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She smirked. “You do not have a choice if you want my money.”
The playful way in which her eyes danced as she spoke, relieved the coldness in the air around us. The woman was a spitfire.
Folding the parchment to return it to her, I stopped before it touched her hands. Pulling it back, I inspected the wax seal. It was only a portion of it, but it could be just the thing we needed.
“You had a clue all along, it would seem, Lady Lilstrum.” I smiled as I lightly touched the seal before turning it in my hands and holding it up to her eyes. “I may be but a poor lowly captain, but I do know that each pirate has a seal, a trademark if you will. It’s a boastful sort of thing, but it exists. I have never set eyes on Silverthorne’s mark myself, but every crest is recorded, and kept, as well as any official documents, continuing known whereabouts, addresses, confidants…” I trailed off and spun the small piece of parchment in my hand before setting it on Ainsley’s palm.
“But this isn’t a seal in its entirety,” she said, clearly trying to keep her excitement at bay.
I flicked my finger under her chin. “But it would be enough to inquire at the royal archives.”
“The royal archives?” she questioned.
“Aye. The Hall of Knowledge. We’re but half a day's journey from there now.” My smile grew larger as realization dawned on Ainsley’s face. All was not lost. Not quite yet.
She grabbed at my hand in excitement, and a spark of electricity zipped up my arm. I flinched and withdrew my hand from hers. She looked on in horror at my action and then down at her own hands.
“Killian, I-I,” she stammered.
I couldn’t help but let out a bark of laughter. Rek was right. We needed to do something to channel her magic, since she was much too new, with little to no control to speak of.
“Let’s see if we can’t find a way to keep us all safe so that we can make it there first. I’ve got an idea. If you’ll trust me.” I held my hand out to Ainsley, praying she’d take it. I wanted to test how much faith she had put in me in our short time together. If she were smart, she’d be wary, but, if she were savvy, she’d take my hand instantly.
Instead, the fiery woman swiftly brushed her hair over her shoulder and nudged me with the side of her hip. “Do I have a choice?” She winked. She bloody winked. “Lead on, Captain.”
