Bound by Birthright

by Janeal Falor

  “We’d be happy to have you. No need to sleep in the cargo hold, though. We’ve room to spare. Passengers travel with us sometimes, used to more often. Be good to have someone about. Also, no need to worry about labor. You already helped us repair the ship.”

  “Constance would be put off if she couldn’t at least cook for you,” Stewart replies. No doubt he will be helping as much as they’ll let him, as well. I smile as he continues. “When are you setting sail?”

  “Tomorrow. The storm has already set us behind. I’m hoping to get to Amara as soon as possible with our supplies. Fortunately, we don’t have to head back to Bardus right away, so there is some leeway.”

  While they continue to work out details, I wander over the side of the ship and rest my hands on the railing. When will I head to Bardus, the human country? I don’t know. It’s never been discussed around me.

  “I don’t think so.” Robert’s voice pulls me from my musings. I glance around but don’t see him, though he sounds close by. “I’m not ready to settle down anyway, Abner.”

  “My sister is an excellent match for you.” Abner’s voice is different now that it doesn’t have a sneering undertone. I wouldn’t have known it was his if Robert didn’t call him by name.

  “She’s excellent, but you know how things are. Can we please discuss something else?”

  “Gladly. I bet I can win you now. I’ve been practicing.”

  Robert chuckles. “You haven’t beaten me since we were leaving little foot prints all over the gardens. Are you confident you have improved enough?”

  “I see how it is. You’re afraid I’ll beat you.”

  Robert’s laugh comes harder, but before I hear his response, Stewart taps me on the shoulder.

  “We’re good for tomorrow. We’ll be home before you know it. And hopefully no worse than when we left,” he says.

  One can hope. “Thank you, Stewart.”

  He waves me back toward the gangplank. I head toward it but stop when I find Robert and Abner in front of me. Robert’s facing me, but his golden-eyed gaze is focused on Abner, who has his back to me.

  “You should take better care of your sword,” Robert says.

  “It’s not my fault. You know it’s not. Old Ben usually—” He stops and turns when Robert elbows him, and they both look at us. Abner’s face is relaxed, except for a few smile lines around his small mouth. For a moment, he almost looks friendly. As soon as he sees us, his face hardens, and he appears to be a different person.

  Robert’s the only kind one now. He looks like he could charm Constance out of making him work. But Abner’s scowl is enough to scare mother out of her petticoats. Or burst me into flames.

  Stewart takes hold of my elbow. He wants me to go around and quickly be away, but my feet carry me closer to the humans. I focus on Rober and keep heading that way. He looks so much like an elf, except for those oddly rounded ears. His skin hasn’t been darkened from the sun like the others on the boat—though neither has Abner’s.

  There’s something different about Robert. Something that draws me forward.

  “Adelei, Stewart, what brings you aboard?” Robert asks.

  “We discussed traveling with you, when you leave for Amara, with the captain.” Stewart speaks before I know what to say.

  “Did he consent?”

  “He did.”

  Robert nods as if he expected nothing else. “We’re leaving soon. Is there any way I can assist your prepare?”

  Abner shifts his glare to Robert.

  Stewart hesitates before replying. “If you don’t mind, there are a few larger items I could use help carrying.”

  “Certainly. Abner here was just about to see what he could do about cleaning up his sword.”

  “If you’ll excuse me, Robert,” Abner says through his teeth and stomps away, taking the tension in the air with him.

  “Shall we?” Robert scoots to the side to let me pass first.

  I skirt ahead of them, my steps light on the deck. Stewart falls in behind me with Robert at his side.

  We arrive at the castle. I hesitate at the door before I remember I’m a servant and must open it myself. Robert’s so engrossed in conversation with Stewart, I hope he didn’t notice my error. Once in the hall, I step aside, unsure of where Stewart’s planning on taking him. I contemplate heading to my room, but it’s droll there.

  Stewart is talking as they walk in, so he doesn’t glance my way, but Robert briefly catches my eyes. Heat creeps across my cheeks. Thankfully, he’s already passed by so he couldn’t have seen. The lower class is not usually so direct with me, especially those who do not work with me often.

  I run my hands over my coarse dress, trying to smooth it out as we enter the kitchen. It’s empty of servants, but the fire still burns, so I place myself to the side of it where I can see the whole room.

  Stewart glances from me to the servants’ enterance, to Robert, and back again.

  “I need to see how Constance is coming along with the packing.” Stewart’s gaze bores into me.

  I think he needs to make sure there’s nothing out that Robert shouldn’t see. Taking his hint, I say, “I can keep Robert company while you do so.” I’m not sure I want to. It’s nice to have the opportunity to learn more about humans, but I don’t feel comfortable with him by myself. There’s been enough one-on-one time with him.

