“Turn around and I’ll hook it back up.”
She paused.
“Ailith, if you’re going to wear the dress it needs to be closed in the back.”
“Fine,” she muttered, swiveling around. “So... why were you?”
“Unkind?”
“If you want to put it that way,” she quipped, parroting his remark.
Though she planned to leave, she didn’t want to without an explanation. He was a confounding man, and her desire to understand him had to be satisfied.
“I’m not sure.”
“How can that be? You must know why you act the way you do.”
“Ailith, look at me.”
She didn’t want to, but letting out a sigh, she turned around and lifted her gaze. Though his green eyes threatened to melt her, she refused to let them.
“You once said, you have to be you,” he began. “I’m no different. I have to be me. I’m a ruler, and that’s what I do. I rule.” Then pausing, he murmured, “You look lovely. You were born to wear beautiful garments.”
A hot lump suddenly fired in the back of her throat. Swallowing hard and studying him, a wave of realization washed over her.
“You are a ruler,” she whispered, “but it’s more than that. It’s me. I make you feel... what?”
“It doesn’t matter. I know you want to leave and I won’t stop you.”
Not sure if she should continue, she took a breath.
“There’s more on your mind,” he said, tilting his head to the side. “You’d better get it out now. You might not have another chance.”
The lump grew hotter and bigger.
“You don’t want me to go,” she managed, “so why is it so easy for you to say that?”
“Ailith,” he mumbled, shaking his head, “you know so much, yet so little. It’s not easy. It’s hard, very hard.”
“I don’t understand.”
“But you understand I’m a ruler.”
“Yes.”
“How can I have you in my home and take you as my wife if you don’t wish to be ruled?”
“I, uh...”
“Contrary to what you said earlier, making you happy is my fondest wish, but you want to be free to do as you please with no consequences. You would dance naked in the rain in front of strangers if the spirit moved you, and I have no doubt you’re capable of all kinds of mischief, but Ailith, I must be happy too. No wife of mine will be allowed to behave badly. If she does, she’ll be punished, and she’ll want and expect that punishment. I have no choice but to let you go—for both our sakes.”
A strange tightness gripped her chest.
Suddenly she wasn’t sure of anything.
“We must put this behind us,” he continued. “Take your gold coin and find the life you want. As much as I would like it to be, that life isn’t at my side.”
The hand squeezing her heart grew tighter.
“Ekrem is waiting,” he declared, rising to his feet. “I’m anxious to hear his story.”
“I am too,” she managed, though her head was spinning and her eyes brimmed with tears.
“I’m sure whatever he offers will be delicious,” Ulrick remarked, turning away and starting for the door. “There will probably be food we haven’t tasted before.”
As the first droplets slipped down her cheeks, she realized—for the second time—she wanted to stay with him, even if he was flawed and made mistakes just like she did.
“Are you coming?” he asked, pausing to look over his shoulder.
“Master...?” she breathed, desperate for him to return and sweep her into his powerful arms.
Answering her prayer, he swiftly closed the small space between them and wrapped her up. Melting against him and choking back the flood of tears that would surely take hold if she let it, she squeezed her eyes shut and inhaled his powerful, musky scent. He smelled of the windswept sea, a dense forest, and horses.
“I’m truly sorry I was too harsh,” he muttered, holding her tightly. “I might be again, and you must tell me if you think I am. That is my way. I am a stern leader. My demands and discipline has brought my clan to greatness, but you’re not one of my warriors. You’re not even one of my women servants. I’m harsh with them too, though I like to think I’m fair.”
Feeling his large hand slide up to grip her hair, she held her breath, waiting for him to jerk back her head. When he did, she lifted her eyes.
“Do you understand you’ll be subject to my control and authority? You’ll be punished if you need it? Are you sure that’s what you want?”
“Yes, Master,” she whimpered. “It’s what I want, and, uh, it’s what I need, but you must temper it with kindness, or it’s just cruelty.”
Watching his eyes narrow, she knew what he was about to say.
“I understand, and I’ll do my best,” he murmured. “Ailith, I know why you were upset, but you behaved like a spoiled child throwing a tantrum. I’m always willing to listen, but you will learn to control your temper. You’ll be spanked after our meal.”
“Yes, Master,” she replied, a thousand butterflies bursting to life in her stomach.
“One more thing. You must call me Master when we’re around my men and while you’re being chastised, but you may call me by my name when we’re alone.”
Her heart swelled, and though fresh tears trickled down her face, they came from joy.
“Are you ready to join Ekrem?” he asked, releasing her hair and wiping her wet cheeks with the back of his hand.
“Yes, Ulrick,” she replied, thrilled to be using his name with his blessing. “Uh, what do I call you in front of him?”
“Ulrick is acceptable, but the circumstances are unusual. You were right to ask. If in doubt that’s what you must do.”
“I understand.”
Suddenly moving his hand beneath her chin and tilting it up, he lowered his lips on hers. Though his kiss began gently, it quickly changed, crushing her lips and devouring her mouth. His arm moved around her waist and pulled her into his body, his hardness rubbed against her, and a flood of moisture washed through her womanhood.
