Page 22 of Shadow and Smite

Bracing against the cool mist, I joined Ayla and Vanessa on deck. As one, both ladies turned to me. The scowl on Ayla’s face, the betrayal, twisted my heart.

Vanessa’s lips drew a thin line. “I won’t be part of a kidnapping.”

“Neither will I,” I admitted, lifting my hands in the signal of defeat. “Take us to Port Saundyrs.”

“And my Brand?” Ayla asked. “You’ll heal it?”

I shook my head. “This gives me time to think. And you should see your friend. Besides, if we are traveling together, I’ll need to pick up more supplies.”

“Traveling… together?” Ayla asked.

“I’m hoping you’ll choose to stay.”

She laughed. “I don’t think you can call it achoiceif you won’t heal my Brand.”

“It’s not fair. I know.” I glared at her. “Life isn’t fair.”

“I know that.”

“Then why do you expectmeto be fair?”

She met my gaze, her green eyes sharp with hurt. “Because I thought you were different.”

“Sorry to break it to you, but I’m not. I’m as ruthless as they come.”Or at least I should be.

“Fine,” Ayla gritted. “Vanessa says we’ll reach the port by sunset. If you need me, I’ll be resting in the cabin.” She stormed off, leaving Vanessa and me alone.

“That went well,” Vanessa said.

“You think?”

“Well, only one member of our crew is branded. That’s a win.”

“How optimistic of you.”

“I do my best,” she preened. “Now excuse me for being pushy, but shouldn’t you go comfort her or something? Tell herwhythis mission is so damn important.”

I bristled under her complaint. “I’ll explain later. She needs the chance to think before learning that the future of the Isles is possibly in our hands.”

Vanessa hummed thoughtfully. “I think you’re underestimating her.”

“Or maybe she’ll think Eleanor is crazy. Like the others.”

The afternoon passed in relative ease, the mist giving way to sunshine. On a different day, it would have been pleasant.

Ayla remained in the cabin, and I swallowed my impulse to remove the Brand completely. I couldn’t spend more ashflower on her if she wouldn’t stay. It was foolish to have wasted what I did.

My quest was larger than infatuation. I focused on the duty of a prince, my responsibilities to my court and loyalty to my liege lady.

I distracted myself, arranging crates at the bow of the boat to form benches. By adding a barrel, I formed a makeshift table. With nothing else to do—not daring to retrieve my books from the cabin—I lay upon the deck, resting on its surface.

Hours later, as we approached the docks of Port Saundyrs, Ayla finally emerged from the cabin. She had donned her armor and carried her assortment of weapons.

I noticed her empty quiver. “I have spare arrows, if you’d like to take any,” I offered, immediately regretting it. I didn’twantto be nice to her.

“I’ll buy my own at port, thanks,” she replied. “But I took a scarf from your wardrobe. It’s not enchanted, is it?”

“No, it’s safe.”

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