Page 369 of Kingdoms of Night

“Three days?”

“Yes, that’s how long you’ve been asleep,” he said, and walked over to my bedside and set the bucket of steaming water down onto the floor. I’ve been told to dab cool water on you until the fever breaks.”

Tensing, I stared at her. “Fever?”

His eyes narrowed then. “Yes, miss. You were hot as a hearth.”

“Oh,” I said, and my brows furrowed again.

As long as its not sea water.

“I’m Bram, by the way. Cabin boy here on the ship. Been here since I turned seven. Mom said it would be better to sell me to the pirates than feed me.”

I absorbed his words. Was that what it was like for humans? Selling their children off because of lack of food?

“I’m Siddhe.”

Bram’s eyes brightened as he mouthed my name. Then he said it aloud. “Siddhe? Never heard a name like that.” Then, he helped me sit up and pulled my hair over my shoulder. “Say, what’s that shining thing on your face?”

I slapped a hand over my temple. My scales must have been showing.

Did Elian explain things to his crew?

I couldn’t risk exposure until I was sure.

He gave me a curious look, staring at my hand, then pursed his lips and dipped the rag into the bucket. He began dabbing the cold rag on my forehead.

“I bet you want a bath. Maybe the captain will let you use the tub now that you’re awake. This is his quarters, you know. You’re the lucky one, aren’t you?”

I wasn’t sure what to say. But, I was glad he didn’t ask me about my scales again. During my last six months pretending to be human, I hadn’t heard of a bath.

“I’ll fetch more water and some scented soap we picked up in Harlow. Maybe we can have you looking like a lady again before the captain returns, instead of a drowned cat.”

His laugh startled me. It was innocent and playful, but proved infectious. I couldn’t help but offer a weak laugh in return.

“Bram,” I called, before he left the room.

“Yes, miss?”

“Where are we right now?”

Bram shrugged. “No idea, miss. Somewhere in the middle of the Castilon Ocean now.”

Then, he left the room, and closed the door behind him.

My breaths quickened. I didn’t get a chance to say goodbye.

I prayed Elian upheld his part of the deal.

CHAPTEREIGHTEEN

THE DEAL

Captain Elian Westin

“The girl,” Bastian said. “What do I tell the others?”

Excitement surged through my veins as I thought of the success I’d acquired from a simple stop for provisions.

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