the door for a second. “He knows who I am, and I think he knows I will likely have no choice in who I marry. He won’t get too close. Might be something I will have to get used to.”

“He will give in, you are stunning and amazing, Everly. Plus, you shouldn’t give up, he is pretty handsome,” I grin.

“I won’t tell your fiancés you said that,” she laughs.

“You probably shouldn’t, they would attempt to kill him,” I say, and we both laugh.

“Everything is changing, and we are growing up,” she says suddenly.

“Yes, but all things change. And this is for the better. We can do this together,” I say, pulling her into a hug.

“Yes, we can, or at least we can try,” she whispers.

“Will I have to call you queen? Or your highness?” I joke.

“No, never you. I’m always Ev or Everly to you,” she laughs and squeeze me tight.





13





Chapter Thirteen





Cassandra





“It’s time to leave,” Ryland says, stepping to my side as I rest my head on Vivo’s nose. Vivo doesn’t growl at my chosen, she is happy to let him near her, but no one else. In the last two days, while we have gotten the ship ready to leave and enough food to last us the trip, she has caused problems. It was like she could sense I had to leave, and I was distressed about it. It’s not that I don’t want to leave the mountains, because I do, but I don’t want to leave Vivo. She feels like family to me.

“Vivo, I have to leave, and go to the mermaids. I can’t take you with me, sorry, girl. I'm scared they might try to attack you,” I say, and she huffs, snow falling on my feet as it drips from her mouth. “I know you want to come, but the mermaids might take offense to me flying a dragon to them. So, can you stay here with the mountain people until they leave, and go with them? We will meet at the other side.” She huffs again, stepping back and flying off the mountain, the rush of air making me step back.

“I don’t think that was a yes,” Ryland says wryly, as he wraps his arms around my waist.

“It wasn’t. She is stubborn, but she won’t do anything that will risk my life. I know that,” I say, watching her fly away towards the other dragons flying around outside.

“Like her rider,” Ryland chuckles, and kisses my forehead. “We must leave if we have any chance of getting to the mermaids and back in time.” I let Ryland lead me away from the landing dock and down towards the bottom of the mountains. People are rushing around us so much that they don’t even notice me and Ryland. The mountains are in a panic trying get ready for the war. The announcement was made not long after I left Everly’s room, and it’s been crazy here ever since.

“Is the ship ready?” I ask.

“Yes, we had to move it the edge of the waterfall, but the crew have it all set up to go. We believe it will take two weeks to travel to the mermaids in the Lost Sea. The Lost Sea is extremely dangerous to travel, with a lot of jagged rocks and broken ships. It will be easier to navigate out of the Lost Sea than in, so only a week to travel from there to the king,” Ryland explains to me.

“Do you think the mermaids will make a deal with us?” I ask him, wanting to know his opinion.

“No, not with us, but perhaps with you and Everly.” I give him a confused look, “Mermaids are known to make deals with powerful women. They do not like men and usually kill them. I still have no idea how my father got close enough to make a deal with them,” he says, and I hate the pain I see in his eyes when he speaks of his father.

“Do you know who Everly is to you?” I ask quietly.

“No, what do you mean? Should I?” he replies.

“She told me last night that she is the heir. She is your cousin, a bastard child born from your grandfather’s affair with a maid,” I tell him, and he wraps an arm around my waist, pulling me to his side. I look up to see a big smile on his lips.