Page 61 of Crossbones
I’m about to say more but before I can go on, the door opens and John walks in. He’s an older man, somewhere in his fifties if I were to guess, butnonetheless striking in his fine-cut clothing. A precisely trimmed beard hugs his jaw, matching the salt and pepper hair on his head that is without a strand out of place. Keen hazel eyes rest on Caspian as he inclines his head respectfully.
“Your Royal Highness,” he says. “It pleases me to see you up and about.”
Surprise flickers across Caspian’s face briefly when he recognizes John, but his princely tongue and royal upbringing kick in. “Your Grace, your hospitality is greatly appreciated. I find myself eternally in your debt.”
“Think nothing of it, sir—” John says. He looks over Caspian’s shoulder at me. “Anything to assist a friend.”
Caspian turns to look at me. “Powerful connections indeed, Captain.”
“The Duke and I go way back,” I answer.
“You must,” Caspian agrees. “Last I knew, Brookveil was notorious for anti-piracy laws. Hang on sight, if I’m not mistaken?”
John pours himself a glass of rum and takes a seat at the table.
“I’ve found James to be quite allergic to the noose,” he says dryly. “And for reasons still unclear to me, he continues to find ways to put me in his debt.”
“I can assure you, it is all by happy accident,” I say lightly.
“Quite.” Humor dances in John’s eyes as he regards me over the rim of his glass.
Fate has an odd habit of dropping us in each other’s paths frequently and in consequence, something of an odd friendship has developed between us over the years. John is a man of firm, resolute morals but is honorable, loyal and powerful in many circles. Knowing I’m a pirate irks him to no end, even though my reputation and own connections have assisted him in the past—he will never admit to it.
“Now, I hear you’re having trouble with Lord Malik,” John states, turning to Caspian. “While I will absolutely provide a safe harbor for you to stay as long as you like, I cannot cross over the line into outright provocation. There is a tenuous balance here in Ironhold I will not jeopardize.”
Caspian nods. “I understand perfectly, Your Grace. I ask nothing of you that you haven’t already given. We’ve imposed on you enough as it is. My vendetta is my own and I will accomplish it without implicating you further.”
The Duke studies Caspian. “You are not at all like your father.”
“I take that as a great compliment, sir.”
“As you should,” John agrees. “De’Vero has done nothing but disrupt the Seven Landings for over a decade under his reign.”
“I couldn’t agree more,” Caspian nods. “Unfortunately, it’s looking like my brother is going to follow in his footsteps.”
The look on Caspian’s face makes it very apparent just what he thinksabout this fact. I can tell John is processing everything rapidly—he’s always been a shrewd reader of someone’s character. I can tell he likes what he’s concluded when a small smile slips across his lips.
“It is a shameyouare not the crowned prince, Your Highness,” he says.
“I regretfully do not share that sentiment,” Caspian admits. “The crown of De’Vero is a heavy burden I have no desire to claim.”
John looks slightly surprised by this admission. “Even if it meant you could change the narrative of your House?”
Caspian’s attention flickers to me, a half smile tugging at his lips. ”Some legacies were never meant to last—” A thrill runs through me at the hidden message.He’s quoting the poetry book.“There’s no saving something rotten—better to pull it all out and start over.”
“Indeed,” John muses. He studies Caspian for a minute longer, not bothering to hide his intrigue, but he finishes his rum and stands. “Well, I won’t disrupt you further. Please, feel free to stay as long as is needed, Your Highness. My staff is at your disposal.”
Caspian inclines his head again as he and John share a look of mutual understanding. Once the door closes Caspian turns his attention to me again.
“The Duke of Brookveil?” He states, a smirk pulling at his lips.
“I told you to trust me,” I grumble.
“Yeah—I’m seeing that now,” Caspian mutters. “You’re friends with one of the most powerful men outside of Seven Landings, you realize that, right?”
I sigh. “Aye—well aware.”
Caspian gets a thoughtful look on his face. “Having Ironhold belong solely to him would be very beneficial—”
