Page 102 of Shrine of Fire

I smiled. “Good. Cuan would love to visit his homeland from time to time. Perhaps you would like to sail back with us?”

She nodded, some of her pretty face getting red. “Yes, I think I would. It’s been quite an honor, sailing with you. Have you ever met the Rannoian fleet before?”

“I have not.”

Lady Pelissa gave me a tight smile. “My father is an officer in the Royal Fleet.”

Part of why she was here made sense. But if she was a spy for Lord Baylin, I didn’t want to give her anything she could use against me.

I didn’t like hiding my bondmark, but until it was safe to announce, I had to make sure my dresses covered my shoulders.

“What was your impression of them?” I cocked my head. “We have had warm welcomes so far.”

“Mhhmm. I would not expect that from this fleet. They are all business and profits. The emperor expects his ships to bring him many jewels and gold.”

“Good to know. In your estimation, how should we speak with the Admiral?”

Lady Pelissa giggled and shook her head. “Well, that’s up to you. You’re the omega looking for a pack after all.”

I arched an eyebrow. “Yes, and you are a shrewd woman with an eye for international politics. That’s an asset to me.”

“I would be direct with the Admiral,” she said finally. “He is a busy man who values his time above all else.”

“That is good advice.” I nodded, as Lord Baylin approached us, my pack in tow. We weren’t all bonded, but it was easy to think of them as my pack.

“What is good advice?” Lord Baylin smiled between me and Lady Pelissa.

I didn’t know either of them well enough to figure out if everything I said was being reported back to him. Better to be safe than sorry.

“To value Admiral Xilas’s time. He’s a busy man.”

“Ah, too true.” Baylin smiled. “Very good advice indeed.”

Lord Baylin looked at me. “Princess, if I may have a quick word? Before we make our last destination?”

“Of course.” I gave him my sunniest smile, and we walked the length of the boat. We were sailing southeast, into more temperate waters, and a refreshing wind lifted my hair.

“Princess, I feel as I have gotten to know you through our travels, if I may be so bold.” Lord Baylin offered me his arm, and I took it.

“I quite feel the same.” It was true. I didn’t trust him, but Ihadgotten to know him better.

“So with that, I would like to slightly overstep my place.” Baylin glanced at me. “And ask you about your, uhhh, plans with the Admiral.”

I cocked my head. “My plans? Should they be any different than before? Meet the suitor and see if he is compatible with my pack?”

Lord Baylin cleared his throat. “I am sure your intended, the Crown Prince, has already spoken to you of the Ember King’s expectations?”

My stomach sank. I was supposed to bond Admiral Xilas no matter what, but I had hoped Baylin didn’t know that. Then I could simply have said we weren’t well matched, and then we could sail away.

Of course, it wasn’t going to be that easy.

“I don’t know how to do it, honestly.” I looked at the shifty courtier. A kernel of the truth would be the best way to manage this. “I realize the King expects this of me, but I don’t see how I can bond a man if I do not feel a connection to him.”

Lord Baylin pretended to think about it. He frowned slightly, like he was giving the matter due consideration. But I’d seen him ‘thinking’ before. “This is a good question. We often do things out of duty, not love. But love and respect can come in time.”

He was right, of course. I was lucky enough to have the privilege that I didn’t have to do my duty when other people weren’t as lucky.

“Duty and honor.” I looked at the man. His complexion was flushed in the tropical heat, and he was no doubt glad to be sailing to a more temperate climate. “Is that how you live your life, Lord Baylin?”

---