So I Married a Sorcerer (The Embraced #2)

She needed a diversion, she decided. If everyone was asleep, she should be able to walk about on deck. She’d already changed into the pretty nightgown from Sister Ellen, so she threw her cloak on top, then eased into the dim passageway. The sound of Jeffrey’s soft breathing emanated from the far end of the corridor. Moonlight filtered in from the open doorway at the top of the stairs, and she inched toward it, silent in her bare feet.

On deck, she could spot only two sailors at the bow of the ship keeping watch and a helmsman resting on a trunk on the quarterdeck. A large pelican was roosting on top of a closed barrel. She glanced up at the crow’s nest. Empty. Rupert must be asleep somewhere. Good. The last thing she needed was him staring at her as if he was trying to read her mind. How embarrassing it would be if he knew how much he was in her thoughts!

She wandered to the midship port railing. A lantern was lit there, surrounded in red glass. Over on the starboard side, a blue lantern was lit. As she gazed out to sea, she saw more red and blue lanterns. Nine of each. This must be how the ships in Rupert’s fleet kept up with one another at night.

A gentle breeze caressed her face with fresh, salty air. The sea lapped against the sides of the ship with soft, swooshing noises. Overhead the twin moons were embraced, the smaller Lessa resting in front of the larger Luna. Together they shone more brightly than usual, and the ocean beneath them sparkled as if jewels had been scattered as far as she could see.

But she was too worried to enjoy the view. What would become of her and Sister Fallyn? And what had happened to the dog, Brody? She could only hope she’d been mistaken and he’d remained on board with her sisters.

“Please be all right,” she whispered.

And how was Luciana doing? She must know by now that Brigitta and Sister Fallyn had been taken. If only there was a way to let Luciana know she was safe. Brigitta didn’t want her to worry when her baby was due so soon.

A pang of self-pity pricked at Brigitta. She would miss the child’s birth. Miss the birthday celebration for Luciana and Sorcha. By the goddesses, she missed all of her sisters something fierce.

Tears burned her eyes as she realized she might never see them again. Even when she was free from Rupert, she’d be under Gunther’s control. And since the mainland kingdoms were often at war, she doubted her brother would let her live with a neighboring king and queen. He might not even let her visit.

The words from the Song of Mourning filled her head. Bereaved women from the Isle of Moon sang it whenever they lost their men at sea. Right now, it felt like she’d lost her entire family.

A tear rolled down her cheek, and, with a trembling voice, she sang, “My true love lies in the ocean blue. My true love sleeps in the sea. Whenever the moons shine over you, please remember me. Please remem—”

Her voice broke, and she wiped away more tears. This wasn’t going to solve anything. If she wanted to be the author of her own destiny, she would have to be strong. And smart. And brave.

“Good evening.” A deep voice drifted toward her, speaking in Tourinian.

Rupert. Behind her. Her heart sprang into a quick beat. He’s not a hero, she reminded herself. The scoundrel had kidnapped her. She mustn’t appear nervous or flustered in front of him. Even if she was suddenly aware that she had nothing on but a thin nightgown and cloak. She clutched the edges of the cloak together. Be brave.

“That was a pretty song.” His whisper tickled her ear.

Oh, but there was something about his voice that made her feel weak in the knees. Be strong. She responded in Tourinian, “I thought I would be alone. I didn’t mean to wake anyone.” Especially you.

“I was still awake.” The deck creaked behind her as he came closer. “I prefer to sleep on the quarterdeck, so I can be under the stars and open sky.”

It sounded like he wanted to feel free. But the scoundrel didn’t mind holding her captive. Be smart. “Enjoy the open sky while you can. Once you’re captured, you’ll be locked away for good in a dark dungeon. If not worse.”

“How could anyone capture me when I can simply blow them away?”

She snorted. He seemed so blasted sure of himself. “Full of hot air, are you?”

He chuckled as he reached the railing beside her.

Still wearing that ridiculous mask and hat with the fake hair, she noted. Did he even sleep with them on? She was tempted to rip them off herself.

He frowned at her. “You’ve been crying.”

“Why shouldn’t I? I’m a prisoner here, aren’t I?”

His mouth thinned. “I have no wish to harm you.”

“Then let me go.”

“You will not have any more freedom with your brother.”

That was probably true. She groaned inwardly. “Do you know why my brother wants me?”

“No. But I know he wouldn’t have sent for you if it didn’t benefit him in some way.”

How did kings benefit from using princesses? She thought back to her history lessons. “Do you think he has plans to marry me off to gain an ally?”

His jaw shifted as he grabbed on to the railing. “Perhaps.”

“According to Sister Fallyn, I’m already betrothed.”

His grip tightened till his knuckles turned white. “How…” He gave her a wary look. “What else did she tell you?”

Brigitta sighed. “A terrible story. I’d rather not repeat it. Or even think about it. I…” She turned away as tears burned her eyes. “I come from a family of monsters.”

He was quiet for a moment, then said softly, “Don’t cry.”

She turned toward him. “Don’t pretend to care.”

A muscle twitched in his cheek, but he said nothing.

She winced inwardly. How could she convince him to do as she wished, if she irritated him? “I didn’t mean to sound harsh. The fact is I dread the thought of going to my brother. I really want to be with my sisters.”

“You mentioned them before. How can it be that you have sisters?”

“I grew up with them at the Convent of the Two Moons. We were all left there as babes.”

“Isn’t that the convent that makes books?”

She nodded. “The best books in the world. Transcribed in all four mainland languages.”

“So that’s why you speak Tourinian so well.” He smiled. “A little bit of an accent, but I like it.”

Her heart warmed, then she chided herself. Why should she care what he thought? Or even notice how lovely his smile was? She quickly changed the subject. “Luciana is my oldest sister. We were on our way to Ebton Palace because she’s giving birth soon. I’m afraid she’ll be worried about me, and it might cause harm to her and her unborn child. If you would just send me there, she would be more than willing to pay my ransom.”

His smile faded. “I already told you my reasons for not doing that.”

“I know. There were four,” she muttered, then gave him a curious look. “What was your fifth reason?”

His gaze narrowed, his eyes a shimmering gold. Her heartbeat quickened and once again, she was acutely aware that she was naked beneath her thin nightgown and cloak. As his gaze wandered over her, her skin tingled as if she’d been laid bare.

He turned suddenly toward the sea. “I don’t recall.”