Iann releases a steady breath and takes a flower next. His eyes lighting up like he’s holding the most precious thing in his hands.
We give it a few minutes. Waiting for the island to swallow us whole and punish us for stealing, but nothing happens.
With no disaster having ensued, everyone takes a turn selecting a flower. Whether it will be something they consume, keep, or trade is a discussion for another time.
“Imagine how great this could make Saden.” Deean reaches for another flower. “We’d be an unstoppable kingdom.”
“And who wants that?” Vera places hers and Sky’s flower in his bag. “The rules are clear. One flower each.”
Iann grips his brother’s hand. “She’s right. Whatever you’re feeling is the flower talking, and I would not like to find out what Kialeric has in store for a punishment.”
Deean holds up both hands, surrendering. “Fine.”
“Sallen is waiting,” Iann shouts to us all. “Let’s meet him at the shore and get the hell off Farella Isle, before Queen Cayleen or Morrena sends people after us.”
He leans in close, his arm brushing mine. “Are you ready to see my home?”
My heart flutters from the idea of it all, his touch alone is enough to send me spiraling, but knowing I’ll be on a newadventure after just experiencing this one has me thinking my heart might explode.
“I’m ready to follow you anywhere.” I lock my hand in his and don’t let go until we reach Sallen’s ship.
34
IANN
It takes us five days to cross the Graying Sea. We move into familiar waters, my body knowing every wave as if they are old friends. The air brings back a million memories and once we hit a crystalline shore, my fear dissolves like foam out on the surf.
Saden.
Green flags wave at the shoreline, banners rippling with the breeze, and Saden soldiers have lined the beach with tents.
Marcel or my father must have sent them, expecting our arrival, and I wonder how long they have been camped here.
“That’s Saden?” Ariah holds on to my arms as I wrap her in a bear hug and rest my head on her shoulder as we stare out at my home.
“I’ve been to hundreds of places”—Benny takes a swig from the flask Deean hands him—“but nothing compares to Saden.”
Vera peers through a spyglass. “It’s nice, but I’ve seen better. Like the orchards near Plumming or the Fields of Evertaum in Haymel. You boys are going to have to show us more than this to impress us.”
Chana gives her arm a push and snatches the spyglass from her. She only looks and never comments on whether it’s the most beautiful sight she’s ever seen, though I suspect for her Ethmay would win every time.
“So, what now?” Sky leans against the post. “We are free from Queen Cayleen and yet we can’t go home. What are we to do?”
“King Marcel will grant you pardons,” Deean answers before I get the chance. “You’ll be declared allies and then you’ll have the freedom to choose what you do next. You can stay or you can make new lives elsewhere. That’s why you all left Haymel, isn’t it?”
They silently take in his words, letting them truly sink in. They’ve been searching for freedom for years and finally have it back.
“And what will you do?” I say low enough so others won’t hear, and apply a kiss to Ariah’s temple. My lips are pillowed by dozens of curls.
Her gaze hasn’t left the shoreline. “I’m going to see what my parents want.” She takes another minute. “But I think I would really like to stay. Or go with you on your next trip.”
“Another crew member. First Benny and Deean, and now you.”
She spins so she can rest her head on my chest. “You think I would stay behind while you have all the fun? Didn’t I say I’m following you anywhere? You are going to be so sick of me, you’d wish you left me back in Haymel.”
“Not possible.” If everyone wasn’t on deck right now, I’d ravish her. Trail every inch of her being until it’s embedded in my mind, I don’t want to forget a thing about her.
Trumpets cry out and we watch the people prepare for our rival. Just when the day couldn’t get better, four figures emerge from the grandest tent. My father, mother, Marcel, and Gran wave us on as the ship comes in.
