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“On the contrary,” says Captain Blakemore. His eyes don’t leave mine. “I sense that Miss Cade understands quite a bit.”
“Finding more medicine shouldn’t be a matter ofnegotiation,” I say hotly.
“No,” Corrick agrees. “It shouldn’t.” His jaw is tight, and I can’t tell if it’s anger at Allisander or concern over what the captain is offering. Likely both.
“Your Majesty,” says Laurel. “Surely you have considered that this could be a trick or a ruse.”
“Why would I need to trick you?” says Captain Blakemore. “Ostriary has more than enough Moonflower to offer as fair trade. Put us back on the ship and I’ll fetch more to prove it.” He glances at the end of the table again. “But it would take me several weeks. Possibly a month or more. From these conversations, I sense you’re rather desperate.”
“We are,” I say. “Besides,” I add determinedly, thinking of the way the prince fetched me from the confectioner’s, “who else are you going to trust to inspect their supply?”
Corrick hesitates, and I know I’ve got him.
But then I glance across the table sheepishly. “Ah … if I’minvited.” If I call him Rian, I think Corrick might actually catch on fire, so I say, “Captain Blakemore.”
He smiles, and a light of true amusement flickers in his eyes. He’s no fool himself. “I would be honored, Miss Cade.”
“If we accept your offer,” says Harristan, “I will assemble a team of sailors to accompany you.”
At that, Rian looks up. “No.”
Harristan’s eyebrows go up.
“As you are amenable toterms,” Rian continues, “I’ll place one restriction: no sailors, no navigators. One ship: mine. You’ve already indicated a worry about contagion—and Ostriary’s king is still dealing with a strained court. Their people are recovering from war. If you are able to reach a point of accord with their king, I will happily teach your shipmen to navigate the open sea beyond the southern point. But until then, I will not be responsible for bringing the naval forces of a potential rival into the waters of Ostriary.”
Harristan says nothing for a long moment … but then he coughs.
I glance over in alarm. So does everyone else at the table.
It’s only one cough, brief and brought under control readily. Harristan casts a briefly annoyed glance at Corrick, who looks ready to spring out of his chair.
The captain watches all of this, then spreads his hands. “I understand your hesitation,” he says. “If you would prefer that I return with a letter, or a request, it would be my pleasure.”
Harristan considers, then glances at Corrick. “We’ll discuss your offer, Captain Blakemore.” He pauses. “If not sailors, I will send guards with my people. You cannot expect less than that.”
Rian nods. “Understood.”
“If Miss Cade will be in attendance, I would like to sail as well,” Laurel says from the end of the table.
“You can’t beserious,” Allisander says in a rush.
“I am,” she says. “I would like to be privy to these negotiations, to ensure fair trade is maintained.”
“Captain,” says Marchon, and the quartermaster’s raspy voice draws the attention of everyone at the table. “TheDawn Chaseris not a passenger ferry. We have limited quarters and staff.”
“Indeed,” says Rian. He looks at Harristan. “I’ll limit your number to six. Including guards.”
“Twelve,” says the king.
“Six.” When Harristan frowns, the captain adds, “This is not a negotiation. I’m thinking of the safety of my crewandyour people, Your Majesty.”
He’s so resolute. So principled. It’s a bit fascinating when compared to the king, who’s been forced to negotiate and cajole to maintain control. When compared to Corrick, who’s been forced tokillto maintain control.
Then again, Captain Blakemore has a ship and a small crew. Harristan and Corrick have a whole country overrun by illness and desperation.
“I’ll step aside in favor of more guards.” I glance at Corrick. “Or … whatever you think you’ll need.”
His eyes are ice blue, but they thaw when he looks at me. “I haven’t agreed to go at all, yet.”
