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I take a hesitant step forward. Riden doesn’t budge. At the bed, I put my hands in his pockets, trying to find the key. Still he doesn’t stir. I find it quickly. Then I’m at the doors, stepping outside, closing them behind me.
Tonight is the first night I can scour the ship uninterrupted. All the men are ashore, save three. And I’ve rendered those unconscious. I abandon my orderly search in favor of tearing through the deck. Normally there are lookouts wandering about, and tonight might be my only chance to get free rein of the deck. I search deep into the night until I hear splashing water and laughing men. Some have returned to finally sleep off their celebrating.
Though my eyes strain with the effort it takes to keep them open, I’m disappointed I won’t find the map tonight.
I’m getting close, though. And that’s enough for now.
Chapter 9
ITRYTOSLEEPon the floor when I return, I really do. But after so many nights spent on the cold, wooden floor of my cell, Riden’s bed is too inviting. Even with him in it.
Besides, he’s asleep. He stayed out of it the entire time I searched the deck. He won’t wake if I just sidle up there on the end.
I barely fit in the space. I can feel the heat pouring into me from Riden’s back. He’s awfully warm. I don’t think he needs that blanket.
So I snatch it and return the key to his breeches before drifting off.
***
My first thought when I wake is that I’m sowarm. I’m wrapped in it, like I’ve been trapped inside a large, heated cocoon. It feels so good, I lie there with my eyes closed. I don’t care where I am or what I’m doing. This is too pleasant to ruin by doing something as rigorous as moving.
I feel lips on my forehead. Now someone’s nuzzling my neck.
“You stole my blanket, Alosa,” a voice whispers in my ear.
I should know that voice, but I’m still addled by sleep.
“That’s all right. I don’t mind sharing. You kept me plenty warm last night.”
“Mmm” is all I say in response.
“This is fun, but we have to get up. You’ve got work to do today.”
“Stop talking.”
He laughs softly. A hand brushes my hair back from my face. “I love this hair. Fiery red. Just like your spirit.”
My eyes snap open at last. Riden’s rolled halfway onto me, his head propped up in his left hand. His right one is still playing with my hair.
I roll off the bed and land hard on the floor. “Ow.” I’m standing a moment later. “What are you doing?”
“Well,Iwas sleeping inmybed. Don’t know what you were doing. However did you manage to climb into the bed without waking me?”
“Must’ve walked in my sleep.”
“I’m sure.”
I rub at my eyes and straighten my clothes.
“No need for that,” he says. “I’m sure no one will get the wrong impression when you walk out of here.”
“Indeed,” I say, clenching my teeth. But as I look around the room, my mood brightens. “Should we show them what I’ve done with the place?”
Riden sits up, winces. “About that. I’ve decided we’ve been wasting your potential, what with the way we’ve been keeping you locked up in that cell all the time. You’ve got too much energy for escaping and wreaking havoc in my room. I think it’s time we put your skills to use.”
“What does that mean?”
“You’ll see. I’ll be back in a moment.” He dons a shirt and boots before leaving. A cold burst of air enters the room as the door opens. That’s enough to wake me all the way.
