Page 44 of Ocean of Silver

“Yes, you can. Nothing is worth your life, not even being the King.”

“It’s not about being King,” I said.

“Then what? Is it Father? Because we will deal with him together.”

“Grey, stop.” The tears were pouring from his eyes now, and it was fucking breaking my heart. “It’s not about Dad.”

“Then what? Because I don’t understand what’s so important that you’re willing to go through all of this for? Come home, please, brother.”

“It’s her.” I said it softly, but from the silence that stretched out, I knew he heard me.

“You can’t get her back. She’s gone, Sie. She’s—”

“I know, Grey. I don’t need you reminding me that she’s gone and that I’ve fucked the only good thing in my life, and the chances of me getting her back are slim to none. I fucking know.” I didn’t mean to snap at him, but hearing him say it felt too real, and I wasn’t ready to believe it.

“Okay,” he said softly. “If you think she’s worth all of this, I’ll stand by you, but I don’t like it. Promise me that you’ll fight back. Promise me you’ll win.”

“Thank you.” I reached over the table and clamped my sweaty palm over his. “And I promise.”

Greyland wiped his tears. “Is Peter still in Lux looking for Scottie?”

“Yeah.”

“Okay,” he nodded. “Lilia has been going crazy. He didn’t tell her he was going, and she’s been worried sick, thinking the worst.”

“I know. I’m sorry for that. I haven’t been able to come here until today, and Peter didn’t have time to warn her. Everything happened so fast.” I didn’t tell him that I hadn’t been strong enough until today or that I was terrified for Peter. He should have been back by now and the fact that he wasn’t was eating away at me, but I didn’t want to scare my brother. “How is Lilia?” I knew if—when—Peter returned, he’d ask me about her, and I wanted to know.

“She’s managing as best as she can… no help from me,” he murmured the second part under his breath. I didn’t comment even though I had no idea what he meant by that. “She pretends she’s doing fine and completely ignores the fact that everyone knows she’s going to be a zero.” He paused and took a breath. “I heard rumors that they’re thinking of forcing everyone to go through some sort of compulsion. Is that true? Are they really trying to do that?”

“It is.” The expression on his face broke me. I knew he cared deeply for Lilia. They had a love-hate relationship. He liked her, even if he would never admit to it and treated her worse than dirt. “I know, it’s fucked,” I said. “Synder wants to find out who is a zero right away and not let them have an education. Since only an un-ranked Tennebrisian can be compelled, he’s trying to pass a law that would make compulsion a requirement to get into school. It hasn’t happened yet, but there is a chance that it might.”

“That’s messed up. Everything’s going to shit.”

“I know, Grey.” I didn’t want to think about all the other plans Synder had. I knew I couldn’t let him keep the crown, but things were only going to get a lot worse from here.

SEVENTEEN

SCOTLIND

I could feelmyself growing stronger. From my daily workouts with Tezya to regularly eating and sleeping again, I was already starting to gain some weight back, and new muscles were forming. I woke up for the first time and wasn’t sore. I was eager to start training again. After spending the past couple of days just getting comfortable with being in the pool, I wanted to start practicing my water ability. I wanted to see what I could do.

I still couldn’t get myself to go underwater in the pool or take a normal bath in my room, but I was making progress. Yesterday was the first time I was able to get into the water without Tezya’s help, and I wanted to keep pushing myself further and further. I wanted to put this behind me.

I was surprised to see another bag packed for me when I spotted Patricia. “What’s that for?” I asked her as I stretched in bed.

“You’re going to the hut again with Tezya,” she said, frowning at the bag. I perked up. The hut meant that I got to see the ocean again.

“Really?” I asked. “How many days?”

“I’m not sure, but I was informed to pack an outfit for you for two days just in case.” She noted my excitement. “You need to be careful, dear. I don’t trust him,” Patricia said tautly, her eyes narrowing.

“Trust who?”

“Tezya.”

“Why?”

“Oh never mind, dear, just be safe. Hurry up, you must be on your way, or you’ll be late. Just be safe,” she said again as she wobbled over to me and patted my back awkwardly.

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