Page 36 of A Yulean Sister’s Guide to Getting Kidnapped

His jaw tightened. “No, I didn’t. On a ship they just might be a bit… cumbersome.”

“I’ll be just fine, thank you.”

“Whatever you say.”

“Now what?” I asked.

“My crew is getting ready to set sail,” he said. “Should only be a few days journey to our first stop.”

“To your… friend?” I asked with curiosity.

“I wouldn’t call her that,” he said. “I don’t think anyone would call Maralda a friend. But no, we need to make a stop first.”

“I’m not here to run errands with you,” I said flatly.

The corner of his mouth ticked, as if he might… smirk? Surely not. But that twitch was gone just as quick as it arrived.

“It’s not just an errand,” he assured. “We only have so many supplies, and with the need to get going now, we need to stop on our way there to make sure we’re stocked up.”

“Fine,” I agreed, as if I had any say in the matter.

“Thanks for your permission,” he snarked, “but don’t worry, we’ll get that off and you back to your lavish parties in no time.”

Annoyance crept in. “I do more than go to parties,” I huffed.

“Like what?” he asked.

“I—” It took me a moment. “I take care of my garden.”

The amused look on his face made me want to punch him. “I see, so lots of responsibilities.”

I felt like I was about to hit the roof. No one talked to me like that. “And what do you do?” I snapped. “Seems like a lot of nothing while your crew does all the real work.”

I was hoping to wipe that amusement off his face, but I only seemed to spark it further.

“Nonsense, I’ve been put on princess duty,” he said. “Have to make sure you don’t run off.”

“To where?” I rolled my eyes. “The ocean?”

The reminder made my stomach churn.

Don’t think about it.

Don’t think about it.

Don’t think about it.

My eldest sister’s words rang in my head. That was her answer to everything. If one just ignored the discomfort, eventually it would stop feeling so uncomfortable. And in a way she was right, when I was distracted, usually by some kind of company. But when I was alone I couldn’t just… push it from my mind the way she seemed to think I should. Maybe it was some kind of moral failing, I couldn’t be sure. At least for the time being I did have a distraction right in front of me.

He shrugged. “Who knows. I also need to give you your assignment, right?”

My brows furrowed. “My what?”

“Assignment,” he said. “We agree you’re not a captive, right?”

I crossed my arms. I wasn’t sure I was ready to fully admit that, but I nodded, knowing, deep down, I willingly agreed to this mess.

“Great, well, unless you’re in the brig, you’re assigned a job. No one sleeps or eats for free on the Violet Ghost.”