Page 36 of Unmoored

“I’m serious, Hazel. I’m sorry for attempting to drown you. It was a rash decision and I could have severely hurt you. For that, I apologize.”

She eyed me up and down and took one step closer. “Thank you,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. I stayed on my knees at the edge of the pool, my eyes level with her hipbones. It took everything in me to refrain from reaching out to touch her, but I dragged my gaze up to meet her inquisitive eyes.

“I’m sorry,” I said again, unsure what else to say. Catching me by surprise, she placed her palm against my cheek, and in that moment I realized I’d happily get on my knees for her any time she asked.

Instead of indulging the thought, I stood abruptly and brushed a stray hair away from her face. “I also have some questions about your father,” I said. “How much do you know about his specific routes?”

“Like I told you before, I don’t know as much now as I did years ago, but he only travels on one of three ships. As you’re already aware, he’s been converting most of his fleet to steamships, but he only sails on the most extravagant ships he owns. It's typical for one to be underway at any given time, so if you can locate it, you’ll likely find him.”

This was exactly the information we needed. We’d tried for decades to figure out the rhyme or reason behind what ships Emerson was on, and what routes his fleet took, but as technology grew more advanced he became harder to track. If we could locate his personal ship, we could potentially raid it and steal a map detailing the trade routes, allowing us to intercept the ships before they harmed more of our habitats.

“Thank you!” I exclaimed. “I’m meeting with the Queen and my Commander later today, and I’d like you to come. I have an idea, and I think you’re going to play a key role in my plans.”

She sighed, still frowning. “I don’t really have a choice, do I?”

Smirking, I turned around and left her to bathe.

I retrievedher an hour or so later, and her mood had seemingly improved. Though she wasn’t exactly happy about plunging into the ocean right after she’d taken the time to wash. What a silly thing to fuss over.

This time, she didn’t need my direction in greeting the Queen. We entered the dark, extravagant throne room and she floated across the tile without my assistance. The Queen sat on her conch shell, looking regal and bored, and Commander Adri stood in his usual position to her left.

Hazel reached the foot of the dais before me, bowing her head at the perfect time, then standing up straight to face the Queen with a newfound sense of confidence.

It warmed my heart, just a little bit. Something had awakened inside her, and that listless look in her eyes that longed for the release of death was gone. Instead, there was a glint of hope, an ember of determination, and seeing it brought me a strange sense of satisfaction.

“What brings you here together, I must ask,” The Queen started, eyeing us both with amusement.

“I’d like to propose a mission, Your Highness,” I said. “Based on information provided by Miss Emerson, I believe we have a new angle with which to weaken Emerson’s fleet.”

“I’m listening,” she replied, and Commander Adri nodded for me to continue.

“For as long as I’ve been a part of the Talassi Warriors, we’ve struggled to pinpoint where Lord Emerson is at any given time. Miss Emerson has knowledge of what specific ships he sails on, and she believes she knows the general routes he takes. According to her, he should be passing through waters south of us in a week or so. With your blessing,we’ll call on The Nayte Brigand and ambush his ship. Once aboard, we’ll raid his quarters and steal the routes for the rest of his fleet, which may lead us to Prince Inaki.”

“This is valuable information, indeed,” Commander Adri mumbled, and the Queen nodded.

“Have at it, Captain,” she said with a grin. “You can take a team of Talassi, but you must bring Miss Emerson with you.”

“Pardon?” I asked, confused. She’d only learned how to use her gills yesterday. She’d be a hindrance to a team of trained Talassi warriors! Not to mention she’d be indanger, especially if we were involving the Naytes. They were our allies in a way, as our mutual dislike for the humans led us to build a tenuous respect for each other, but as a band of pirates who resided amongst the depths, they weren’t exactly known for being kind or welcoming towards newcomers, especially humans.

“She may be lying, so bring her along. That way, she has every reason to tell the truth,” The Queen finished, and unfortunately, she was right.

“You’re right, Your Highness,” Hazel said, her voice louder and clearer than I’d ever heard her speak. “I’m not lying, but I’m happy to prove my allegiance to the Talassi.”

I sighed, trying not to show my irritation, but there was nothing left for me to say. The Queen dismissed us as quickly as she’d received us, and we exited the throne room in a haste, en route to plan an extraction.

23

HAZEL

Iworked with Cordelia throughout the next week or so, testing my gills in the washroom pool until she was confident I would be able to use them in the open water. On the last day, she took me out in the open water for a swim above the city, and an immense sense of pride bloomed in my chest when she congratulated me upon our return to my chambers. I no longer needed Draya’s air pockets to breathe. Instead, I was able to use the vitality within the water to keep myself alive.

Draya and another warrior met me the following morning, or at least what I assumed was morning. It was still quite difficult for me to measure time in my chambers.

“Hazel,” Draya began. “This is Maki, he’s a warrior, just like me. You’ll be travelling with him today. We’re set to leave in about an hour.”

Maki was in his human form, like Draya, but that was where the similarities between the two men ended. Draya was olive-toned beauty shrouded in shadows, while Maki had paler skin covering his tall, lean body. Tousled blondestrands swept over his forehead, and a sparkle glinted in his bright blue eyes as he dipped his head with a grin.

“Hello, Hazel,” he said. “This ought to be quite the adventure.”