Page 103 of Fearless

He says nothing.

“I had no proof but my own word, and that meant little after what I’d done. So, I wanted you to discover the truth yourself.” I glance down at the sparkling ring on my finger. “But I still am a murderer.”

“And you’re still far better than most.”

I shake my head. The stifled darkness within me says otherwise.

I’m quiet until a soft question surprises my lips. “So, what do you fear?” He looks over at me, subtly intrigued. “You told me what Kitt fears. Now I want to know what could possibly frighten Ilya’s mighty Enforcer.”

He chuckles darkly. “I’m afraid of plenty.”

I raise a brow. “Is it me you’re scared of, Prince?”

His answer is quick and earnest. “I’m scared of what could happen to you. WhatIcould do to you.” A muscle twitches in his jaw. “I fear every swipe of my sword and every command from my mouth. It haunts me.”

Emotion clogs my throat, forcing me to swallow back a sudden wave of grief. My heart aches for this boy who never got to be one. “It’s not fair,” I manage. “This life you’re forced to live.”

His eyes are a storm that sweeps over my face. “It might just all be worth it if it means I can protect you.”

I shake my head at him as the ship lurches against the dock. Kai steps away at the reminder of who we are supposed to be to each other in this city. Glancing down at the dozens of awaiting faces, he says, “Why ask? About Kitt and our father?”

I tip my head toward the dock, eyes pinned on a pair I know to be green. “I guess I’m just trying to understand him better.”

Kitt’s blond hair ruffles in the wind beneath the crown he wears, both glinting gold within the circle of Imperials surrounding their king. He looks oddly… dulled. Weary. His hands are folded over the fine green tunic he wears, and—

And his eyes are on mine.

For a moment, I feel as though I’m back in the Bowl, meeting his gaze from afar as I stand within a game meant to prove myself.

“Pae?”

The sound of that nickname tears my eyes from the dock below and fixes them on the Enforcer beside me. “Hmm?”

“I asked if you were ready to get the hell off this thing.”

My smile is tight. “Yes, very.”

I follow him toward the wooden ramp, feeling it creak beneath my weight as I descend onto the dock. A wall of Imperials on the rocky shore separates the gawking Ilyans from us, though I can feel the countless pairs of eyes raking over me. I bristle beneath the many gazes examining every inch of the girl they likely hoped to never see again.

The captain follows closely behind as we make our way over to the king. Kitt smiles tightly at me, and it’s a relief not to be scrutinized by him as well. Perhaps he is happy to see me return in one piece. Perhaps distance, and the likelihood of my imminent death, really does make the heart grow fonder.

When the Imperials part to let us greet him, it’s Torri who speaks first. “Your Majesty—”

“Kai!”

A flurry of limbs pushes through the throng of Imperials to bound toward the Enforcer. Kai barely has enough time to spread his arms before Jax crashes into them. The boy clings to his brother, face buried in his shoulder.

Jax sniffles. “You’re alive.”

“Of course, J,” Kai murmurs. “I had to make it back home to you.”

My gaze is torn from their heartfelt reunion when Torri clears his throat. “As I was saying, Your Majesty, it was an honor to sail under Ilya’s colors once again. As you can see”—he gestures to the battered boat behind—“we encountered the beast that lurks within the Shallows, but under my command, we now live to tell the tale.”

Kitt nods his appreciation. “Thank you, Captain Torri. Your bravery and service to our kingdom will be greatly rewarded.”

Kai clears his throat, arm still slung around Jax. “I believe praise is due to the one who saved us from that beast.” He lifts a hand toward me, andthe gesture alone has every eye back on my disheveled figure.

Heat stains my cheeks as I throw a warning glance Kai’s way. This doesn’t go unnoticed by the king. His tired eyes flick to me. “Is that so?”

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