Page 220 of Royal Rebel

Zadir exhaled slowly. “The fates aren’t always fair. But you had her, and you saved her. That counts for something.”

Grayson didn’t really know what to say to that. But he didn’t have to form a response, because another wave of sickness had him ducking over the edge of the ship.

Zadir straightened, shrugging off the mood between them as he clapped him on the back. “I’ll leave you to it. When you steady out a bit, come down and eat something. But wait until you’re feeling a little better, or you’ll just—yeah, that.” He chuckled at Grayson’s renewed retching. “Ah, Spewer, I think I actually missed you.” He winked and strode away, even as he called over his shoulder, “I still wouldn’t hire you, though.”

Chapter 52

Mia

Mia’sheartpoundedtoorapidly as she felt every movement of the ship. What had once felt normal to her was now threatening. Every drop, every sway, every creak—it reminded her of the ship that had shattered beneath her feet.

Rena unknowingly distracted her by helping her clean up and change into a fresh dress, which the older woman had taken from the castle laundry. It was brown, and not a very pretty shade, either. But it was warm, with long sleeves that fell just over her wrists.

Settled in the captain’s cabin aboard theSeafire, Mia ate the hearty soup Fletcher had brought her.

The Fletchers wanted to know everything about her escape with Grayson, but Mia was too tired to give every detail. She kept looking at the closed door of the cabin, willing it to open. She didn’t like being separated from Grayson. It was almost as if her muscles couldn’t fully relax until he was with her again.

While she ate, the Fletchers shared their tale of the night they’d escaped the castle.

“We were still in Lenzen, just approaching the south gate, when soldiers barred everything.” Fletcher’s brow furrowed. “We didn’t know why, but we suspected it had to do with you, Grayson, and Devon.”

Rena paled at the memory, and she clutched Mia’s hand. “We thought you’d been captured.”

Mia’s throat suddenly burned. “We almost were. Devon . . . he was dead at the gate. And Prince Carter was there.”

Fletcher’s expression fell, though resignation hung in his eyes. “When I didn’t see Devon with you, I feared the worst.”

Mia swallowed hard. “Did you try to make it to Oland’s Bridge?”

“Yes, but it was two days before the soldiers let anyone through the gates. We had to slip through with a group of people to avoid being recognized. Luckily, they were concentrating on looking for you and Grayson. And we never actually made it to the bridge—soldiers were searching that area of the forest, so it didn’t seem wise. We were forced to go to Porynth another way.”

“We hated to leave you,” Rena added quickly. “We had most of the supplies, and we were so worried about you.”

“I knew Grayson would keep you safe, though,” Fletcher said. “That’s why we wouldn’t let this Mortisian pirate leave. We knew you would make it.”

“And as long as the soldiers were still looking for you and Grayson at the city gates, we knew you hadn’t been caught.” Rena smiled, moisture shining in her eyes. “Thank the fates you’re here safely.”

She’d just finished her third bowl of soup when the cabin door opened and Grayson slipped inside. His expression was drawn, his face pale. He was clearly still struggling with his seasickness, but that didn’t stop his gray eyes from settling on her. “Is there anything you need?” he asked. “Zadir is wondering.”

She shook her head. “I’m fine, thank you.”

He nodded and braced one hand on the doorframe as he said something to whoever waited in the hall. Zadir, presumably.

Rena stood suddenly. “Alun, we should let Mia sleep. She must be exhausted.”

Fletcher rose a moment behind his wife, his gaze lingering on Grayson, who slowly turned back to face the cabin. “We can split watches,” he said. “Unless you’re too tired.”

From the hallway, Zadir made a sharp sound of indignation. “The seraijah is completely safe on my ship! My crew would never harm her. They would die for her!”

Mia felt her eyes fly wide.

Grayson’s mouth twitched. “Zadir’s men are trustworthy, Fletcher. You can sleep in your cabin.”

When the old guard frowned, Mia reached out and touched his hand. “Everything is all right now. I’m safe.”

Safe.Fates, she was, wasn’t she? After spending half her life in a prison cell, she was finally free. And against all odds, she and Grayson had made it out of Ryden. His family couldn’t use her against him anymore. It felt impossible. Wonderful. Overwhelming. Tears stung her eyes, but they were tears of relief.

They were safe.

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