Page 22 of Burning Crowns

‘You’d better not.’ Rose raised a warning finger.

They embraced again.

This time, Rose hugged her back. ‘Be safe, Wren.’

‘You too, Rose.’

It was almost dawn when Wren arrived at theSiren’s Secret,one of the sleekest merchant vessels in all of Eana. She had travelled undercover to Wishbone Bay, in an unadorned wooden carriage, escorted by four royal soldiers dressed in plain clothing. She wore dark trousers and a loose-fitting shirt under a grey spun cloak with a large hood to cover her face. She pulled it tightly around her as she made her way across the gangway.

Captain Marino Pegasi was waiting for her on deck, his smile as wide and bright as ever. His dark curly hair was slightly longer now, and his jaw was lightly stubbled. He was dressed impeccably, in a magnificent sapphire frockcoat with gold buttons,black fitted trousers and matching laced boots. His black hat was trimmed in gold threading, mirroring the ornate handle of the sword at his hip. The sword had been a recent gift from Wren, to thank him for getting her safely home from Gevra some months before.

Since then, Marino had visited the palace several times as a favoured guest of the queens.

‘Welcome back to the roiling seas, Your Majesty,’ he said now, splaying his arms in welcome. ‘I trust you remember your way around my humble ship.’

‘This fancy ship is about as humble as you are, Marino,’ said Wren, taking his arm as they walked along the deck. ‘Although it is nice not to be a stowaway this time.’

The crew of theSiren’s Secretscurried around them like dutiful mice, preparing to set sail. Before long, they were pulling away from the dock. The bay turned amber and gold, reflecting the rising sun as they made for the open sea. The morning breeze was warm and gentle, feathering Wren’s cheeks as she stood on the upper deck.

As much as she enjoyed Marino’s company, she was hoping for a quick journey to Sharkfin Point, the towering white glacier that jutted up from the middle of the Sunless Sea. She might not have feared the king of Gevra, but she didn’t want to keep him waiting either. She gripped the railings and leaned over the still water, trying to cast away her doubt. Her face stared up at her, pallid, nervous. Perhaps Rose was right – maybe this was a bad idea. After all, Wren didn’t exactly have a history of making good decisions. And whatcouldthe king of Gevra possibly tell her about her own magic? He didn’t possess any of his own.

‘Are you angry at the sea?’ Marino’s voice interrupted her thoughts.

Wren snapped her chin up. ‘What?’

‘It’s just, well, you’re looking at it kind of … murderously.’

Wren frowned. ‘No. It’s not that. I’m just …’

‘Anxious?’ guessed Marino. ‘You never did mention why we’re taking this little dawn excursion,’ he said, conversationally. ‘When I asked Celeste about it, she told me to mind my own business.’

Wren tugged on her sleeve, self-consciously, suddenly afraid Marino could sense the scar burning underneath it. ‘The less you know about this meeting the better.’

Marino chuckled. ‘Iknewit.’

Wren glanced at him over her shoulder. ‘What?’

He smirked. Somehow, it made him look even more handsome. ‘I had an inkling already, of course. I saw the way he looked at you the last time you sailed to meet him on the Sunless Sea. He was watching you so intently he wasn’t even blinking!’ He laughed again. ‘It was as if he was afraid he’d miss something if he did. He looked so …thirsty. And now this.’ Marino waggled his eyebrows. ‘A clandestine meeting … you hardly thought I wouldn’t figure it out. I’m far too clever. Not to mention well versed in the art of romance.’

Wren turned around. ‘What on earth are you talking about, Marino?’

‘The Gevran king.’ Marino glanced side to side then lowered his voice, making sure his crew were out of earshot. ‘It’s obvious. You two are embroiled in a secret love affair.’

Wren stared at Marino for a long moment, waiting for him to smile. His face only grew more serious.

‘That’sabsurd,’ she said at last. ‘It’s laughable.’

He crooked a brow. ‘Then why aren’t you laughing?’

‘Because I’m traumatized by the mere suggestion!’ said Wren, far too shrilly. Her cheeks blazed as she remembered her blizzard kiss with King Alarik. The devastating grief that had swept them both up, wrapping them in each other’s arms for a brief moment of comfort. It had happened several months ago now, but every so often the memory of that kiss would explode in her mind like a wayward firework. It was a terrible mistake. And yet no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t seem to forget it.

‘Consider me unconvinced,’ said Marino.

‘I do not have feelings for Alarik Felsing.’

‘Fine. My mistake.’

‘It is,’ said Wren, firmly.

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