Princess of Death

by Cortney Pearson

  “Hurry,” she shouted. But Bae didn’t need any further coercion. He worked what he could of the remaining sail and practically leapt to the tiller, guiding them toward the shore.

  Chapter 14

  Cali couldn’t get on land fast enough. “What was that about?” she demanded the minute they were on the sand. She clutched her injured hand. At least the bleeding had slowed.

  “Who are you?” Bae said almost simultaneously. Shirtless, as drenched as she was, he whipped his wet hair out of his face. Cali ignored his bare, sculpted chest and the tattoos emblazoned over his sun-bronzed skin, though she couldn’t help noticing the kaleidoscope of constellations culminating in a large compass over his heart.

  “Those finfolk weren’t after our ship. They were after you.”

  “We would have been safe if you’d been Princess Soraya. But you’re not. So who are you?” He panted, breathless. Blood dripped down his jaw and onto his chest.

  Her heart flapped inside her rib cage. She wasn’t sure if it was his accusation or the result of nearly losing her life. Either way, she wasn’t about to budge. “Answer my question first.”

  She elevated her head, holding herself as poised and rigidly tall as she could manage with her dress and hair completely soaked.

  “Why did those finfolk seem to be after you personally?”

  Bae spat blood onto the sand. He glowered as if trying to peel her away layers one at a time to see what she was hiding.

  “That was the first time I’ve been out on the sea in two months. I’ve been living in Lunae Lumen because it was the closest port I could get to when it happened.”

  “When what happened?” She folded her arms. Despite the blaring sun, the chilly water was making her shiver.

  “I’ve been sleeping at the Coastal Quarters, in the Amethyst District. It’s an inn, in case you were wondering.”

  She was, but she wouldn’t admit it.

  “Why?” she asked.

  “Because two months ago, I attempted to cross Undine Daray’s boundary. It seems the sea witch wasn’t too thrilled about my method, so she cursed me for it. Your turn.”

  “Hold on. You’re cursed? What kind of curse? And what do you mean by your method of crossing the boundary? I thought it couldn’t be crossed.” Not without a sacrifice, anyway.

  “There is no way over the boundary, or around it. The only way is through it.”

  “You mean you went into it? Are you crazy? Why? What were you after? And why did she curse you?”

  Cali couldn’t miss the swell of muscle cutting across his skin when he crossed his arms over his chest. “Most people don’t hold well when you enter their home without an invitation.”

  “You mean Undine lives there?”

  “What else did you think it was?”

  There was so much she wanted to ask. Why hadn’t her parents told her any of this? About the tournaments, the magic, the boundary? About Undine being a goddess? Bae had referred to her by both titles, and that fact wasn’t lost on Cali either. All of her training before this now seemed to be a joke in light of this new information.

  Cali worked to slow her breathing. “And the curse?”

  Bae flexed his arm, stretching it as though the muscles were sore. He had fought the finfolk longer than she’d realized. Rolling his shoulders, he stared out at the sea. This time, a different expression crossed through those fathomless cerulean eyes. It was clear longing. Bottled sadness. He was gazing at something he could never have, and the pain there squeezed her heart just enough to invoke sympathy.

  “Because I broached her home, she banished me from mine. The minute I touch the sea, the finfolk sense it.”

  Any pity she’d felt washed away instantly. “You knew?” she mumbled, her voice growing in pitch right along with her indignation. “You knowingly took me sailing when you knew what kind of danger you were putting me in? What kind of a scoundrel are you?”

  A white-hot flash of anger shot in her direction. “It wouldn’t have been a problem if you were really Princess Soraya. The finfolk are blind by nature, but one thing they can see is magic. It frightens them. One spark from you would have sent them quailing to the bottom of the sea. So I ask again—who are you?” He marched closer, pounding the sand with his heavy footsteps. Cali stepped back, sudden fear of him almost choking her in its unexpectedness.

  “Take me home.”

