A tap came on the stateroom door. Quesnel stuck his blond head in, hat off, face freshly washed. “You asked to see me?”
Primrose rose to leave. “Come along, Percy.”
“Stay, please.” Rue’s voice was harsher than she intended.
Prim reluctantly sank back down, looking like she would rather be anywhere else.
Percy looked smug. Well, smugger than usual.
“Come in, Quesnel, sit.”
Quesnel came in, but he did not sit; he leaned back against one wall, attempting to look unperturbed.
“I understand you have a ghost holder in my… hold.”
“She told you, did she?”
“I would have rather it came from you.”
“Family matters.”
“I hope your family will understand that, as captain of this ship, I wish to know if that device is patented and registered.”
Quesnel blinked at her. This was taking a turn he hadn’t expected. “Of course.”
Rue sighed. “I wish you had, at the very least, said that much. These attacks, I thought they were after that bally tank of yours.”
Quesnel shook his head. “Goodness no. I imagine they’ll be up for sale on Bond Street soon, with Woolsey Hive’s backing. Last I heard, Mother was entertaining the possibility of mass production. I see no reason for technological espionage. I shall be a rich man, in the end. Will you still love me then, my cold beauty?”
Rue glared at him. “That settles the matter. They must be after Miss Sekhmet.”
“Who?” Quesnel looked confused.
“Yes, that is still the real question. Who?” Rue sighed. “Are we ready for speed?”
“Of course.” Quesnel straightened in offence at any question of his people’s efficiency. “You going to tell me where we’re going?”
“Miss Sekhmet is taking us to the Source of the Nile. We are at her disposal in order to fix his mistake.” Rue gestured at Percy.
Quesnel blanched. “The source is in contested lands. Is that wise?”
“Probably not,” Percy muttered.
Rue glared at him.
Quesnel remained focused on Rue. “Why there? What’s happened? What has he done?”
“Why don’t you try living for a while without all the necessary information? See how pleasant it feels, chérie.” Rue was not above revenge.
Quesnel gave her a little bow. “Yes, Lady Captain.” With which he twirled and marched from the room.
“Oh, Rue! His face. Did you have to be so mean?”
Rue glared at Primrose. “He should have given Percy that darn byline! We’d never be in this mess.”
“Thank you, Rue,” said Percy.
“Don’t start,” Rue shot back. “And he should have told me about the ghost holder from the beginning. Who, exactly, does he think is going to die?”
“But he’s awfully fond of you,” defended Prim.
“He’s awfully fond of withholding information. And he’s awfully fond of my enthusiasm under the duvet.”
“Rue!” Primrose was appalled.
Percy stood abruptly and marched from the room.
Primrose took control of her shock. “I think you malign Quesnel’s character.”
“Which of us has been kissing him lately?”
“Exactly why you’re in no condition to properly assess his intentions.”
Rue was past caring. “I’m small, round, outrageous, and – as I just explained – possibly not legally a human being. What makes you think that man takes anything seriously, least of all me?”
Prim took a breath. “Wouldn’t you like to be taken seriously?”
“Oh, Prim. You’re such a romantic.”
Prim frowned. “I believe you’re rendering a disservice both to your worth and his attentions.”
Poor old Prim – she always wants to see the world in the best possible way.
“Primrose, I just drank barley water for you. For the moment could you leave off my entanglement, such as it is?”
Primrose nodded. “I’ll say no more on the subject.”
“But?”
“I’m worried about you, Rue. You’re isolated.”
“I’m on a ship full of people, you chump.”
Prim shook her head, annoyed with her own inability to articulate. “You’ve lost your family. Well, left them all behind.”
“To be fair, some of them left me.”
“Exactly my point. I don’t like you feeling so… abandoned.”
Rue couldn’t deny that. Even Dama had left her to her own devices. And I was so glib with him about gaining my majority, so glad to be free. I did not realise what else the world would take away as well as his guardianship – my pack, my parents. “It’s not so bad, Prim. They’re all still alive, further away but alive, and less mine than they once were. Isn’t that growing up?”
“Well, if it is, it’s pretty darn awful for you. Excuse my language.” Her dearest friend pushed on, embarrassed but determined. “I only mean to say, we’re still here for you, Percy and I.”
Rue tilted her head, suspicious.
“Fine, me more than Percy. But we’re twins enough for me to speak for both of us. It’s just… We are also your family. You do realise that?”
Rue came over a little teary and said what Primrose couldn’t quite muster. “I love you, too.”