“Ki!” she squeaks. “As ifthatwon’t draw attention.”
“I don’t mind everyone here knowing who you belong to.”
The pretty flush of her cheeks makes me want to pull her into my arms and devour her mouth, but if public displays of affection are not her thing, I’m not going to push it.
“As far as your powers . . .” I consider. “If we find Kyros, perhaps you can ask him about them.”
Her eyes brighten at the idea, but the way she chews on her lip makes me realize she’s as nervous about this final trek as I am.
“I hope we find him. He keeps haunting my dreams in his lion form. It’s a little disconcerting.”
I pull her into my side and enjoy the simple comfort I’m able to provide as she relaxes into me. “We’ll have answers soon,” I reassure her. “Now, let’s find a boat!”
Alex and I decide to split up while Rae and Sera scope out lodging for the night if needed. Best to be prepared.
I take one side of the docks and approach a fisherman, enjoying the soothing sound of water lapping against the wooden structure.
“Good afternoon, sir,” I start amicably.
“What do you want?” he grumbles as he fixes one of his nets.
“I was hoping I might be able to purchase passage to one of the isles,” I reply, not so subtly jingling my coin purse, hoping it will be enough to tempt him.
He looks up at me, as if trying to figure out who I am. “Which isle are ya lookin’ to visit?” he asks.
I pull a rolled map from my pocket and show him. “A few friends and I would like to visit Liial. Is it far?”
The man blanches, pushing the map out of his face rather aggressively. “No one goes there. The isle is cursed,” he says with a shudder.
“What do you mean, cursed?” I frown.
“Exactly what I said—cursed. You won’t find a boat in this village willing to take you there,” he spits out.
I tilt my head, looking at his vessel, wondering if Alex and I could handle it on our own. “Would you be open to selling your boat?” I inquire.
“This is my living,” he replies. “Nothing you could possibly offer would be worth that.”
I roll my eyes. Clearly he doesn’t realize I’m a prince of the realm. Surely a small fortune to build a new one and provide for his family in the meantime would be enough.
I’m just about to offer before he shoos me away. “Be gone with ye. I want nothing to do with this,” he barks out.
Well, shit.
I’m shut down by each and every fisherman I approach.
“That was a waste of my time,” Alex groans as we meet back in the town square.
“Ah, I see it went about as well for you as it did me.”
“What do you think they’re so afraid of?”
“I’m not sure, but it only makes me think we are actually on the right track.”
“I agree,” Alex says. “So . . . I guess we’re stealing a boat?”
The third tavernwe search is filled with clamorous noise and laughter and, thank the gods, Raelyn and Sera. Rickety tables and mismatched chairs fill the space, and spirits are high.
Rae spots us and holds up a large tankard of ale in greeting, a grin stretching from ear to ear. “You made it!”