  “The real Soraya would have known to use her power. You put our lives in danger, and you owe me an answer.”

  “I put our lives in danger?” Cali laughed at the effrontery. “You just took me on the sea, knowing you were cursed. You should have told me. Better yet, you shouldn’t have done it at all. I insist you return me home.”

  “I’m not taking you anywhere until you tell me—”

  “Take me home—now!”

  He gripped her arm. His voice dropped, sounding infinitely more dangerous than his shouting had been. “I don’t know what you’re used to, but I’m no gentleman. I won’t be bossed around like someone’s subject. I know what I want. And I don’t give up until I get it.”

  She hadn’t realized they were moving, not until she could no longer back away. Rocks scraped against her shoulders, jabbing at her ribs. Her lip trembled for reasons other than the chill in her bones.

  “Let me go.” Her voice remained strong. She refused to let him bully her.

  “Who are you?” he said through clenched teeth.

  She fought to free herself, but he held tightly to her wrists, pressing her body more firmly against the rock with his own. Tears stung her eyes. He couldn’t treat her like this, princess or not. For some reason, she thought of what he’d told her about his upbringing. About his mother. This was so opposite from the side of him he’d shown her. He’d been kindness and civility while indulging in her games, escorting her to magical midnight gardens.

  This was another part of him. This was the pirate—not the gentleman.

  She steadied herself, determined to not let her fear show. A moment of calm passed between them, where his resolve battled with hers.

  “Your mother would be ashamed of you,” she finally said, breaking the tense silence.

  His eyes flared with the smallest hint of shock. Releasing her, he staggered back. Cali didn’t wait any longer. She turned and ran across the beach, heading toward the waiting surrey.

  “Drive,” she commanded the man in the seat as she scrabbled over the side. “Now!” And when Bae didn’t follow, the driver complied, urging the horses toward the palace. Cali gripped the tassel-covered rods over her head while hot tears streamed down her cheeks.

  Bae was cursed. Blocked from the sea. Since he wasn’t willing to give Undine a sacrifice to cross her boundary, the sea witch had taken what he would miss the most.

  That was why he was after Soraya’s kingdom. Not only would it be a land of his own, but with Soraya by his side—or rather, Soraya’s magic by his side—he’d also be able to sail whenever he chose.

  She couldn’t shake the menacing pitch of his voice when he’d threatened her. I know what I want. And I don’t give up until I get it.

  Well, he wasn’t the only one. She knew exactly what she wanted, and she wouldn’t let him distract her from her mission any longer. Wincing at the cut on her hand, Cali reached for the pouch within the pocket of her skirt when a beam of horror suddenly struck her.

  The memory replayed in disastrous slowness.

  She’d reached for the plant-filled bag.

  Watched it fly across the narrow deck.

  Seen it sink into the sea.

  Not only had she lost the small sliver of respect she’d held for Bae Kelsey, but the pouch of glitz foil she’d managed to procure from Soraya was also gone.

  Cali hung her head, not caring if the driver heard her sobs.

  “You all right back there, Princess?” he asked over his shoulder as the horse slowed before the palace walls. “I know it isn’t any of my business, but I heard words exchanged between
you and Master Kelsey.”

  Another tear escaped. Cali braced her head in her hands. She’d lost the only plant she’d been able to acquire. The day was half gone, and she had only two left. Darren was going to die. What was worse, she hadn’t even thought of him when she’d been in Bae’s arms. All she’d been concerned with was that irksome pirate, with how alluring he was, and with how badly she’d wanted to give him the kiss he’d asked for.

  She stomped her foot against the floor of the surrey, frustration straining through her. “Thank you for the ride,” she told the driver, not answering his question. The moment they came to a full stop, Cali leapt from the surrey and dashed toward the palace’s keyhole-arched door.

  Racing to the staircase, she flew up to the princess’s chambers. Soraya wasn’t in the antechamber, so Cali pounded hard against her inner door.

