Page 40 of The Stolen Crown

Leave me be.

Never did I imagine such a simple command could draw out the sharpest pain. By the hells, when I rushed away to the galley to cower in a corner, I peeked beneath my bodice to inspect the place over my heart, certain there was a blackened bruise forming on my flesh.

Unity with sea fae was ever-growing. It had not been so many months since Erik Bloodsinger had knelt before Valen Ferus, pleading for his enemy’s aid in finding Livia. An act that took us all by stun. Not to mention, the earth fae were still grappling with new alliances with the elven since Jonas Eriksson took vows with Skadi.

Alliances. Enemies. Peace treaties. Love. Vows.

Good gods, my head still felt as though it were spinning off my neck with everything that had changed in so short a time.

A decade of sordid memories of Sea Folk, of the pain that had infected my immediate family from the actions of that villainous man who led them to our shores, and Tait Heartwalker simply expected me to be…at peace with it all in months?

What an insufferable bastard.

He spoke mighty words, but no mistake, Tait likely felt as unsettled as I did with everything that had unraveled in his kingdom. Not only did the Sea Folk have a queen for the first time in their history, but Tait’s cousin, the man he insisted was his sole focus, now seemed to care only for Livia.

I huffed and let my head fall back against the damp wall of the ship. The hull rocked and swayed enough to lurch the meager meal we’d had on deck.

Rough seas. One more aggravation for the night.

I swallowed and closed my eyes, attempting the few tricks to soothe the stomach that Maj taught me on our longships when we sailed between kingdoms back home. I removed the small vial from a pouch sewn into my dress. I kept one whenever we set sail, never wanting to let on how weak my insides could be on the tides.

With my small finger, I dabbed a bit of the sweet mint oil on my upper lip. Deep breaths through the nose, enough to expand the whole of my chest.

Little by little, the discomfort settled. Pity, for my thoughts ran back to the man at the helm.

How dare he accuse me of resentments when he could hardly find the strength to properly greet an earth fae without a scowl! I had few doubts his anger at me likely came because he still harbored hatred but wanted to shove his own shortcomings onto someone else.

Then again, he did nearly give his life for Livia.

More swaying on the tides. More oil under my nose. More inhales.

The tale of how Tait lunged in front of a deadly blade to keep Livia from the hands of Larsson Bonekeeper was one of the first confessions she offered after we’d found her. There was no question Tait would risk it all again to defend the Ever King and his heart.

Why?

Sway. Oil. Breath.

Did he offer up his life for the new Ever Queen merely out of twisted duty toward his cousin? Was he bound to do so through the strange blood bonds found on the Ever Ship?

It couldn’t be because Tait actually cared.

I shook my head. What did it matter? The man had made his desires known well enough. I would leave him be without trouble.

When we reached the Royal City, I would tell Livia to command someone delightful like Nightseer or Boneseer to escort me to and from the sea kingdom.

“He’s simply horrid,” I murmured to the darkness.

“Well, stomach me a little longer. Storm’s here. Time to lock you up, Vicious.”

My belly twisted violently, and not from the jerking ship. Tait stood in the doorway of the galley, honey-red eyes burning. In three strides, he crossed the space, took hold of my elbow, and dragged me to my feet.

“Beg your pardon, Captain.” I tore my elbow from his grip. “That is hardly the way to handle a visiting royal.”

“Begging your pardon, Lady,” he practically spat. “But I’d rather insult your snobbery than have you split your royal skull from falling on my decks or, worse, overboard.”

“And here I thought you would cry tears of delight should the sea swallow me up.”

“Keep speaking and who knows? I might meet your expectations.”