Page 52 of The Stolen Crown

Tait Heartwalker had nightmares, and it left me curious and a little heartbroken on his stoic behalf. Doubtless should I confess the truth of it, he would find a way to sleep across the isle.

I rose once I was convinced he might get some decent sleep. No sense in wasting time sitting about worrying. The sooner we got off this damn island, the sooner I’d be back to the comforts of the Royal City, laughing with Livia and Celine, and Tait might find peace in his own bedchamber.

Clearly, Tait did not see the merit in my plan.

Air in this corner of the Far Seas was heavier and wetter than in the Ever Kingdom. Shortly after waking, my skirt grew so burdensome I tied the hem of it in a knot between my thighs like a makeshift pair of trousers.

When I shifted to look down at Tait, my hair stuck to the side of my neck, curling on the ends. “These trees have a strange sort of moss. See it hanging there like weaver webs?” I used my chin to gesture at a strand. “It’s coarse, almost like a husk. I would bet my life that if we braid it, we could use it for rope.”

“Get. Your ass. Down.”

Rude. “Did you not hear me? We can find uses for it.”

“I bleeding heard you, Mira.” Tait pressed a palm to the tree, like he might begin his own climb. “Get down.”

“No, I’m already here.” I reached for the upper branch again. “But I do love how you say my name.”

Mumbled words—no doubt several curses—slid over his tongue. “You’re going to break your neck.”

“And if you go on without a smile, your face will permanently remain locked in a scowl. I suppose we all must gauge the risks of our own lives.”

“Bleeding stubborn woman. Get down.” There was a touch of frenzy in his words. More of that control he craved slipping. Gods, he did not always need to be in command. There was something to be said about working together. I did not understand his reluctance.

“You’ll need to come up here and make me.” I glanced down and winked as salaciously as possible. “Can’t say I’d protest.”

His eyes burned like a distant flame. It was delightsome to aggravate Tait Heartwalker. One day he was going to learn that the more he let on that I carved under his skin, the more I would taunt him. It would be a dreary day indeed, for the taunts would not be nearly as satisfying.

“It is too high,” he said. “And the branches are too narrow. One slip and you’re gone.”

“There are times”—I grunted and pulled myself one branch higher—“when your concern is flattering. Now, however, you are free to cease treating me like an incompetent little at any time. The sooner the better.”

“Mira, godsdammit!” Tait speared his fingers into his hair. “I need you to get down.”

Need? “Tait, this is potential rope we need. My idea has merit.”

“I never said it didn’t.” His jaw worked. “Can’t you see the branches are too thin?”

There was no denying the branches overhead were not as thick as the great oak trees back home, but they were sturdy enough to hold heavy wax leaves and thick strands of this odd moss without drooping.

“Mira, let me do it.”

“No.” I blinked, a sting of emotion burning behind my eyes. Gods, how grateful I was that Tait would not be able to see it from such a distance.

Perhaps Tait needed to dictate how we were to survive, but I needed this. I could do this.

Most people in my life complimented me for my bright countenance, my laughter, my sweetness. It was no secret that folk thought of me as a dainty princess who took pleasure from silks and revels.

What the hells was wrong with all that? And who was to say enjoying the brighter things in life meant I could not be of value in battle, could not be of value in saving us from being stranded on some godsforsaken island?

I returned to my climb.

Another curse rolled up the tree from below, and I ignored the scuff of his boots over sand, ignored the sound of Tait heaving himself into the branches after me. Let him follow. This was my plan, and I had the spine to see it through.

Tait freed a grumble of annoyance. “You’re being a bleeding fool, trying to prove something you’ve no damn business proving. Now, sit still and wait for me.”

“Do not even try it, Hearttalker. I’ve now determined I shall thrash and scream should you touch me. Then, if I should see the Ever King again, I’ll inform him that you caused me a great deal of distress.” I peered over my shoulder again. “I’ll cry to Livie, I swear I will.”

Tait’s eyes flashed in a red fury that might’ve caused a great deal of delight if I was not so horridly high off the ground. “You think your threat holds more power than the risk of a flighty glamour fae princess with a broken neck?”