  “What is the meaning of this?” Soraya demanded, whipping it open. Either fear or fury filled her wide eyes, making them gleam. “Why are you all wet?”

  “Please, do you have the book you promised?”

  Brow stitched in confusion, Soraya entered the antechamber and pointed. “There, by your bed.”

  Cali rushed over, weaving through the chairs surrounding the star-shaped table on her way. A thin volume bound in maroon leather with leaves etched along its border proclaimed in scrolled lettering—Plants of Lunae Lumen and Their Uses.

  She hugged it to her chest before opening it to flip through the pages. The plants were listed alphabetically, and she used the index, searching until she found what she wanted. There, on the left-hand side, was a picture of a long-stemmed purple plant with miniscule leaves laddering up to the tip.

  “Glitz foil.” At least now she knew what it looked like while blooming.

  Soraya stomped over, took the book from her, and firmly snapped it shut. Cali was about to protest, but the other princess’s face was pinched and demanded an explanation.

  “What is going on?” she asked. “You barge in here with a damp dress and messy hair, while tracking sand on my floor, commanding me as if I were the servant and you the princess! I thought you were supposed to be out with Bae today.”

  “He knows I’m not you,” Cali said. “He took me out to sea thinking I was you, thinking I’d be able to protect him from the curse so he could sail again. We were attacked by finfolk—”

  “You were what? What curse?” Bewilderment flashed over the other girl’s features.

  “—and he kept asking me to use magic. I lost the pouch of glitz foil you gave me while trying to use it. I deflected his questions, but it won’t last long. Any minute, he’ll return to the palace. When he does, we’re going to have a real problem.”

  “Come,” Soraya said, setting the book aside and taking Cali’s hand. Soraya led Cali into her personal chamber.

  Cali’s first view was of the sea, tossing and impatient beneath a stone balcony. The thin, sheer curtains had come loose from their hooks, almost seeming to taunt Cali as they flowed in the slight breeze. A beautifully colored bird landed on the balcony for a brief moment before spreading its vibrant wings and launching itself over the ocean.

  Soraya secured her door with a chair beneath the knob, then made her way toward a wall-sized tapestry of woven fairytales and forests beside her bed. She urged a sconce away from its place on the wall. As she did so, a slice of the stone wall slid open.

  “Ingenious,” Cali said, impressed despite her nervousness.

  “Tell me exactly what happened,” Soraya said, gesturing for Cali to step through first.

  The narrow hall was lit by snatches of light creeping in through cracks along the ceiling. Something scurried in the shadows, and Cali suspected this passageway didn’t get much attention.

  She explained everything to Soraya. Bae’s romantic gesture, his offer to take her on a boat ride. The connection they’d shared as he’d shown her the ropes. Cali hesitated to be so open about it, but she decided now wasn’t the time to hold anything in.

  Soraya watched her with calculating eyes. “You’re falling for him, aren’t you?”

  Cali turned away. “I’ve only known him for two days. It’s just, well, he can be very charming.” And he was far too attractive for his own good.

  To Cali’s surprise, Soraya didn’t sound angry. “It doesn’t take long for feelings for someone to develop.”

  “Now who are we talking about?”

  Soraya dipped her head as she led the way through the shadowed corridor. When she didn’t expound or mention Roland, her guard, Cali went on. “Aren’t you bothered by it at all? You told me I shouldn’t reciprocate any feelings he may develop for me.”

  “Nor should you.”

  “I wish I didn’t,” Cali admitted. “Especially after the way he practically threatened me.”

  “He threatened you?”

  “After we returned to the shore. He pressed me against the rocks and demanded to know who I really am.”

  Soraya followed the circular curve of the corridor, pausing long enough to turn and focus on her. “Once this negotiation is completed, your identity will be made clear anyway.”

  “That’s what I’m afraid of.”

  Soraya stopped. “What do you mean?”

  “Bae said it himself. They aren’t gentlemen. They’re pirates, Princess. What are they going to do to you when they find out they’ve been lied to? The captain will certainly be angry. The identity deception alone could be enough to make him attack your kingdom.”

