Page 43 of Untamed

“Always.” He winked in a conspiratorial fashion and brushed my hand from his arm.

My lips pursed, and I looped my arm with Laude’s. I’d pass off my letter to Mamá alone. She understood my plight and wouldn’t fail to send Zichri my epistle.

“Oh, Princess, isn’t this so thrilling?” Laude beamed and fluttered out through the giant front doors, dragging me with her.

Cosme bounded ahead with his long stride and cut across the grounds toward the far exit, closest to the beach. Laude and I walked behind him along the gravel path. The ground descended, causing our steps to be more pronounced. Flowers, vines, and a giant cypress painted our surroundings, but the beauty was lost on me. Instead, a ball of nerves pressed against my stomach and pushed my coffee to burn up my throat.

We approached the end of the path and guards opened an arched exit. One of the young guards tipped his hat at Laude. She giggled, which contrasted the yawning blackness where my heart should have been. This wasn’t what I wanted. I’d much prefer todig through the dusty tomes with Laude than this. At least I’d know what to expect there. Our long and uncomfortable journey promised to hold Monserrat and our enemies at the end. Why did I ever think Dotado business might be for me?

The jail house loomed across the street with its stone walls and dark entrance. I shivered, remembering my short stay in a cell when I was unrecognized upon returning from my journey to Valle de los Fantasmas. If this hinted at the outcome of our trip, we should turn around. The sidewalk continued to the right toward the docks and much happier memories. Prince Lux and I had sailed many times together just to get away. Back then, I invited danger.

The voice that doused salt on my wounds whispered,You killed him. You’re a murderer.

Carriages rumbled along the cobblestones and silenced the voice. Even so, the damage was done. Laude’s and my boot steps joined the cacophony as we made our way to the bustling docks where the galleon,La Lavia, and many other ships docked. Our ship was the largest, with golden paint and polished wood trimmings. On the tallest mast, a Giddelian flag flew, its golden hibiscus shimmering in the sunlight.

“Do I look all right?” Laude asked. A pinch of concern touched the corners of her eyes.

Why was she so concerned with her appearance? I squeezed her forearm. “You are beautiful, dear friend. Your attire suits you.”

She squared up to me, now with furrowed eyebrows. “Did Cosme not tell you to dress as if we’d meet Princess Monserrat today?”

“We’ll be sailing for days. What’s the point of putting on a lavish gown for sea travel? You look lovely, but you’re just drawing the attention of all the sailors.”

As if on cue, a sailor whistled two notes and tipped his hat at Laude. She blushed from her neck to her cheeks. Smashing her lips into a line, she glanced over her shoulder at La Lavia. Something about her expression further unsettled me.

Why did Cosme not include me in any of his dealings, yet he allowed Laude in? This trip seemed to be his version of a treaty between himself and me. I searched Laude’s gaze for an answer, but she remained perky cheeked and silent about the matter.

“Beatriz,” Mamá shouted.

I flitted my gaze over the dock and behind me.

Mamá stepped down onto the wooden planks accompanied by Uncle Uly. In her delicate yellow gown, she moved with grace befitting a heron.

Uncle Uly scanned the line of ships and stood a pace behind me like a guard. “Buenos días.” He turned away from Laude and me, showing us his back as he studied our surroundings.

Mamá kissed Laude’s cheek and mine in greeting. She maintained her close proximity. “Beatriz, do you have your pocket watch with you?”

“Yes, Mamá.” I pushed aside a thin scarf to show her the chain.

“Good. I couldn’t have you leave without one last goodbye.” Mamá reached for my arm and crinkled the folded parchment in my sleeve pocket. Her eyebrow rose in question.

I bit the inside of my cheek. “Could you pass this along to Jaime when he visits again? I don’t want Zichri to wonder why I didn’t write before leaving.” I shoved my missive to Zichri into her hands.

“Of course.” Mamá took the letter and wrapped her arms around me. “Be safe and continue to seek the Ancient One. Also, your uncle desires a last word.”

Uncle Uly twisted around and waggled his bushy eyebrows. “I wish we could continue our training, but I must return home.”

“Thank you for your encouragement. I fear I made a dreadful pupil.”

“Nonsense.” The affection in his gaze left me in no doubt that he was being generous. “You simply need to trust that the Ancient One gave you this gifting for a good cause. Stop holding back your abilities. They will be much needed on this voyage.”

Cosme called, “Ma!” He strode fromLa Lavia.

Mamá waved at Cosme and addressed Laude. “Do you promise to stay by Beatriz’s side?”

Laude bobbed her head. “I promise to not let Beatriz out of my sight. Not a single soul can part us, not even if he’s cute.”

I stifled a chuckle at Laude’s antics, even though they were below her current station.

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