“You make me feel so much,” she gasped, sure her legs would give way if he let her go.
“My dearest Ailith, you will feel even more when we come back.”
Chapter Sixteen
Walking along the deck with Ulrick’s hand wrapped around hers, Ailith felt a deep sense of contentment. Once again he’d given her the opportunity to leave, and helped her recognize just how badly she wanted to stay with him.
Had he taken a chance, or did he already know her better than she knew herself?
The question teased her brain as they reached the steps that led down to another intricately carved door. The moment Ulrick pushed it open, tantalizing spices tickled her nostrils. Several bowls offering various delicacies sat on a round table, and empty plates waited to be filled.
“Welcome,” Ekrem said, stepping forward to greet them. “I have some of my favorite dishes to offer you. I hope you enjoy them.”
“I’m sure we will,” Ailith said eagerly. “The smell in here is wonderful.”
“You have me intrigued,” Ulrick declared. “How have you been able to stay hidden all this time, and this food—how did you keep it from spoiling?”
“There’s a specially built compartment with thick walls lined with thin metal and filled with ice. There is some melting, but it’s minimal. I’m sure you’re more than aware how cold helps keep food fresh.”
“What a clever idea,” Ulrick declared. “I’d love to see it.”
“It would be my pleasure. Please, take a seat.”
As they sat down, Ekrem poured wine into goblets and raised his glass.
“To new friends,” he said with a smile.
“To new friends,” Ulrick and Ailith repeated in unison.
Taking a drink, Ulrick nodded his approval. “Delicious. I certainly didn’t expect anything like this when we boarded your boat,” he remarked. “I want
ed to find information about its owner, and here I am eating with him.”
“I’ve never tasted anything like this,” Ailith said earnestly. “I would never get tired of drinking it.”
“Sip it slowly,” Ekrem warned. “It’s produced from dark purple grapes grown at my family’s home. The effects can sneak up on you.”
“What kind of effects?” she asked, taking another sip.
“Ekrem is trying to tell you it can make you drunk.”
“Oh. I don’t want that,” she exclaimed, quickly putting the goblet back on the table.
“Ulrick, I’m very pleased you’re here,” Ekrem declared. “I’ve been waiting for the opportunity to meet you alone. I didn’t want to be instantly surrounded by your warriors when I showed myself.”
“But where were you hiding? I would never have known you were on this boat, and how did you get into the bedroom unseen? I was on deck, and the door was in full view.”
“I was beneath the bed.”
“But it’s solid... isn’t it?”
“One of the panels that support the platform can be pushed open, and behind it, a small section of the floor swings down and offers entry into a small cabin in the hull. However, if you were to go down there you’d never find it. Ulrick, this is a spy ship. There are many secret compartments and hidden rooms.”
“I’ve heard about spy ships, but I never thought I’d be on one. I’d like to build a boat like this.”
“I’ll be happy to show you a few of the secrets. Please help yourselves and enjoy the meal while I explain why I’m here and why Gander was hired. First, and most important, I had no idea he wanted to assassinate you with the help of my men. They were instructed to assist him with whatever he needed,” Ekrem continued, “but they knew I would have discussed any potential battles before they left. Their weapons were for self-defense and hunting.”
“That’s why they gave up so easily,” Ulrick exclaimed. “They didn’t fight at all.”
“Except there was that wounded man who fell to his death,” Ailith said sadly. “It was horrible.”
“Yes, that was very upsetting,” Ekrem muttered with a frown. “He would have been on his way to the boat to tell me what was happening. They probably played along with Gander because they felt they had no choice, but they weren’t going to fight and die for him.”
“I assume Gander didn’t know you were here.”
“He had no idea. My steersman is now one of your prisoners.”
“So, why did you come here?”
“I never trusted him,” Ekrem replied solemnly. “Coming here was a family decision, and no one else was told. It turned out to be a wise one. Ulrick, Gander betrayed both of us.”
Sitting quietly and listening attentively, an odd feeling began rippling through Ailith’s body.
“My land is rich in gold,” Ekrem continued, “but lacks vital grains and other important supplies. Every year we send a chest of gold coins across the ocean to buy provisions. Unfortunately, this year, someone uncovered the route. Our boat was attacked. Sadly everyone on board was killed—but for one man—and the thieves escaped with the chest. We hired Gander to find it.”
“Haluk,” Ailith muttered, staring at Ekrem with wide eyes.
Turning his gaze to her, he nodded, and the hint of a smile curled his lips.
“I was hoping our paths would cross, Ailith. Haluk is my brother. You saved his life.”
“He is? He made it home safely?”
“He did; you will be handsomely rewarded.”
* * *
Ulrick lifted his goblet and drank a long swallow of the rich wine. Though he was happy for Ailith, she would be a wealthy woman. Profound changes were inevitable. They may not have a future together after all.
“This sounds like quite a story,” he managed, looking across at her. “Tell me what happened.”
“I’d like to hear your version too,” Ekrem declared. “I only know what Haluk told me, and I’m not sure he remembers everything.”