  Soraya’s expression curdled. “I don’t care what he thinks. Someone needed to stand up and inform him the demands he made wouldn’t be met.”

  “I’m not sure lying to him was the best way to handle it. He’s going to get a different message. The better way would have been to draw out your army and force him to see reason from the start.”

  “Start the war ourselves?”

  “It’s going to lead to war no matter what now,” Cali said. Bae needed to see he couldn’t take whatever he wanted. Soraya had the desire to obey her father, but Cali would have never done the same. She would have defied her father—her king—at all costs if it meant saving her kingdom.

  The realization rang with truth. Cali loved her kingdom. Her people. The urgency that guided her to these foreign lands in the first place poured into her blood with renewed vigor.

  Soraya ducked below a spider-webbed beam, moving to peek out a small, circular window. “I fail to see what a servant would know of such matters.”

  “I’m not a servant.” Cali found the continuous reference bothersome. Had she been this irksome to her own staff? “And my name isn’t Ana. It’s Cali.”

  Soraya turned around, acting as though she didn’t hear her. Nor did she apologize. Cali wasn’t sure she would have either. She had pushed her opinion on the other princess. In all reality, Cali wondered why Soraya continued to put her trust in her, why the girl confided in her at all.

  Maybe with the guards being rooted out, Soraya felt she had no one else.

  If only she knew what Cali’s real station was. Soon enough she would, if Bae told his father. Which he was sure to the instant he returned to the palace.

  “In any case, we need to find your father. Does this passageway lead to his rooms somehow?”

  “That’s what we’re doing now. I’ve found a viewpoint to the council chamber my father and the captain have been convening in.” Soraya inclined her head to the right.

  The roof began to push against them, but Soraya didn’t stop. She hunched over, crawling until she placed a searching hand on the wall. She swiveled slightly toward Cali, touching a finger to her lips, before her hands found a series of hinges and carefully lifted one.

  Cali did the same with another hinge, grateful it didn’t give off any sound at being unlatched. She settled onto her knees and peered through to the room below, straining her ears to pick up on the string of voices.

  From their perspective, the room below was vaulted. Cali and Soraya were positioned at
its peak. Captain Kelsey stood at the head of a long table, his fingertips splayed on it like prongs. Seated across from him was Soraya’s father. Several guards in Lunae Lumenian blue with gold sashes manned the doors on either end. Something told Cali they were there for the captain’s sake, not King Emir’s.

  “That’s not enough,” the captain said. A glow emitted from what appeared to be a long, flat crystal atop the table, and a figure could be seen within. “That will be seen as weakness.”

  “I already tried, Kelsey. I tried opening the boundary, and now my entire kingdom is suffering the consequences.”

  Cali’s heart sank. Though she couldn’t see who was speaking, she knew the voice. “It can’t be.”

  “What?” Soraya whispered.

  “Do you know who they’re speaking with?”

  King Emir sat at the head of the table, resting his chin in his hand and staring down at the crystal.

  “I’m not sure,” Soraya said. “Too bad we can’t get a more direct view.”

  Cali didn’t need a better view. That voice had been used near her more times than she could count. From the time she was born, it had given both reprimand and counsel. It was her father’s.

  But what was he doing speaking with Captain Kelsey and King Emir? And what did he mean when he said he’d tried opening the boundary? Was her father responsible for the necrosis? It was the only consequence she could think of affecting her kingdom at the moment.

  “The disease is still rampant,” her father went on. “And my daughter is nowhere to be found. I fear she has died before she was able to take her rightful place at my side.”

  Her coronation. Cali longed to storm in and ask her father the questions blazing in her mind. How did her kingdom fare? And how was Darren? From the sound of things, nothing was going well.

  And what were these three men up to?

  “You promised me a cure, Kelsey,” her father said. “When you were finished working things out with my wife’s brother.”