Page 65 of Fearless

“Roses are used to treat illnesses.”

It’s the first thing she’s said since striding into this study and taking a seat beside the fireplace. At the sound of Paedyn’s voice, I turn to look at her, finding those blue eyes already pinned on me.

“I was the daughter of a Healer once,” she continues simply. “I know of the benefits and high demand for the flower.”

Kitt nods in agreement to her words. “This gift would be beneficial to Izram—a physical peace offering for shutting off trade with them. Queen Zailah has yet to hear of our opened borders, so it would be Paedyn who reintroduces Ilya as an ally.”

“And the Shallows?” I ask, exasperated. “The things that lurk within it?” I’m suddenly bracing my palms on the desk, leaning forward as I say, “Kitt, you know that Jax’s parents died in a shipwreck over that sea. That was the very last time anyone has publicly tried to make the trek.”

“I know.” Kitt’s voice is suddenly stern. “Of course I remember what happened to Jax’s parents. But times have changed. Ships have evolved. Teles and Hydros will be on board. Extra precautions have been made.” He pauses. “Paedyn will be safe.”

Easel’s long mint hair comes into view beside Kitt’s desk. “As for what supposedly lurks within the Shallows, we have no way of knowing if those myths are true or not. But, rest assured, the ship will be equipped with weapons and plenty of Elites.”

That finally has Paedyn standing from her seat, unsurety slanting her brows. “What myth?”

I gesture to the court’s spokesman. “You’re the one sending her on this journey, so why don’t you tell her?”

He obliges, though, slightly hesitant. “It has been said that the Plague may have even altered… animals. There are stories of enhanced creatures—bigger, faster, stronger than before. Because ofthat, many believe there to be some creature living in the Shallows.”

“A beast that belongs to the sea,” I finish for him, turning my attention back to Paedyn.

My words seem to have hit her with a sudden realization. Her eyes are pinned on the carpet, her head shaking slightly. “The bats…”

“What?” Calum asks, stealing the question from my lips.

“The bats,” she repeats distractedly. “There were these massive bats in the cave above that crypt. I remember thinking there was something unnatural about them.” Her eyes find Calum’s. “Do you think they were…?”

“Genetically mutated?” He inhales deeply, tucking tanned arms behind his back. “It is definitely possible. The Scholars have collected evidence themselves, though they don’t publicly speak on it. But that doesn’t mean this sea creature is anything more than a bedtime story.”

“Yet another thing I never got the chance to learn on the streets of Loot.” Paedyn huffs out a laugh, the sound cutting. “I really am Ordinary. Even to animals.”

I catch the slight hardening of Calum’s face, likely in response to the bitter way she speaks about herself. “Are you up for this journey, Paedyn?”

“I didn’t realize I had a choice,” she answers earnestly. “But if this is what the people need from me…”

Easel nods solemnly at her words.

“Then I will do it,” she finishes.

“I’m going with her.”

There is not a hint of hesitancy in my voice. It’s a demand, a compromise I won’t negotiate. Even worse, I don’t care if my worry for her seeps into the words. I will follow her to the bottom of the sea if I must.

“Kai, you can’t be serious—” Kitt starts, sounding betrayed.

“I’m not just your Enforcer,” I state. “I’m now Paedyn’s as well. Andif there is one thing Father ensured I had learned, it was to never let my king and queen face danger unless I was between it and them.”

I can feel Paedyn’s wide gaze roaming over me, but I don’t dare let my stare stray from Kitt. He studies me long enough to have Calum begin filling the silence. “The king needs his Enforcer here—”

Cutting him off, it’s Kitt I speak toward. “What do you think that crew will do to their Ordinary queen?” My voice drops as I murmur, “It wouldn’t surprise me if they tried to throw her overboard the second that ship reaches open water. Call it a freak accident.” I shake my head. “But not if I’m there. No one will dare touch her. And if you weren’t so damn important, Brother, I know you would be on that ship with her. But we can’t risk losing you. So risk me instead.”

“I’ll ensure the crew behaves,” Kitt challenges.

“Threats won’t stop them from throwing her overboard and returning with a tale about how the future queen ran off in Izram,” I counter quietly.

“Kitt.” Paedyn is suddenly beside me, her palms pressed against the wood desk. “I wish it was you coming with me.”

The words sting more that I suspected they would. Even knowing this is another moment of pretend, I feel a twinge of hurt in the heart I’ve so readily given her.

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