Page 45 of Pregnant With Their Babes

“I have to help stop them!”

Before Oz could prevent it, Llyr raced down the few stairs to the main deck. He sprinted toward one of the creatures—and it miraculously backed away from him. They all did, creeping closer to the railing, before sliding down the sides of the ship and back into the water.

Yet they didn’t go far. They bobbed in the water metres from the ship. Oz could see their heads illuminated by the lightning. Rain drenched him and the men as they stared out, viewing the surrounding enemy.

Wondering how long they’d remain at bay.

“If you’re able bodied, start checking the men next to you,” Oz called out before turning to Mr. Tyler. “I need a count of the dead and injured—as well as if there’s any damage to the ship.” He cast a look toward Dagr, who stood protectively at Llyr’s side. “Have someone keep watch on those creatures.”

“Aye, sir.”

He, Dagr, and Llyr all jumped in to assist the wounded. They sent those who could walk into the galley and carried those with more dangerous wounds. A few of the dead were placed in the center of the deck. By the end of their tally—they’d lost four seamen, had a half dozen gravely wounded, and at least twice as many with less severe injuries.

Through it all, Llyr was there to offer his assistance—and that didn’t escape Oz’s notice. Their merman helped stitch cuts, clean wounds, and create splints, never complaining once. When they’d worked on the last of the injured and were assured that Mr. Tyler had enough help to keep watch over the grimmer cases, Oz closed the gap between him and his lovers. “We have much to discuss. Should we retire to my stateroom?”

Dagr nodded. They led Llyr to Oz’s cabin. Dagr closed the doors behind him—seemingly stunned and rocked by what he’d seen. They’d spent a good hour or more tending to the injured, without anyone asking one question about the dead they’d just battled. It had been as if everyone was scared to speak it aloud.

Before Oz could ask a single question, Llyr rambled out, “I’m so sorry for this.”

“How was this your fault?” Oz asked.

“Ilostthe pendant!” he paused a moment before adding, “Had I not run away, they would never have been chasing me in the first place. They wouldn’t have harmed your crew. This isallmy fault.”

Oz sauntered closer to Llyr and took his hands. “You can’t think that way. It’s not your fault.”

“Sounds like vaguely familiar advice,” Dagr mumbled under his breath.

“Please,” Oz whispered to Dagr.

“What can you tell us of these monsters of yours?” Dagr asked Llyr, shifting his attention.

“Not much. All I know is what I’ve already told you. They were once human. They died on the ocean waters. My father has dominion over those who die in our realm… and he can summon them to do anything he wishes.”

“You had a name for them, did you not?” Oz asked.

“The Draugar,”Llyr whispered, shivering. “A vast army… I have no idea how many there are. I’d wager that was but a small piece. Each of the sea kings control those who die within their realm.” He shook his head before lifting his stare. “I’m so sorry I’ve put you and your men in danger.”

“Youdid not do this,” Oz murmured. “If anyone, it was your father who did.”

“Why would your father send creatures such as these after his own son? Is he an evil man?” Dagr asked.

Llyr frowned. “Evil? I don’t think that I’d call him that. Cold? Indifferent? Absolutely. I’ve been practically imprisoned in the castle since I was born.”

“Castle?” Oz asked, a brow rising.

Llyr’s widened and his gaze drifted away. He didn’t speak for a long moment. “I’m a prince. Of Aegeaus. My father is the king.”

“A prince,” Dagr whispered, eyeing Oz with a raised brow.

“I’m being forced to marry Prince Alphonse of Atlantia—to end decades-long strife between our two realms. How that will help, I don’t know. All Idoknow is I don’t wish to be a pawn in their plans. Nor do I wish to marry a boy I do not love.”

“A boy?” Dagr asked.

“He’s nine,” Llyr said. “Which only makes things worse. He’s a terrible child, and I doubt he’ll be a much better adult. When the troth was announced a few days ago—I panicked.”

“A troth? As in a marriage contract?” Dagr asked.

“Yes,” Llyr answered. “You have the same here?”

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