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“They were very convincing. Even I believed it,” he responded.

“You see the good in everyone so that is little comfort,” she said, smiling up at him.

He smiled down at her and ran his finger down her cheek. “No amount of power would ever be worth giving you up. He was a fool.”

She closed her eyes, finding that his words stung more than gave her comfort.

The captain came up behind him and asked to speak with Wesley, who reluctantly left her side. Whatever the captain said seemed to upset Wesley, and she drew closer trying to see what was wrong. Wesley looked over at her and forced a smile. “Unfavorable winds. I was hoping to be at the nearest port in a few days, but it might take longer.”

“They can’t catch up to us though, right?” Wren said anxiously.

He was on her in less than second, holding her head in his hands. “I told you I would always protect you, and I meant it, Wren. But the answer is no, they won’t be able to catch up.”

She took some comfort in that. “What will happen, Wesley?”

He sighed. “I’m not sure. They will see it as an act of war that Mary and I left with you, but they also know that they cannot match us in the strength of our army. They may declare war in an attempt to get you back as you are so valuable to them, but if it comes to that we will fight.”

“I don’t want people to be hurt on account of me,” she said quietly.

“It’s more than that, though. You are worth a thousand wars. They would use your power to conquer all of Valmere, and people would surely die in their thirst for conquest. There isn’t any way that this ends without people being hurt, Wren.” His words brought a chill to her and she felt as though the world had gotten colder.

Chapter 35

ThatnightWrenwokeup screaming. Mary was next to her in an instant, but the princess looked pale and ill. “It was just a dream, Wren.”

Wren wanted to argue that it felt real enough, but she couldn’t bring herself to tell the other princess she had dreamt of Kai and Sophie laughing at her gullibility before they stabbed her. She winced at the memory and pushed it down, not wanting to think about it.

“Mary, are you okay?” She almost looked a shade of green.

“I don’t do well at sea. It is why we went the long way to get to Haradon initially. This way is, of course, much quicker, but the price is high.” She heaved into a bucket.

Wren tried to help her, but the princess waved her away. “Honestly, Wren. I would rather just be alone and get through this. I know I promised you princess bonding time, but I am afraid I am going to have to pass. If you go get Wesley, I am sure he can work something out with the captain. You shouldn’t have to be in close quarters with me like this.”

The princess looked at her apologetically and when Wren tried to protest she insisted.

Wren put her cloak over her nightgown and went to where Wesley’s room was next door. He opened the door, rubbing sleep from his eyes. He wasn’t wearing a shirt and she was acutely aware of the hard lines of his abdomen. “Wren, are you okay?” Concern laced his voice still thick with sleep.

“I’m fine, but Mary is very ill. She said she wants to be alone, but I don’t think she should be. Maybe you can talk some sense into her.”

Wesley sighed. “You will learn quickly that my sister is stubborn. The day anyone convinces her to change her mind will be historic indeed. I will go check on her, though, and try my best. Please wait in here.”

Wesley left Wren in his cabin, which was the same size as her and Mary’s. His, however, had a large window next to his bed. Wren climbed onto the bed to look out and watched as waves crashed against it. She hadn’t realized just how high the waves were tonight, but as she noticed them, she began to feel the boat sway with greater fervor. It was a small blessing that she wasn’t afflicted with sea sickness like Mary had.

The sea felt surprisingly like home to her. The feeling of security on the water was interestingly similar to how she felt around music. Anxiety rushed through her and she looked around the room desperate to see what she searched for.

When Wesley entered once more he saw the panic in her eyes. “What is it, what happened?”

“Your violin! Wesley, did you leave it?” He had said the violin had been made with great care and she could tell it was special to him.

“There wasn’t time to grab it, but it’s all right, Wren. Truly, you are more important to me than any violin.” He said the words so earnestly, she flushed realizing she was still in his bed.

She tried to gracefully gather her cloak and step off the bed, but she feared she looked rather clumsy. “How is Mary?” she said, trying to salvage her dignity.

“Well enough, she will be fine. She is only stubborn. I’m afraid she was wrong about my being able to get another cabin. The captain was adamant that there weren’t any more available. If you like, I can sleep on the floor in here, if you are comfortable with that.” He said the words nervously.

Wren blushed. “No, it’s okay I can take the floor, this is your room and you have already done so much for me.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. I am a bit offended that you believe I am the sort of man that would allow a lady to sleep on the floor of a ship while I enjoy the bed.”