The charcoal drawing is smudged in places as if it has been rubbed over and over. But the constellation tugs at somethingin my mind. There’s one larger star in the middle and on either side are six descending stars.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a constellation quite like it before, but it’s familiar all the same. A clatter of doors slamming and boots thudding on the stairs has me stuffing the drawing back in the drawer and pulling a blank parchment out.
I bite down on my lip as guilt crawls through me. I shouldn’t be snooping.
Lachlan leans against the doorframe as I write to Mina. His head grazes the wooden beam.
“Ye ‘bout done? We’re docking.”
His arms cross over his chest, and the muscles of his forearm ripple as he relaxes. A memory of us as children springs to mind. Him lifting me up high over his head to pick the sweeter berries. When he had lowered me back to the ground, I had to crane my neck to look at his face. That was the first time I realized how handsome he was. I feel myself slipping deeper into the memory, flashes of buttery light, and emerald green eyes.
“Key—ye okay?” He asks, a shadow falling over his face as he frowns.
I shake my head, forcing myself out of the memory and into the present.
“Yeah—just about. I’ll be right up.”
I look down at what I’ve written to Mina so far and sigh.
Mina—
Closing my eyes, I hear Lachlan’s footsteps as he trudges back up the stairs before I try again.
Mina—we’ve restored magic to Scota and we’re docking in Ishtar now.
How are you? Any news on your crystal yet? How is my home?
I miss you and I’ll see you soon.
All my love, Lena
Oh, and if you find the crystal, leave it alone until I get there!
After blowing the ink dry, I fold it in half much the same way I did Mathilda’s, and then head back onto the deck. Evander is perched on the stack of crates I had my lunch at and he pecks at the leftover berries and cheeses. Lachlan stands beside him, watching him eat with a humorous expression. Evander stops eating as I approach and walks to the edge of the crate.
“One is for Mathilda, and the other is for Mina.”
He snatches the letters from my hands, and I chuckle. “Thank you, Evander.”
My heart aches as he flies away with my letters. I miss them all, terribly, and I can’t wait to get back.
Our boat slows even further as it pulls up alongside the wooden dock. Thick ropes are cast off the side to the waiting deckhands below and then tied to the moorings. A gangplank lowers and Lachlan extends his arm in offering.
“My queen,” he murmurs, leaning in close to whisper in my ear. “Ye look beautiful.”
I look up into his face, highlighted by the many glowing lanterns alongside the dock, in time to see it fall.
“I’m so sorry,” he breathes.
My face twists in confusion as his falls deeper into shadow.
“Your Majesty,” Ashur calls as he drops into a sweeping bow. “It’s an honor to have you here.”
Lachlan leads me to where he waits, his steps rigid and tense.My own legs feel stilted, growing accustomed to steady land. I cast my eyes around us to better understand Lachlan’s trepidation, but I see no reason for his apology.
“Ashur,” I reply. “Always a pleasure. Thank you for having us.”
The smell of the city erupts around me. Fresh spices like turmeric, cumin, and saffron wash over me and I inhale, enjoying their aroma. The buildings are a collection of smooth clay and large red stones with arched timber doorways.
