Page 120 of Adversary to the Villain

But when Tatianna’s foot touched down aboard her father’s boat, she found a most heinous greeting party.

Because in place of her father was King Benedict and the Valiant Guard.

Chapter 60

Trystan

The ramp was lifted before they could retreat.

It was just as well; Trystan didn’twantto retreat.

He wanted to murder.

Unsheathing his sword, he stalked for Benedict, swinging the blade toward the bastard. Benedict didn’t move, merely watched with a satisfaction not often found in a man about to be sliced in half.

The sword came down, but it repelled off Benedict so quickly and abruptly that Trystan flew through the air, slamming into the main mast and crumbling down, pains shooting along his spine.

“Hey!” he heard Sage yell in his disoriented state. He watched, still trying to collect himself, as she walked forward, her vibrant skirts blowing behind her, the color contrasting with the magic now spilling from her fingers. Her eyes closed as she let out a battle cry. The power hurtled for Benedict and the Valiant Guard, but the king still stood there.

Unflinching.

Something was wrong.

“Sage, wait!” Trystan yelled too late.

The magic, much like his sword, repelled off Benedict and slammed into her with such force, she gasped against its brutal onslaught. Collapsing on the ground, she choked on it.

Trystan swallowed the ache in his limbs, barely noticed it when he flung himself toward her, throwing himself into the magic and picking her up and away so she could catch her breath. “What is the meaning of this?” Trystan growled, holding her tight. Practically daring them to come closer. He’d end them all.

“Daddy?” Tatianna’s whisper of confusion echoed around the ship when Captain Jones revealed himself. “What have you done?”

“It’s not what you’re thinking, Tatianna,” he began, glaring at Benedict and motioning for them to come to his side.

Clare was the first to go, then Alexander and Tatianna. Evie and Trystan came next, at a distance, wary of the man they thought they could trust. “When you sent your missive that you’d assist in transporting us…” Trystan alluded, waiting for Jellyfish Jones to admit to his treachery.

“There was a last-minute condition from…a relative.” Captain Jones was apologetic, wincing at his admittance. He wasn’t happy with the situation any more than they were; that much was clear when he looked upon his daughter with protective pride and so much guilt. “Tatianna, believe me, I didn’t want to do this. I did not have a choice.”

“Did he threaten your life?” Tatianna was hurt, her mouth pinched, her dark brows pushing together in a frozen flinch.

“He threatenedyours.” Captain Jones walked closer but stopped when Benedict began to clap.

“So touching.” Benedict grinned. “Truly, I’m honored to be a part of such an occasion.”

“I am going to kill him,” Trystan murmured.

“I can’t wait,” Sage muttered in response, holding his arm as he held hers, helping them both to stand. “What are you doing here, Benedict? Have you stooped so low you’re now crashing funerals?”

“No need to crash when you receive an invitation from the deceased’s wife.” Benedict motioned an arm, and out from behind the bodies of the crew came Amara Maverine, her bun severe, the hard edges of her lovely face made more stern by the deadness in her eyes.

“Hello, Trystan.”

“I should have known you had something to do with this,” Clare spat, pushing through the crew until she stood before her mother, and Trystan moved, too, in case she needed assistance strangling the woman. “As per Father’s will,weget to make his burial arrangements. You’re breaking the law if you interfere.”

Amara didn’t smile or frown. She stared at her only daughter as if she were a bug beneath her shoe, the inconvenience of addressing her making her eyes roll. “Clarissa, I’m far too tired to duel with you. I had to ride for a full day on this wretched ship. Now, if you’d calm down, you’ll realize that this was the best thing that could’ve happened for you.”

“That can’t be true.” Clare scowled. “You still breathe.”

The first sign of emotion flashed in Amara’s dark eyes. “Why don’t you explain, Captain Jones? Since my children seem determined to be obtuse.”