Page 21 of Sea and Sky
Then Ambrose was gone, as if he had never been there. Kyler blinked up at Gavin. “Who can’t Ambrose be with?”
Gavin’s cheek ticked. “Who knows? Ambrose is so secretive. But that’s nothing new. That’s how him and Sebastian work.”
Kyler couldn’t believe Gavin was so clueless. “It’s Sebastian, isn’t it? That’s who he cherishes above all else.”
“I… honestly don’t know. I know they were close when we were all younger. Sebastian’s been a royal messenger since our teenage years. He’s very reliable.”
Kyler snorted. “Yes, because reliability is what attracted Ambrose to him.”
“He’s also very attractive. A dark-haired beauty.”
Kyler ran his hand through his golden blond hair. “And what about me?”
“Truthfully?”
A nod. “Yes, please and thank you.” Because Kyler decided right then and there he’d be truthful with the prince as much as possible.
Gavin cupped the back of Kyler’s head, throwing his brain into a spin. What was happening?
“You’re the most beautiful man I’ve ever met. You being merfolk is just a bonus.”
Kyler went back to being silent. He knew he was good looking, he’d been told as such by clients and a few other pirates, but he never really believed them. Gavin’s hungry eyes told him the words were true.
“There’s more to me than my looks.” Kyler took a step back and back until the velvet settee at the end of the bed stopped his retreat.
“I know, and I hope to get to know everything about you on our voyage.”
Kyler didn’t know if he hated or loved the idea. “Idon’t even know everything about me.”
“Kyler, I’m not sure how much you know about me, but I’ve been obsessed with merfolk since I could talk. I want nothing more than to be your friend.”
“But we have toactlike more.Muchmore. A pair-bond is a big deal. We have to—”
Gavin smiled, and it disarmed Kyler. Kyleralwayshad a plan.Alwaystried to work things out. Did he always succeed? No. But more often than not, he at least survived with less injury than had he gone in blind. And right then he was flailing like a fish out of water.
“We’ll get through this, Kyler. I know we will.”
But what if they couldn’t pull off convincing everyone they were pair-bonded? What if Ailey didn’t believe them? “Will someone check the mark?” Kyler lifted a hand to touch it.
“Probably not. The last Grand Mage of the court was executed six months ago for… I forget what. But there are not many that know how to check for the truth of a mark. And very few know they can be faked. Being royal, I had extended education compared to most.”
“Okay.” Kyler didn’t know how he felt about any of that.
“We’ll keep the secret for tonight. But in the morning, we’ll make a ruckus.”
Chapter 9
Afteramuchneededbath, Kyler padded toward the library Gavin had pointed out. The stone was cold on his bare feet and he realized his boots, along with the rowboat, were long gone. But at least they went to a good cause. Perhaps the prince would provide a new pair of boots for him. Nothing Kyler could afford would be appropriate for a prince’s lover. Kyler shook his head. He couldn’t expect gifts. This was a charade. And he’d gettwofavors for his efforts. It was like the fates smiled on him when he saved Gavin.
Freedom was within reach, but his joy tumbled away just as quickly as it came. Searing pain ripped through his right hand and pulsed up his arm. With a yelp, he went to his knees. He was only a few steps away from the library. Pushing back to his feet, he ran, then slammed the door shut as soon as he entered the room. The boom of the action echoed, and he hoped no one had heard it. At least no one curious.
He pressed his back to the door and slid to the ground. Spiraling his left thumb over the palm of the right hand, he activated the communication spell. When his palm glowed, he slapped the hand to his ear.
“I’m here.”
“What’s your status?” Captain Vex’s gruff voice was as clear as if he stood in front of Kyler.
“I’m working on it. I need time.” What was the hurry?
