Page 19 of Ballad of Sea and Sky

“You want the Isles back?” I gaped, not even knowing where to start with the hopelessness of this plan. “You’re deluded.”

“Perhaps,” he conceded, giving me a wry smile. “I prefer to think of myself as optimistic.”

“How did you escape the keep?” I asked, my questions burning a hole in my chest.

“That is a story for another time,” Caspian said, dropping his head onto the back of the chair and regarding me through lowered lashes. “It’s late, Princess. You should get some sleep.”

I balked in protest as he closed his eyes, seemingly at perfect ease. He clearly assumed I wouldn’t, or couldn’t, hurt him.

Ireallywished I had learned to fight.

“I can’t sleep with you in here,” I argued, folding my arms over my breasts. I was still in my linen nightgown from the night before.

“Then stay awake,” Caspian drawled irritably. His golden eyes flashed in annoyance, and I pushed away the irrational part of me that wanted to stare into them. “I intend to make sure you stayinthis time.”

“How do you know I won’t strangle you in your sleep?” I asked. I knew I wouldn’t, as I wasn’t sure I could actually take a life, and I definitely lacked the strength to damage the wall of muscle that was the captain. Once again, I cursed selkie customs that made it improper for me to learn self-defense.

“You can try,” Caspian said, cracking an eye open at me in what seemed like amusement. “But I’m very fast, and there’s a whole ship of sirens out there who won’t appreciate you killing their captain. I’d caution you to make good choices.”

He closed his eyes again, as if completely unbothered by our situation. I sat still on the edge of the mattress for a long while, determined to stay awake until either morning arrived, or until I was reasonably sure that Caspian’s promise that no one would touch me was true.

“Sleep, Marina,” he growled, cracking an eye open and gesturing to the bed. A clearly unhinged part of me liked how he said my name, but he didn’t notice my flustered blush. “Or I’ll sing to you and force the matter.”

I scowled, climbing into the bed and beneath the velvet covers as ordered, not wanting to experience another pounding headache from siren magic.

If Caspian followed through on his threat to sing, I didn’t realize it was happening. I was asleep almost instantly, my dreams filled with crashing waves and siren song.

Chapter 7

Iawokeinthebed to find myself alone in the room again, Caspian’s dagger waiting for me on the table next to the bed. There was a little scribbled note under it, and I blearily picked it up and read:

Make good choices, Urchin.

I cursed the captain’s name, wondering if he had spent all night in that small armchair. It seemed an uncomfortable place to sleep, and there must be other berths available for the captain of the ship.

I rolled out of the bed with a groan, trying to estimate the time by peering out of the windows and searching for the sun. No luck. It was overcast, and impossible to see anything other than dark ocean and white fog.

I took a deep breath, remembering my panic from the night before. I couldn’t afford to have an attack here, surrounded by enemies and without my herbal tea. It was a weakness they could exploit, and I already knew that Caspian had seen more behind my little spell after the net than just blind panic.

Trying to keep my breathing steady, I moved to the cabin door and tested the handle. Locked. There were sounds of movement and voices and laughter outside, and a faint strain of hauntingly beautiful song. My stomach growled and I banged on the door.

“Hey!” I shouted, rattling the door. “I’m hungry!” I contemplated being polite, but they had kidnapped me. They didn’t get polite Marina.

I pounded on the door for a full five minutes before I heard grumbling and the lock clicked open. I backed away, clutching the dagger in one hand and covering an ear with the other as Astraios walked into the cabin holding a tray of food.

“Your Highness,” he said, bowing somewhat irreverently and shooting me a cocky smile. All siren males must be blessed with good looks, because Astraios was very well built in the light of day. His brown hair was tied back from his face in a short ponytail, and his chest was a light brown, several shades lighter than mine, but darker than Caspian’s. He had a short beard on his square jaw, and his grin turned roguish as he caught me staring. “See something you like?”

“No,” I said, lowering my hand from my ear when I didn’t fall under any siren spell. Astraios looked at me like I might be a bit touched in the head. “I’m hungry.”

“Your wish is my command,” he said, placing the tray on the round table, careful to keep his distance from me. “I’m to make amends for my trick last night and apologize for my juvenile behavior,” he added, with the air of someone who had memorized exactly what he was supposed to say. “Is there anything else I can get for you, Princess?”

If he weren’t in cahoots with my kidnappers, I might find Astraios’ demeanor and grins charming. Instead, they put me on my guard. I couldn’t afford to be charmed.

“Will I be allowed out on deck?” I asked, moving to inspect the tray as Astraios backed toward the door. “Or will I be kept in here like a prisoner?”

“I mean, technically, youarea prisoner,“ Astraios said reasonably. I scowled, and he laughed. “Cas was right, youareprickly. I can ask, if you like.”

I nodded, fighting the urge to say please or thank you. “I’ll need cotton to block my ears,” I added, moving to sit at the table.