Page 38 of Blood of the Stars

He waved off the footman and pulled his bags from the back of the carriage, slinging them over his shoulder. The mark on his palm itched as he wrestled with his sister’s plea.

There was something that felt off about bonding. Like a love potion that took away his choice or control. Leaning into it sounded like giving up all of his desires and dreams.

“She’ll be a distraction.”

“For you or your crew?” Enla’s smile still didn’t falter.

Was she trying to make him jealous? He glanced at Lenda. Her eyes were like a baby winex’s, large and unblinking, taking in the barque’s height as she leaned back. Short blonde locks curled all around her head, an artistic creation that would be ruined within moments aboard Starspeed. She wore an impractical blue silk dress that wouldn’t last through the voyage, but it matched her eyes, which were now in front of Gaeren, as if his perusal had drawn her close.

“I’m looking forward to our time together.” Red lips parted in a smile he knew to be falsely humble, a practiced look with fluttering lashes.

Still, his heart picked up its pace as she toyed with the cord of her starlock where it dipped below her low neckline. He turned back to Enla, cursing the bond’s ability to work even when he didn’t want it to.

“I’ll return soon. Hopefully, with answers.” He gave his sister a knowing look. She wanted answers about the strange woman’s magic, maybe something to quench his curiosity and help him settle back at home as throne warden. He wanted so much more.

“May the Sun’s light always shine upon you,” Enla said.

Gaeren stiffened. It was a common farewell among the nobility, especially for long voyages. But it had also been a daily adage for Enla, Gaeren, and Riveran in their youth. With the gathering crowds, he couldn’t hold back the reply, even though it had been two years since he’d used either phrase.

“And may the Stars’ light always guide you.” The words came out stiff, but Enla nodded her approval.

Gaeren turned around sharply, the farewell suddenly tainted by memories of Riveran.

He nodded at Lenda like he would a member of his crew, then walked to the planks, already feeling some of the tension leave his back as he boarded his home away from home.

“Larkos can show you to your room,” he shouted over his shoulder. It was just as well that Lenda take the captain’s quarters. He preferred sleeping on deck with the crew, under the Stars. The twinge he felt over her safety was short-lived, as usual. Lenda was a destructive somatic. She could protect herself far better than Gaeren could protect her.

By the time Lenda’s trunks had been brought on board and three of her four maidens dismissed by Gaeren, despite Lenda’s protests, the last of the sails had been unfurled and the anchor raised.

“Good to see you, Erech.” Gaeren ruffled the stableboy’s hair, letting loose a few stray pieces of hay.

The boy grinned, then schooled his features as he glanced at the other sailors. “You too, Captain Elanesse.”

Gaeren leaned in. “I had your wages sent to your mother this morning. Figured the baby might come before we’re back.”

Even as Erech thanked him, the boy’s features pinched, and he glanced back toward land.

Gaeren made a mental note to check on the boy’s homesickness in the coming days. The first voyage was always the hardest. For now, he took the helm and guided the ship out of the harbor, the practiced motions calming. Instead of passing the wheel off to Larkos, he remained, partly to avoid Lenda, who hovered as though ready to pounce the moment he was free, and partly because he hadn’t told Larkos about their first stop in the marshes.

The Sun was nearly ready to sleep when they left the major inlet to Elanesse and rounded the western coast. Gaeren shouted orders to drop anchor and lower a boat port side. Larkos raised an eyebrow, but the crew knew better than to argue or ask questions. Lenda, on the other hand…

“What are we doing? Where are you going?” Her hands twisted, a crease forming on her brow.

“We have one more stop. It’s your last chance to go back, if you’d like.” Gaeren smiled, the thought too good to be a true possibility. “I doubt you want to deal with sickness and storms.”

“But I…” She turned to study the men as they worked, gnawing on her lower lip.

“We’re actually closer to the palace now than we were at the docks.” He tried not to sound too hopeful. “You’re already looking a little green.”

Her face sagged as she temporarily lost her hold on the serene smile she maintained to maximize her beauty. Strangely, he found the vulnerability more attractive. He clenched his jaw and looked away, hating that their bond could make him feel an attraction he didn’t want.

“My maid brought herbs.” Her voice held a stubborn determination.

“Very well.” He threw a leg over the ship to catch the rope ladder.

“But why are we stopping?” she pressed.

Even Larkos leaned over to hear Gaeren’s reply.

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