Page 35 of Lost Starlight
It explained so much, including why he had been busier than usual, looking for a way out of a deal, no doubt.
“Well, I am sure I would make the same deal if it would save Meria,” Dominick said, looking fondly at his new wife.
“As an honorable prince should,” said the queen.
“Or a man madly in love with a mermaid.” Dominick said, winking at Meria. Dominick, while incredibly different from his brother—being more pirate thanprince—still reminded me of Peter from time to time. Peter would also wink at me, causing me to blush, and then he would grin. How I missed him. How sad I was that he had not been able to share his burden with me; for all that time, he had been alone in it.
“Thisisall my fault,” I said again, tears streaming down my face. I could no longer hold back.
“No, it is not,” Michael said beside me. I never knew Michael to be so kind, but I was grateful for his presence.
“It is not,” Meria also assured.
“We must find him,” Dominick said.
“But if he made a deal, can it be broken? Plus, his curse,” the queen added. “Although, I am not sure, but I think, maybe, he has already broken his curse.” the queen said softly, looking at me with hope in her eyes. As far as I knew he was still cursed.
“It is not broken until he has a visit from Ancient Draken,” Dominick said, looking from the queen, over to me. “Has that happened?”
“He never told me his curse was broken,” I said.
“Well, I am sure he would have told you; he would be so happy to have his curse broken. I have only noticed that he has had no desire to leave, only a desire to see his beloved betrothed, daily,” the queen said. Her eyes were so soft. I was happy that Peter had grown up with such a sweet mother. I envied that, but I was happy for him; she had been all he had for so long.
“I am sure he would have told you. He could not speak of the debt. Peter loves you, and he would not keep information about his curse breaking from you, Gwendolyn,” Meria said, patting my back.
I appreciated her kindness and comfort. “Thank you, Meria,” I said softly, wiping at my tears.
Michael handed me a handkerchief, and I cleaned my face.
“We will set sail right away. I need to get some more supplies, but we will head to Pixie Isle,” Dominick said, looking at Meria for confirmation. He was a fine sailor; he had been to Pixie Isle once, and he could do it again.
I looked at Michael as he stepped up with a bow.
“I will come, too.”
I was surprised. Michael had not hated Peter, but he wasn’t the most supportive brother.
There was a pounding at the door. Everyone turned to see a man running toward us. The guards let him pass, but I was startled, stepping back until I saw who it was.
“Captain William?” the queen questioned, addressing him.
“I apologize for my hasty arrival,” he said, out of breath, bending to give a formal bow. He turned to Dominick and did the same. Once he stood to his full height, he smiled at me.
“Lady Darling.” He nodded.
“Captain.” I curtsied.
“Why are you here?” Dominick asked William.
“Ah, my best mate is gone, and I want to help find him. I knew something was going on, but—”
“Pixies stole him, and we are headed back to Pixie Isle,” Dominick said.
“I am coming,” William answered—not asking, but telling.
“You are welcome to come; the more help, the better,” Dominick said.
“Good,” he nodded with a sigh.
