Page 98 of Ship of Shadows
Driscoll’s wide eyes bounced between us.
“For what?” I threw out my hands. “How could I have predicted he’d do this? What was I supposed to do? Read his mind? Tell the future? Sorry, my water magic doesn’t quite allow for that kind of power.”
“You could have listened to me in the first place,” Leoni said. “Now our entire plan is ruined, and you’re no doubt plotting to do something stupid and reckless that will no doubt put us all in danger, and I’ll have to once again save your ass.”
I had no idea where this was coming from. The anger was there, but it felt off, like I was missing something. “So let me get this straight. You’re upset about having to do your job? Do I need to remind you that you’re my captain of the guard?”
“This is way above my pay grade!” Leoni said. “You act without thinking. You know, this little journey, it’s been the first time in a long time I’ve been able to do things for myself. Drink at a tavern. Dance with someone.” She snorted. “Which didn’t last long because, as usual, you did something reckless, and I had to come save you.”
“You didn’t save me from anything,” I snapped, thinking of that meeting with Bastian in the hedges.
Leoni just scoffed.
“It’s not my fault you don’t have a life.”
“Yes it is!” she burst out. “I can’t have a life because you’re constantly making bad choices. One after another. You don’t think of anyone but yourself.”
“Leoni,” Driscoll said, voice quiet.
Her chest heaved, her eyes rimmed red like she was about to cry. That made two of us.
“I didn’t know you felt that way.” I clutched the bars of my cage. “I mean, I knew you thought I was reckless, but I didn’t know I prevented you from having any semblance of a life.” I refused to cry. “Let me relieve you of your duties, then. You’re no longer my captain of the guard.”
“Princess Gabrielle,” Driscoll started, but I held up my hand.
“When we get back to Apolis, you can do whatever you please, live the life you’ve always wanted to live. One where you don’t have to worry about me.”
Regret shone in Leoni’s eyes, and I looked away.
“If we get back to Apolis,” she mumbled.
I was about to retort when a figure jumped on board, and I had to squint against the sun to see who it was. My mouth dropped open. Kara. She stalked toward us.
“What are you doing here?” I asked. “Where’s Bastian?”
“They got to the island after a little skirmish with the crocodiles, but he’s fine,” she said. “We decided to split up and meet back at the shore after we’d scouted out the area. Instead of going my route, I got on the rowboat and came back here to get you.”
“Why?”
“Because you’re as stubborn and stupid as he is.” Kara knelt down and began picking the lock. “And I have a feeling you’re just hardheaded enough that you might actually find our shadows and reunite us with them.” The cage clicked open. “You’re our only hope at this point, and I’m not forsaking thatbecause my brother doesn’t understand just how strong, how determined, you are.”
I stepped out of the cage, and Kara stuck out a hand to help me to my feet.
“Are you ready to go save your brothers?” she asked.
Driscoll laughed nervously. “Um, you’re going to unlock us first, right?”
Leoni’s head was turned, and she refused to meet my eyes. I nodded at Kara. “You two stay here,” I said. “No need to risk your shadows or your lives. It’ll be good to have at least two people guarding the ship.”
“Totally fine by me,” Driscoll said as Kara unlocked his cuffs, then Leoni’s.
“C’mon.” Kara strode toward the railing. “We need to go.”
I turned to say something to Leoni, but she still wouldn’t meet my gaze. I sighed, closed my mouth, and followed Kara off the ship without saying goodbye. It was time to go to the shadow court.
Chapter Forty-Six
The rowboat heaved on top of the choppy waves, and water slapped at the sides of the vessel. I stuck out my hands to calm the waters around us as we approached the marsh. Bumpy green heads popped out of the water, looking bigger and bigger the closer we got. I didn’t want to hurt the crocodiles. After all, they weren’t doing anything wrong. If they snapped at us or attacked, it was because it was in their nature to do so.
