Page 63 of The Storm of the Empire

“You’ve taken quite the turn in profession.” His gaze flickered to the men moving around us, speaking in code.

“I go where I’m called to do the work that needs to be done.” I hoped he took my meaning. “I’ve been afforded many opportunities.”

“I don’t blame them for snatching you out from under Captain Havelock.” He considered me another moment. “How long will you be with us?”

“For some time. I have things to see to.” I felt bad lying to him and prayed to the Goddess he’d forgive me if we ever meet again.

“Who’s your friend?”

“A passenger I’m escorting.”

“Can I know her name?”

“Hazel,” she said from where she looked over the rail not far from us.

“Welcome aboard, Hazel. I hope you don’t suffer from sea sickness.”

“Never,” she laughed, and I knew why. If she could fly through storms like she could, her stomach was made of iron. “I hope I’m not jinxing myself here.”

Veles looked her over, and I knew the look. I was sure every male aboard would be trying to impress her. “You have the spirit for sailing.”

A growl filled my chest, but I bit it back. I liked him, and I wasn’t going to cause any trouble, but that wasn’t happening.

“Really?” she asked, her eyes brightening in the moonlight.

“I’m not surprised. Luka must think you do to have thrown you in with us, and I’ve never found Luka to be wrong.” He stepped closer to her.

“He’s right about that.” I slipped my arm around her, and sparks pricked over my skin. Was that her warning me not to get possessive? I tapped a finger on her hip, hoping she took my hint. I knew she wanted to get to the eggs, but she had to play along. There was politics to work through everywhere, even at sea,

Hazel side-glanced me, like she knew what I was up to. “Don’t feed his ego. He doesn’t need it.”

“Believe me, I know. We spent many months together on the open water.”

“You’ll have to tell me stories.” She didn’t quite pull out of my grasp, but she side-stepped, turning back towards the water.

“If you like. I love a good story time.”

“I will not be letting you two exchange fictions!” I turned my voice playful, feeling an angle here. “Shall we take passage with the order’s cargo?”

Veles’ lips twisted into a grin. “At least until we unload some cargo at our first port. I’m sure I can find you an extra hammock.”

“I’d appreciate it.”

“No problem. Faolan will take you down.” Veles waved him over.

“Luka and his guest are going to bunk with the order’s cargo for now. Can you show them the way?”

“Of course.”

Faolan led us to the other side of the hold where the rest of the priests’ cargo must have been stored. It wasn’t a closet, like on my journey here. This was vast. Crates upon crates. They couldn’t all be eggs. Hazel turned towards me, shock coloring her expression.

“Luka…” Hazel said, cautiously.

“What?”

“This had better not be all eggs.”

There was no way it could be, but we had to find out for sure.

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