Page 74 of A Warrior's Heart

“No, but it’s frowned upon. There’s a reason none of us are married. Love can conquer lands, but it can also destroy them. Because what happens when a man has to choose between the one he loves and his mission? The job must come first. Always. You of all people should understand that.”

“I do.”

Ervin pulled the black material up over his mouth and nose, leaving only his eyes uncovered. Without another word, he stepped around me and went up the stairs.

Nereus shifted around on his bunk as he woke and smiled at the still-sleeping blond beside him. He caressed the curve of Shar’s bicep before kissing the assassin’s cheek. So much care was placed in that one simple action. It made me wonder how long exactly they’d been intimate.

I looked away and followed Ervin up to the main deck, my eyes having to adjust from the darkness below to the daylight.

“Anyone missing?” Kellan asked, wrapping a red bandana around his head to help shield the sun’s rays.

I shook my head. “Everyone’s here.”

Fortunately, the wind was on our side as we set sail. Lorcan had chosen a direction the night before, and Kellan had planned our route on the map. We would reach the next town in roughly a week’s time. Until then, it was nothing but open ocean.

After we left the harbor, Troy walked out of our cabin, yawning and squinting against the sun. He wore no shoes, no shirt, and had a blanket wrapped around his shoulders.

“Anything to eat? I’m hungry.”

I pulled him into my arms. “Eva bought pastries from the bakery before we left port. But first, you’re going to properly dress yourself.”

“Very well.” He sighed and opened the door.

He stuck his tongue out at me before the door clicked shut. Minutes later, he came back out in a fresh change of trousers, boots, and a thin shirt that showed his lower stomach. Jewels lined the sleeves. My eyes, however, were pinned to his toned belly and the lines of muscle that dipped below his trousers.

He was going to be the death of me.

Apart from the assassins who ate away from us, we sat around the main deck and broke our fast with the pastries filled with jam. Not one for sweets, I ate half of mine before giving it to Troy, who scarfed it down in two bites. He was like a shark.

“I have something for you,” Eva told Troy after we finished eating. She left to grab the tunic from her cabin and held it up for him to see once she returned. “Much more suitable clothing for the cooler weather, is it not?”

Troy crinkled his nose. “It’s so plain.”

“I’ll sew gems onto it for you.”

He beamed. “Then I shall wear it.”

“And you used to callmespoiled,” Lorcan said, sharpening his dagger.

I kissed Troy’s temple before standing from the crate I’d been sitting on. He and the prince bickered a moment before Eva chimed in and silenced them.

I approached Nereus at the stern of the ship.

The wind swept through his brown hair as he closed his eyes, the sea breeze on his face. I sensed another presence and glanced up to see Shar on the railing of the upper deck, one leg dangling down while he rested his arm on the raised knee of the other. I doubted Nereus knew he was there.

Shar nodded to me as our eyes met.

“I know you saw me this morning with Shar,” Nereus said, opening his eyes and focusing on me. “Have you come to lecture me?”

“No.” I joined him at the railing, resting my hands on the smooth wood. “Though, I would ask for you to tread with caution.”

“For what purpose? You disapprove of Shar?”

His tone wasn’t angry. He was genuinely concerned. My approval meant a lot to him.

“He’s a fine warrior,” I responded. “But you must remember that as a warrior, he will put his mission first. As should you.”

“I have not forgotten my duty, sir.” Honesty shone in his brown eyes. “And if you worry over my heart, I can assure you that it’s safe.”