Page 40 of A Yulean Sister’s Guide to Getting Kidnapped

He looked between Anne and I one last time before retreating.

“Let me show you where you can get everything,” Anne said, leading me further into the mess hall.

Breakfast was nothing special. A bowl of oats, some berries, and a drizzle of honey to make it all sweet. I also grabbed a bit of dried meat but wasn’t sure if I would like it.

Anne and I sat at a table in the corner, presumably where she came from earlier. My spoon pushed my food around. Now that the excitement of this morning was gone, my eyes began to droop.

“What time is it?” I asked.

“Quarter to six I’d say,” Anne answered quickly, just as enthusiastic as earlier. Who had that kind of energy at this time?

“Moons,” I said, scooping a bite into my mouth. It was good, just like what she brought me yesterday.

We ate in silence, which I didn’t mind, but I could tell Anne had some issues with.

“I like your dress,” she said.

“Thanks.”

A few moments passed.

“Have you ever… worked on a ship?”

I lifted a brow at her. “Does it seem like I have?”

She looked me over, as if it took her a minute to decide. “I guess not.”

After a few more moments… “You know, I hadn’t either, not before coming here at least. Though I’ve been here for a few months. Always been good with my tools though. Must have been what Captain saw in me.”

“Must have,” I agreed idly.

We finished after a few more anecdotes from Anne before she walked me up one flight of stairs. I was worried my promise was going to be broken, and I’d end up on the deck, but this ship was bigger than I thought.

There was another level, with similar winding halls and wood doors scattered around.

Another woman approached us. She had vibrant red hair tucked back into a braid and was tall, much taller than me.

“Quartermaster,” Anne greeted with a slight bow.

“Hello Anne,” she said, though she didn’t glance at her at all, her eyes kept firm on me. “Showing our stowaway around?”

“Yes, Captain asked me to.”

She nodded, obviously sizing me up, but I wasn’t sure why. I was obviously no match for her in any way.

“Finish up quickly,” she said. “I can’t afford to lose the set of hands. No dillydallying.”

“Will do!”

With one last glance, the quartermaster slipped by me and continued up the stairs.

Once she was gone, Anne’s entire frame relaxed.

“Who was that?” I asked.

“That’s Connie,” she said. “She’s second in command.”

“I see.” And she didn’t seem to like me very much.