Page 44 of Untamed

Mamá embraced Laude and then kissed Cosme’s cheek in farewell. Uncle waved goodbye with his staff as Cosme, Laude, and I boardedLa Lavia. Servants lugged our trunks aboard, the crew went about its work, but I still couldn’t quell the pit of unease that sat in my chest. My fingers rubbed against the fabric over the pocket watch and resisted clicking the hard latch. The calming melody might have brought me comfort, but not with so many sailors striding along the deck. Could this day be any stranger?

Cosme whistled for Laude and me to join him through a doorway. “The dining room.” Though it would be much more pleasant to sneak in some extra sleep, my stomach growled. Laude nearly skipped toward Cosme, a toothy grin spread from ear to ear. I trudged across the hardwood deck and entered a dim passageway, following my brother’s broad shoulders.

Cosme stopped in front of a doorway and signaled for me to enter. Warm sunlight graced the cocky tilt to his lips and grated against my nerves. It was almost like he meant to tease me. Laude hopped through the opening and waved me in with a ferocious tenacity.

When I passed into the room, a group of men sat around a dining table. One man stood. My eyes traced his dark brown eyes and the crooked swoop of his full lips, leading to a well-placed dimple. A simple tunic stretched across broad shoulders, and his trousers had the same appearance as all the other crew members scurrying about on deck, yet he was no sailor.

I gasped.

Chapter 18

Beatriz

“What are you doinghere?” I asked Zichri and glanced at Cosme with shock.

One of Cosme’s eyebrows arched playfully, so much like Mamá’s. “We made some arrangements.”

I clapped my hand over my mouth. These past four months, I’d dreamed of this exact moment. Blood racing, heart full, overflowing emotions warming my cheeks.This can’t be real.

Zichri rushed to cover the space between us and swallowed me in his strong arms. An earthy aroma encircled me as I leaned my head against his solid chest.

I never wanted to move, but the galleon shifted below my boots, jostling our bodies ever so slightly.

“Beatriz, how have you been?” Zichri’s deep voice and melodic accent washed over me. He loosened his grip just enough for us to make eye contact again.

His gaze traced my face like he was trying to memorize every detail. The ship rocked hard again, and my knees buckled. He captured me tighter in his arms.

“I’m a mess.” I swiped my cheeks, suddenly aware of how I must look and why Laude had dressed in fine attire. I had a mind to reprimand her, but Zichri was here and that was all that really mattered. Had Papá allowed this? Guilt dripped into my conscience, and I didn’t want to ask Cosme, just in case the answer wasn’t a resounding yes.

“Beloved.” Zichri brushed the pad of his thumb over my cheek. “You are the most gorgeous mess I’ve ever seen. But we do need to talk more about our situation.”

Cosme stepped closer, breaking us apart. “That’s enough, that’s enough. Breakfast first.”

I took in the long, polished table. Only one of Zichri’s closest friends was here, Jaime. Two empty chairs remained available next to Laude. She was snuggled up to Jaime, her beau. Six of Cosme’s friends had already found their chairs, leaving Cosme, Zichri, and me to fill the gaps. Cosme raced to take one of the two empty seats beside Laude, making it impossible for Zichri and me to sit on the same side of the table. I clenched my jaw, boiling with frustration. Cosme, of all people, should know how much Zichri and I would want time together.

Zichri shrugged an apology and pulled out the chair beside Laude. He extended his hand, inviting me to take a seat. “We’ll have a chance to talk more privately later.”

Heat boiled just under the surface of my skin, igniting my gifting. We could have asked Cosme’s friends to scoot over, but judging by Cosme’s smirk, my brother had chosen his spot onpurpose. He had never liked Zichri, and I couldn’t fathom how or why Cosme had made this arrangement.

The tell-tale trickle of power skipped along my shoulders down to my elbows. I threw myself into the seat and curled my fingers into fists, stopping myself from losing control. There would be no using my gift without Uncle Uly and certainly not in my current tumultuous emotional state.

Laude offered a consoling squint, and I pouted in return. She bent toward Jaime, whose admiration for her was written in his hazel stare. Zichri worked his way to the vacant chair across from mine, scooting around Cosme’s group.

“Where are Gonzalo, Blas, and Milo?” I asked.

“They’re attending to matters in Himzo.” Zichri slid into the empty space and raked a hand through his cropped hair. “Making sure there is no foul play while Papá is ill. Plus, Milo didn’t want to be away from his bride.”

“They’re married?”

“Yes, the wedding happened a month ago.”

A sadness swept through me as I wished I could have attended the festivities. “Your sister must be happy that Milo stayed.” I forced myself to smile.

Two servants laid trays filled with bowls of porridge.

Cosme’s friends cheered and clapped like ruffians. The two I recognized came from distinguished families, yet their behavior showed no distinction. The men snagged their bowls and started eating before I could even retrieve one for myself. The meaty aroma curled into my stomach as I stirred the egg and lamb within the thick porridge. The others dug into their meals, but Zichri kept his attention on me.

I inhaled deeply and raised my voice to speak to Zichri. “What are Milo’s and your sister’s plans now that they’re married?”

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