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“You manhandled her.”

“Under Draxen’s orders.”

“She’s killed men for far less.”

“Or sent you to do it for her.”

I say nothing. We both know it’s true.

“You be nice to Enwen,” I threaten, because this is the kind of language I understand best.

“You like him?” Kearan asks carefully.

“He is part of my crew, which means he has my protection.”

“Do I have your protection?”

“Unfortunately.”

“Can you protect me from Enwen’s prattling?”

Our eyes catch, Kearan looking as though he’s fighting a smile. Meanwhile, I’m fighting the urge to dismember him.

“Let’s get something straight. If you make one wrong move on this ship, I will kill you.”

He lets the smile show in full force. “I’d really like to see you try.”

“You won’t see me coming,” I assure him.

My appearance on the deck has lasted long enough. I disappear back into my quarters, toss the stupid tricorne on the other side of the room, slide out of the coat, and breathe.

Chapter 4

THE NEXT MORNING, I’Mintroduced to the first benefit of being captain: private breakfast in the morning. One of the kitchen girls brings me a tray of fluffy biscuits and sweet porridge. I eat every morsel in blissful silence. Then I don my captain’s coat, but before I exit the room, I catch sight of the tricorne Kearan foolishly gifted me. It landed upside down on the opposite side of the room. All alone on the floor.

I glare at it before leaving.

The first thing I notice is Dimella standing at the port side of the main deck. She appears to be staring off to sea, so I assume she’s waiting for me. However, when I approach, I spot the bird perched on the railing.

“Good morning, Captain,” Dimella says without turning.

Her back is to me, so I can’t simply nod my greeting. I say, “Morning.” Then, because I ought to make some attempt at conversation with my first mate, I ask, “How was our first night?”

“Smooth. The queen chose an excellent crew. I think it’ll be a fine voyage.”

“Until we run into trouble.”

“Yes, indeed.”

“Does the crew know where we’re going and why?”

“Aye. Everyone aboard volunteered for this mission, though I wouldn’t be surprised if most are here in an attempt to impress the queen. Either way, they’re prepared.”

I eye the yellow-and-black bird before us. There’s a small scroll tied to its leg. We’re only on day two of our journey, and Alosa’s already sent a missive?

Dimella says, “I’ve been watching over the bird to ensure no one but you opened the queen’s note.”

“Thank you.”