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“I knew you were involved with a man who has a reputation for treachery and violence,” he says. “I knew you were afraid to speak your mind. I knew—”

“I was not!”

He continues, heedless. “I knew you were determined to help the people of Kandala, risking your life to bring them medicine—which I find admirable. But I also know what it is to be tricked and manipulated, and—”

“I am not tricking and manipulating you!”

“I know,” he says. “I’m talking about what Prince Corrick has done toyou.”

“He hasn’t done anything to me. You don’t know him atall.”

“I don’t need to know him. I know menlikehim. If he wanted to help his people, he could have boarded this ship with determination and valor. Instead, he views every interaction as a battle that waits for a victor. I hoped Kandala and Ostriary could find a new path to favorable trade, but now I’m worried that I’m delivering a prince who will sow discord and start another war just because I’ve poked at his pride.”

“That isnot true,” I seethe.

“Oh, it’s not?” Rian takes a step closer to me, and his voice drops. “He lost a battle to me last night,” he says. “So it comes as no surprise that he sought to win another by cajoling you into his bed.”

That’s it. I’m swinging a fist before I fully think about what I’m doing.

Rian’s hand shoots out and he catches my wrist. The motion is so quick that it steals my breath, especially since his grip is tight, and he doesn’t let me go.

“He invited me to his quarters because he was worried you werethreateningme.”

“So he didn’t have to cajole you. He just had to frighten you.”

I jerk my hand out of his grip. My breathing is rapid. I wasn’t sure what to expect from him, but it wasn’t this.

“You know I’m right,” he says roughly. “I expected better of you, Miss Cade.”

He’s not right. He’snot.

But in so many ways, heis. So much of what he said echoes exactly what I said to Corrick in the shadows of his quarters.

Rian turns away. “Tell him that if those ships are coming for his capture, I’ll hand him over, and gladly.”

I’m barely listening to him. My heart is roaring in my ears. My breath is shuddering when I get to the steps, tears hot on my cheeks.

But then I realize that this is the perfect time.

It’s early. Most of the crew is asleep. Rian thinks I’m running right back into Corrick’s arms.

But I think of those ships, and I think of that room, and I think of how much we’ve risked already.

Instead of heading for our quarters, I turn the bend and head down the next set of steps.

Kilbourne moves to follow me, but I stop him. “You need to tell Corrick to go up on deck,” I say to him in a rushed whisper.

“But, Miss Tessa—”

“Now,” I say urgently. I swipe the tears off my cheeks. My chest is full of longing and betrayal and uncertainty, but now is the time for action. “Prince Corrick needs to go pick a fight with the captain. Right now.” He inhales, and I add, “Quickly, Kilbourne! Stay in the hallway before anyone in the crew sees me.”

Then I don’t wait. I hold my breath and I skip down the steps.

CHAPTER THIRTY

Corrick

I stare at Kilbourne dubiously. “She wants me to pick a fight with Blakemore,” I say. “Now.”