I hesitate. “No. Not yet.”
“She’s a pretty little thing,” he says softly. “What I saw of her anyway between the flashes of lightning. She deserves a name just as pretty.”
I pause, then reply quietly, “I’ll do my best.”
And with that, I shut the door.
I make my way above deck, the salty air biting at my skin like a harsh slap, but somehow it’s exactly what I need to shake me from the fog of my thoughts.
“Princess,” Orios calls as he drops from the mast, landing with a quiet grace that contradicts the share size of him. “It’s good to see you again.”
“And you,” I smile. “You look… bigger.”
He grins, the movement quick and easy. “Perhaps.”
“I’m grateful to you and Solena,” I say. “It couldn’t have been an easy choice to go on this journey with Daed.”
“It was the easiest decision I’ve ever made,” he replies without hesitation, his voice steady and sure. “I go where my prince goes,” he gives a deep bow. “And where my princess needs me.”
Before I can respond, Reon approaches, his copper hair glinting like fire.
“Princess Amara,” he says with a wry smile. “I feel like we’ve never met under anything less than chaotic circumstances.” He takes my hand, bows and then straightens.
“I’m thankful to you as well,” I say, my voice sincere.
“Don’t forget me,” Zyphoro calls from across the deck, leaning casually against the railing. “I do enjoy the attention.”
I smirk at her, knowing full well that she’s not joking.
“I’m surprised you and Daed haven’t torn each other apart,” I remark.
“It’s been touch and go,” she sighs dramatically. “But I’ve returned him to you, mostly unspoiled.”
Before I can form a response, she throws her arms around me in a bone-crushing hug that steals the air from my lungs. Then shakes me as though I’m little more than a ragdoll.
“I’m so glad you’re not dead,” she exclaims, her voice muffled against my shoulder.
I frown, catching my breath. “Me too.”
When she finally lets go, I can still feel the pressure of her hands on my shoulders.
“So,” she says, eyes twinkling with mischief. “Do I get to meet my niece yet? Can’t wait to teach her how to use a dagger.”
“Zyphoro,” I sigh, but it’s mostly in fond exasperation.
“No, no,” she counters, shaking her head. “You’re right. She shouldn’t rely on a weapon. Throttling someone with her bare hands, now that’s a true skill and Aunty Zyph is an excellent teacher.”
I stifle a laugh. “Perhaps we wait until she can walk?”
Zyphoro frowns, disappointed. “Fine. But when she’s attacked in her crib, you’ll wish she’d learned to defend herself.”
I can’t help but glance toward the cabin where Solena and Daed are. I try to dismiss the thought, but Zyphoro notices immediately.
“They’re doing it for his own good,” she says with a knowing look, crossing her arms. “To keep him out of Gygarth’s reach. But it won’t work forever. Soon, it won’t matter at all.”
“Then I’ll pull him back to me, like I’ve done before,” I reply firmly.
“For the rest of your life?” Zyphoro’s eyebrow arches, her tone skeptical. “Seems like a waste of a human lifespan.”
