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She settled her hand on top of his against the chill railing and made herself stare into those fathomless blue eyes. “Don’t be here with me to make amends. Be here because you want to be. I don’t desire retribution from you, only your friendship, if you have it to give.”
His eyes moved back and forth searching her eyes for something. She wasn’t sure if he found what he was looking for, but he raised the hand she had rested on his, and pressed it gently to his lips. “Of course,” he said.
He released her hand and they went back to facing the sea and their thoughts. It wasn’t long before their hands rested together again on the railing, finding comfort in each other’s nearness.
Wren didn’t know how many hours passed in this way, but she did know that this choice she was making felt like the right one.
Chapter 42
WrenawoketoSophiestaring at her unabashedly. After Kai and she had said casual good nights to each other, she had wandered back to their cabin feeling more relaxed and calm than she had before. That feeling seemed to wither as she faced the acute stare of the woman in front of her.
“Good morning, your death-defying goddess princess person.” She smiled wickedly.
Wren grinned back. “That’s quite the title, do you think people will struggle to recall it?”
The women giggled, and Wren was reminded of the choices she would need to make.
“I want to tell you what happened,” she said quietly, but with confidence.
Sophie immediately sat up, eager to hear her story if she was willing to tell it. Wren regaled her with everything that happened from the time Wesley convinced her to leave and even what happened on the ship. Her voice broke when she recalled with perfect clarity his betrayal and how it felt for his dagger to slide into her belly.
Sophie listened with rapt horror and offered her friend reassurance or sympathy when appropriate. It was easiest to tell her about what Lucius had revealed to her about her power being broken into thirds and that she held one of those pieces of her power.
When she finished telling her everything that happened, Sophie furrowed her brow. “If I awakened one part of your power, then I suppose you are welcome.”
Wren grinned at the mischief in her friend’s brief smile.
“His Royal Ass woke the other, then who woke the last one.”
Wren smiled at her, knowing that she would be pleased with the answer. Sophie did light up at that and gave her a wicked grin. Before she could say whatever shameful thing her grin indicated, Wren held up a hand to stay her. “I am not ready to tell him, Sophie.” Sophie deflated a little bit at the statement, but also nodded that she would respect her decision.
“If I could erase anything from my mind, I would first erase what we saw when we entered that inn. Next I would erase the image I can’t stop seeing of him holding you.” Sophie closed her eyes tightly as if she could force the memory to stay away. “We both felt responsible, but I think something broke in him and I don’t even think having you back can heal it. It’s as if his light has dimmed.” She turned her head and Wren caught sight of a tear falling down her beautiful, tanned cheek.
“None of us will ever be the same, Soph. But that doesn’t have to be an entirely terrible thing. We are wiser than we were before and we will use that wisdom to set right the wrongs the king, the Bishop, and Wesley have set into motion.” Wren laid a comforting hand on Sophie’s shoulder and the other woman looked back at her, smiling sadly.
Sophie had had the forethought to gather a few things of Wren’s before they set sail and so Wren was able to wear one of her simple pale green silk dresses. Wren was tempted to borrow one of Sophie’s pants and shirts combo that were much more freeing upon a rocking ship. Indeed, Sophie did look more able to maneuver as they made their way to the dining room from last night. Sophie tossed a piece of fruit to Wren who eagerly sank her teeth into its soft flesh, the strong smell of citrus filling her senses.
She grinned at Sophie who also enjoyed the first taste of the juicy fruit. They laughed and made their way to the deck where the sun was shining bright and the breeze flew by them caressing their free skin. Wren thought, not for the first time, that she could do ship life.
Something about the sea called to her with its passionate display of waves and stormy nights, but also its calm and serenity with small constant waves. Stirring her from her reverie, she saw the captain and a remarkably commanding and intimidating man standing next to her.
Amelia met her eyes and began walking towards her and Sophie. The deck was filled with far more people than the previous night, but each of them gave way to their Captain. The man followed slightly behind Amelia and said something that Wren could not make out over the rush of the sea and wind. The Captain gave a smirk to whatever it was, but did not respond.
“Good morning, Miss Blackwood. Miss Daugherty.” She nodded to each of them in turn, and to her surprise, Sophie rolled her eyes. If Amelia noticed the gesture, she did not say anything. “I would like to introduce you to my first mate, Alexander Adler.”
The hulking man gave a slight nod to Wren and she was once again struck by his commanding presence. He was easily the tallest man she had ever seen. His black hair was in a neat bun on top of his head and he wore a simple combination of a fitted shirt and trousers. The outfit certainly left little to the imagination on the status of how muscular he was.
“It is an honor to meet you, Mr. Adler,” she said, trying not to show how intimidated she felt by his presence.
“Alexander, please.” His voice was just as deep as she expected. She smiled at him, appreciating his friendly gesture.
“How long till we arrive?” interjected Sophie impatiently.
“This evening, likely just after sundown,” answered Amelia, who turned her gaze to Sophie. Sophie did not seem bothered by the woman’s attention. “Miss Daugherty, I wondered if you might accompany me to look over a few things in preparation for our return to port.”
Sophie gave a strange laugh, but followed the other woman giving Wren a small wave as she went. Wren was uncomfortably aware that she was alone with Alexander who loomed over her. He gestured to the side of the deck where they could look out at the ocean. Not having a reasonable excuse to remove herself from the situation, she obeyed.
“The captain informed me of your story,” he said matter-of-factly. “I wanted to simply tell you that it is an honor to have you aboard this vessel.”
