Page 78 of Unrivaled
They let me go, their expression soft.“Princess, there’s no such thing as krakens.But peoplebelieve.Let them.”They wiped a tear from my cheek with hands that still smelt of me.“They’ll make up elaborate tales and link unconnected events.They’ll spin half-truths with lies and call it as honest as the day is long.”
I blew out a breath.“You’ve never seen a kraken?”
“No one alive has ever seen a kraken.And yet we still talk about them.”They reached for their belt, continuing to dress.“If I told you Ihadseen one, you wouldn’t believe me.Not all the way.But a small part of you would wonder.”
“Probably.”
“There’s no probably.You would.You’re a realist, princess, but you’ve got room for hope too.Most of us do.”They stopped in front of me with their hands on their hips, that smirk on their face.“You going to end my hope,and tell me again you aren’t a kraken?”
I was so confused.They were being supportive, of that I was sure.“I’m lost again, Elnyta.Why don’t we go down to the docks and you can give me a tour of your ship.”
They cocked their head, eyes narrowing slightly.“You’ve already toured most of the best bits.Is this a ploy to get rid of me?Because I can find my own way out if you’ve things you need to do.”
“If by ‘things’ you’re referencing all the worries I need to stew in?”I asked, shooting for humor.
Apparently, I hit it, because they grinned.“That was exactly what I meant, princess.”They turned to scoop up their vest.“I gather the meeting didn’t go well.”
“The meeting went as well as I expected.”Mayhap that was the wrong information, because they sent me another amused look that felt mismatched to my comment.“The previous steward has returned.He deserted at the start of the plague.His attendance will…complicate things.”
“Want me to slip with my saber?”they offered, as they reached for it.
They didn’t seem serious, but I knew I’d worry if I didn’t ask more questions.“That’s a very kind offer, and one I hope was intended in jest.”
They snorted.“Yes, Audrey, it was a jest.We both know you don’t need me for my steel.”They picked up my mastodesmos, the laces dangling through only one eye.“Haven’t seen one of these so far south.Much less on any noble woman.Explains how you’re so good in the saddle.”
“You’ve never seen me—” I swallowed the rest of what I was going to say, seeing the double-meaning, and the jest, in the words.“You going to help me get laced again?”
They sighed.“I suppose I am.I thought it was your knight, at first.I heard he’s from up north.”
“I’m sorry?”I shrugged off the outer layers, pulling on the supple leather.I missed the air against my skin, but the leather, and the consistent squeeze that would come, was better than the rasp of fabric or, worse, the bite of a corset against bare skin.
“From the Steppes,” they said, finishing dressing as I started to feed the lace through the eyes loosely.“But, after sleeping on it, I recalled your maid using a few little turns of phrase.What’s a nomad doing in La’Angi, serving you, princess?”
Have you heard of the prophecy?Well, it’s because she doesn’t want peace ever after as promised.We’re halting it.Somehow.She’s light on details.Also, she hates the locways.
“It’s a long story.”
“I do like them best,” they said, pulling on their boots.“What tribe was she?”
The realization that they’d assumed she was a steppe warrior but not Matri’sion hit me suddenly.I felt a strange tension deep in my chest.I didn’t like lying to this person.
“She doesn’t talk about it,” I said.No lie, but it was a truth built upon a misunderstanding.
“I was born of the Black Snake,” they offered, coming over to help with my laces.Their fingers were strong and sure.“Ask her if she knows any of my people, next time she feels talkative.”
I thought of the jagged scars on Isolde’s arm, the fury in her eyes, the bridled rage in her movements.
“I will.”
CHAPTERTWENTY-EIGHT
CHAY
Continue as you are.I will deal with it.Thanking you.
—Man in the Mountain to E.
26thDay of Spring’s Son Moon,
