Page 63 of Pregnant With Their Babes

“Hidden tunnels?” Llyr asked. “How do you know they’re there?”

“Because he lived there,” Dagr said. “Meet Johannes Oswald Hieronymus von König, Crown Prince of Aelymanua.”

Llyr focused on Oz.“A prince?Why did you not tell me?”

“It was easier to pass myself off as a gentleman than a prince given the life I lead.”

“But I told you who I was. You had to realize I’d understand,” Llyr said, looking hurt.

“I was a third son, and never expected to see the throne. I’ve gotten so accustomed to hiding, it’s second nature now. I was allowed to roam the world… that is, untilbothmy brothers died. Now I have a duty to fulfil.IfI can save my realm from those monsters.”

“First I put your crew in danger… and now your whole realm.”

“That isn’t your doing,” Dagr corrected before Oz could.

Llyr’s hand rose and wrapped around the pendant. “I could come with you and use this to ward off the Draugar.”

“No! You’ll stay onboard where you’re safe. Swear it,” Oz demanded.

Llyr sighed, but nodded.

“I’ve got to take over the bridge. Get yourself somewhere safe. Dagr and I will find you to say goodbye before we take the boarding party in,” Oz said to Llyr before giving the man a kiss. “I promise.”

“You’d better,” Llyr said.

For the next thirty minutes, Oz navigated them along the coast and into the mouth of the smaller cove. They dropped anchor and lowered both of their larger rowboats into the water below, filled with ammunition and weapons. Llyr raced out on deck before they could seek him out. He first wrapped his arms around Oz, stealing a kiss, before doing the same with Dagr.

“Be safe… please. And remember… aim for their heads.”

“Their heads?” Dagr asked.

“I remembered something one of my brothers once said. The Draugar are unable to survive without their heads.”

“Duly noted,” Oz said before hugging Llyr one last time. “We’re off. Stay on board with the rest of the crew. Mr. Tyler and the others will remain here to protect you.”

Dagr and Oz were the last two to climb down into the rowboats. They departed, waving to Llyr as they traveled deeper into the cove.

“It’s been a long time since we’ve been through the tunnels. What if something changed?” Dagr asked.

“We have to pray it’s intact,” Oz murmured. Worry filled him. It had been so long since he used those tunnels. By now, they might’ve been sealed up. Or worse—he’d forget all the boobytrapped tunnels and they’d die before reaching the inside.

Dagr nodded, and the rest of the trip to shore was silent but for the sounds of the oars splashing through the water and the grunting of the rowers. Each splice through the water added to his mounting dread. His father was the last of his family, barring Dagr. He eyed the man he loved, needing to find a tiny piece of harmony before the battle ahead.

A battle against an army who might never be defeated. Doubt took his breath away—but he had to make the attempt. He’d avoided his duty long enough.

Once on dry land, they checked their weapons. Oz slid out of his jacket and tossed it to the boat. Something slipped from a pocket and clunked to the bottom of the boat.

Oz reached out and lifted the necklace.

Llyr’s pendant.

“Why do you have that?” Dagr asked.

“I had no idea I did.” Oz glanced toward the ship.“Dear gods. He’s unprotected.”

He stood there a moment, warring with himself. Did he turn back to the ship and protect the merman who’d sacrificed all to help them win this fight… or did he go save the thousands inside the castle walls—including his father and king?

A thought occurred to him. He handed the pendant to one of the crewmen. “Take this back to Llyr. As quickly as you can row that boat.”

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