Page 27 of Lich's Mate

I can feel her body stiffen at my touch and a grin creeps onto my face. Her spirit is unbroken yet, and it fascinates me how such a weak human can be so resolute.

Our cabin is small but clean. The bed in the center of the room is covered by a thin, faded cloth. There is a washbasin with no water and a lopsided chest of drawers missing half of its drawers.

I sigh, looking forward to returning home.

“Are we… sharing the bed?”

I glance at Meera as I dump my bag on the bed and sit down next to it.

“You’re welcome to sleep on the floor if you so wish.” I watch her closely to see what kind of reaction I’ll get.

She looks down at the wooden floorboards as if to consider it before shaking her head, likely deterred by the many stains and layers of grime.

“If you try anything with me, I’ll scratch your eyes out.” Her eyes fix on me and I laugh.

“I would love to see you try.”

The click of her tongue tells me she doesn’t find me funny and this amuses me even more. I watch her as she sits down on the bed, as far from me as possible.

Though she wears exhaustion like a cloak, its heavy folds pushing down on her, she still radiates a serene kind of beauty.

What is this? Am I… am I actually attracted to this pathetic little human? Impossible. I must be tired.

Once more my eyes are drawn to her and I snort when I see that she’s fallen asleep. Her feet are still on the ground but her head is resting on the flat pillows.

I stand up and walk around the bed towards her, my eyes fixated on her face. Something inside me stirs but I don’t have words to describe it. It’s an unfamiliar feeling, one that I’ve never wanted to feel before. A desire to protect, above all feelings of rationality. I’ve only ever wanted to protect my legacy, my reputation, my wealth. But this is different.

I stop myself short, almost about to lift her legs and make her more comfortable.

This is ridiculous. Why should I care about the comfort of a human? A slave human, no less!

Frowning, I walk to the door, eager to get out of this room and away from her sleeping body that seems to wordlessly invite me to join her.

The deck is a cacophony of shouts and the noise of preparation. Crew members scurry like insects, their movements synchronized. Some haul on ropes, their muscles straining against the weight of canvas as they hoist the sails to catch the wind's eager embrace.

Others scramble across the gangplanks, laden with crates of provisions and barrels of fresh water.

I take in the sights and sounds and start to work on my plans to ruin Gorran. A smirk forms on my lips. I’m excited and look forward to seeing his expression when he realizes I’m the one to blame for his downfall.

The next few days blur into each other as I work on my plans and spend my time in the cabin. I write many notes, planning for the different ways to free the slaves.

Meera’s choice to keep her distance from me does not bother me. I prefer it that way. It could be troublesome if the girl decides to get attached to me.

Satisfied with my plans for now, I step onto the deck for some well-needed fresh air but my nose is greeted by the harsh smell of staleness. Sea travel truly isn’t for the faint-hearted.

A woman’s laughter draws my attention from the gray sky and to my surprise I see Meera sitting with a group of five human men.

They are likely slaves like her, working on the boat against their will.

I approach them and Meera’s smile fades a little when she sees me. My heart reacts strangely to the sight and annoyance fills my mind.

She stands up, holding out a grilled molusket. “Appo is the chef onboard and got me a few of these for free.”

Appo pales when I look at him. He gives me a respectful smile and stands at attention. “H-here, I have zhisk as w-well. Not as good as I’m sure y-you’re used to but still pretty g?—”

I silence the stuttering man with the back of my hand.

Meera gasps and takes a step back. I grab her wrist and drag her away. She tries to fight back but I strengthen my grip on her, no doubt bruising her skin. I don’t let go of her until we’re in our cabin.

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