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Wren blushed, surprised at the unexpected praise. “Thank you, that is very kind.”
“I was born and raised in Crishaven, and while perhaps the other two kingdoms have forgotten to respect the gods and the one who protected us, Crishaven does not forget. We honor your sacrifice still.” His voice spoke of devotion and she could see that he meant his words.
Wren felt uncomfortable knowing that it was not her, but some other form of herself that he praised. “I understand your sentiment, Alexander, but I should inform you that I have no real memory of being Serephina.” She said the words quietly, not wanting anyone working nearby to hear.
Alexander nodded in understanding, but said, “Perhaps not, but it is clear you carry her character and strength inside you not only by your actions, but in the way those close to you care for you.”
Wren looked up, shocked by his words. He didn’t even know her, but still his words moved her and she was grateful for them. She found words were difficult to speak as emotion welled in her and she set a hand to her stomach, willing it to settle.
“As I said, Your Highness, should you need anything while on this vessel or any other time, if the captain wills it I am at your disposal,” he said with conviction.
Desperate to change the topic and calm herself, Wren said, “The captain is a formidable woman.”
He smirked. “Indeed she is. It has been a great honor to serve under her for many years and gods willing many more.” Despite his large appearance that initially intimidated her, she found that his raw honesty and respect for those around him made her value him very much.
“Where will theGinsburggo after making port in Haradon?” she questioned. It was then that she spotted a pod of dolphins jumping and swimming in line with the ship and she squealed in delight, her dress twisting around her as she eagerly turned to have a better view.
“I have only ever read about dolphins in books! They are remarkable!” she exclaimed, pure delight welling deep within her. She eagerly watched the dolphins leap and bound, eager to keep pace with the ship. The sight quickly gave way to longing as she remembered how many nights she would curl up next to the fireplace with Georgie reading about the remarkable creatures before her. Now that she had a purpose in Valmere the hope of ever finding a way home was gone. She missed him so much her heart ached.
If Alexander noticed the change in her mood, he did not say. “They are majestic creatures to be sure, but also mischievous.”
Watching the dolphins, Wren became envious of their freedom to play and enjoy the sea at whim. It must be a very pleasant existence, she thought idly.
“As to the answer to your other question, we will remain in port and then go where Captain wills it. Good day, Your Highness.”
She turned towards him, surprised at his abrupt leaving, but she soon realized why he had taken his leave of her. Kai took Alexander’s place next to her, and she felt a strange stir in her stomach from his presence. He had pulled his hair up into a tight bun, likely to save him the trouble of the wind blowing it. Indeed it was quite an issue, as she was constantly having to pull her hair over her shoulder and tuck it behind her ears.
“I wanted to talk to you about what to expect when we get back to the palace,” he said simply.
She looked back over to where the dolphins were beginning to fall back from the boat and she bemoaned their presence, but was grateful to be able to focus on the task at hand.
“All right,” she said, turning to face him and folding her hands in front of her.
He gave an amused smile. “All right then,” he echoed, and his expression sobered. “Before I left, Richard and I discussed it, and we agreed that our father was no longer fit to rule. This will not be a simple task to dethrone him. As far as I know, he is unaware of our plans, but then, my father seems to always have a contingency plan. I want you to understand that if my father feels threatened, he will do whatever he can to maintain his power, even if it means executing his own sons—or you.”
She stilled at his words, knowing what the king was capable of, but for Kai to have to acknowledge his father’s willingness to kill him was horrifying.
He continued on as if it were nothing. “We are going to have to play court politics and maneuver from within. I have spent much of my life putting distance between the court and myself, and it will be difficult to overcome. You and Richard, however, are respected at court. We will have to be careful. One whisper and our lives will be forfeit.”
She swallowed hard. She appreciated how frank he was being so that she might be prepared, but it also made her stomach roll with anticipation of what was before them.
“One more thing that is absolutely crucial. My father must not know you have retained any power. He needs to believe that Wesley succeeded entirely.”
She nodded, understanding his meaning even more than he could understand. If the king thought there was any chance he could still attain her power, he would kill her and Kai to get it.
As they turned to face the expansive ocean, Wren was forced to confront that her world was quickly changing. They might not be going to war with an army just yet, but Wren knew that they were about to go to a different war. A war where each word and gesture meant survival or certain death at the hands of a ruthless king.