“I’m happy to,” Ailith replied. “When I found him lying on the beach he was in a terrible state. I had my pouch of water and he gulped it down, then he started talking about being chased by pirates. I didn’t know if that was real or he was just dreaming, but I helped him into the cavern and put him in a small cave so he’d feel safe. The same cave Magnus is in,” she remarked, smiling at Ulrick. “Then I left him to gather up some berries.”
“Berries?” Ekrem repeated. “What berries are these?”
“They help people heal from all sorts of things. I’ll bring some and show you. When I came back he was awake. I explained what they were and gave him my pouch of water, then I went back to the village and snuck out some food. The days came and went and I spent as much time with him as I could. He told me his name was Haluk, and his boat had been attacked, but not much else, then one day he was gone.”
“This is incredible,” Ulrick muttered. “You’re incredible.”
“He described you as a golden-haired angel,” Ekrem said with a sigh, “and he was right.”
“I’m so happy he made it home. At first I was desperately worried, but then I had a strong feeling he’d been rescued by his people. How is he?”
“He’s very well, thanks to you,” Ekrem said gratefully, “and it’s also thanks to you we know our gold is in that cavern. He was on the beach when the pirates sailed into the cove, but he managed to hide behind a rock before they saw him. He watched two of them carry the chest through the boulders. When they came out they were empty-handed, but they made several trips back and forth to the beach, though he couldn’t understand why.”
“How did you find him?” Ailith asked, now understanding why the rocks had been placed against the hole in her grotto.
“I was just getting to that. When we received word Haluk and our ship didn’t arrive, we sent out many other boats to see what they could find. One of them passed by the cove and spotted an unknown vessel. When they sailed in to investigate, the pirates immediately attacked them. There was a fierce fight and all the thieves were killed, so we never learned where they hid our gold, but Haluk was rescued, thank the gods, and he told us everything that happened. We returned here to search but found nothing. It was Haluk who said we needed different eyes. Ulrick, your reputation is well known. Determined, courageous, fearless, and resourceful. We sent our envoy to find you, and ended up with Gander. I hope you’ll consider taking over the search.”
Ulrick sucked in a deep breath, then smiled across at Ailith. Though he was sure she’d been bursting to reveal the location of the precious coins, she’d controlled herself and remained quiet.
He was about to give up a fortune.
Picking up his goblet, he took a long drink.
It was not the way of his clan, but every part of him told him it was what he must do, then recalling what Magnus had overheard, he asked, “Did your men visit here in the last few hours?”
“They did. I have two small ships nearby in case of trouble. One came in to make sure I was all right, and a few men did another quick search of the cavern while they were here, but once again, they left empty-handed,” Ekrem said with a frustrated sigh. “I hope you’re not about to turn me down.”
“Ekrem, I’m turning you down because you don’t need my help. Ailith has already found your ornate box of coins.”
* * *
Ailith wasn’t sure what Ulrick would do.
There would be a reward for the coins’ recovery, or he could have chosen to turn Ekrem down and keep the treasure himself.
He’d done neither of those things.
She was pleased and proud, but she was also confused.
Warriors took what they wanted.
“Is this true?” Ekrem asked, breaking into her deep pondering. “You found my family’s money?”
“A while ago. It’s well hidden. I’m not surprised you couldn’t find it.”
The confident, well-dressed, wealthy man was suddenly overcome.
“Forgive me,” Ekrem said, his voice cracking as he looked up. “We were nearing the end of hope. Without that money to buy provisions, our people would have suffered greatly. You can’t begin to understand...” His voice trailed off as fresh emotion threatened.
“Perhaps we should talk about how to move the coins safely,” Ailith suggested, thinking a conversation about practical matters might help.
“Yes, we should,” Ekrem said with a nod. “Ulrick, it’s very heavy, but you and I can manage it.”
“I’m sure we can, but the chest must be moved to this ship with the greatest secrecy. My men are deeply loyal, but Gander’s death tells me there must be another traitor who knows about your treasure. The problem is, everyone will be preparing to leave in the morning. We won’t be able to carry it out then, and in the dead of night, if someone should wake up they might see us.”
“I have an idea,” Ailith piped up.
“She does that a lot, Ekrem,” Ulrick remarked, breaking into a grin. “I’ve never known anyone with as many ideas or as clever as Ailith.”
“I believe it,” Ekrem said, smiling back. “You found the gold when many searches by my men did not. What’s your idea to safely move it?”
“Ulrick, I’ve seen the bags you use to carry vegetables and supplies. Can you transfer the gold into a few of them?”
“I don’t see why not,” he replied thoughtfully. “If we use three or four they’ll be strong enough.”
“That would work,” Ekrem said earnestly, “but there’s still the problem of transporting them across the beach to my boat. Coming out of the cavern it will appear odd. There’s nothing in there. And what about me? Who am I and why am I here?”
“What about this,” Ailith began. “Ulrick, tell your warriors you found Ekrem on the boat recovering from an illness, and that’s why he didn’t show himself. Then add that Gander hijacked his men to mount an assault against you.”
“That would explain Ekrem,” Ulrick said thoughtfully, “and my men been wondering where those fighters came from and why they threw down their weapons. But what about the bags of coins?”
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