  An awkward tension thickens the room.

  “Please take a seat, Robert,” I say. “The chairs should hold your weight now.”

  “I’m willing to put that to the test. Thank you.” He pulls back one of the chairs and hovers on it. After a few seconds, he relaxes into it.

  “I’ll be right back, then.” Stewart’s jaw tightens before he leaves down the hall. What could be bothering him?

  His departure is followed by silence. And more silence. My lack of manners would be appalling at court. It’s easier to make conversation there, though. What do humans speak of?

  I shift my weight around so my back is toward the fire. “You’re a sailor.” Profound I am not.

  “Yes. And you are a servant.” He runs his fingers through his hair and gives me a warm smile.

  “For the princess, you know.” Court would be tearing me to pieces. Human court had better be easier to converse in than this, or I’ll be a mocked fool the rest of my life.

  “Indeed? I wasn’t aware of that. Are you enjoying the break?”

  He has no idea. How do I answer that? I’m not sure I know the answer. “It’s different. Nice in its way. Except the pirates, of course. The island is interesting.”

  “I haven’t seen much of it, but it appears quite beautiful. If we had time, I wouldn’t mind seeing more of it. Schedules, though. More time at sea than on land.”

  “You enjoy sailing, then?

  He eases back further in his chair and puts his hands behind his head. “I do. There’s something freeing about it. Something about being in the fresh sea air, being on a boat with only water to be seen. It’s another world.”

  “I’ve never thought much about it, but I suppose the sea is a world of its own. I guess I need to stop and pay attention next time I’m sailing.”

  “This week you can give it a chance. Do you travel by boat much, working for the princess?”

  “On occasion, I get to. Perhaps once or twice a year.” I realize I’m twisting my hand within the folds of my skirt, and I force it still while working to find a safer topic. “What about your friend? Abner? Do you travel together often? Have you known each other long?”

  Robert grins, and I relax with the safe topic choice. “I can’t remember a time without Abner,” he says. “He’s been a friend my whole life. Don’t know where I would be without him. He’s always looking out for me.”

  I frown. This must be the side of Abner I caught a glimpse of on the boat. I walk to t
he table and sit across from Robert. “It must be splendid to have such a friend.”

  “There’s no one like Abner. He’s good at keeping an eye out for me,” Robert chuckles. “Though he really can’t seem to keep his sword in good condition.”

  “I bet I could show him a thing or two.”

  Robert raises his brows. “Really?”

  My cheeks heat at my bold statement. “Yes, well, I’ve used a sword most of my life. My teacher would never allow me to treat any sword ill.”

  “Good for your teacher.” He pauses, an inquisitive look in his eye. “If it’s not too impertinent of me to ask, how did you come to have such a teacher? I don’t mean to pry, but I didn’t know they’d teach a servant to the princess such a skill. You’ve made me curious.”

  I open and close my mouth several times. What can I say to that? He’s correct. There’s little chance one of my servants would have a fencing master. Truth of the matter is the opportunity wouldn’t ever be considered. “I don’t know. I suppose I’m lucky.”

  “You don’t know?” He leans closer and rests his arms on the table, hands clasped together.

  “Found them.” Stewart saunters into the kitchen but stops short as he looks at us. I want to hug him for interrupting.

  Constance strides in behind him.

  “Excellent. Are you ready for me, then?” Robert asks.

  “Yes, please. If you would follow me.”

  I stand when Constance stops me.

  “Adelei, I need your help.”

  Avoiding her sharp gaze, I say, “Yes, ma’am. It’s been a pleasure speaking with you, Robert.”

  Before he can reply, Constance whisks me from the room. Clearly, she’s spent too much time assisting me and not enough time in court.

  “That was impolite,” I say, once we are out of hearing from the kitchen.

  “It’s not my manners I’m worried about. Stewart shouldn’t have left you alone with that man. He tried to hint as much to you, but you went ahead and stayed with him anyway.”

  “I thought he wanted me to keep him company. Entertain him while he found you. That has always been one of my duties.”

  Constance shakes her head. “Entertaining isn’t the job of a servant. Even if we did want someone to entertain him, it doesn’t change who you are. Please keep your distance from the sailors, especially if the rest of us aren’t around.”

  “He doesn’t seem like the type to do harm, and it’s not like my reputation can be damaged under these circumstances.”

  “That’s beside the point. While we’re aboard their ship, I would prefer it if you avoided speaking to any of the crew without me or Stewart present.”

  Mentally, I let out a groan. Once I got talking to Robert, it wasn’t so bad. Oh, well. There would probably be more awkwardness than I wish to deal with. “Yes, ma’am.”

  Chapter

  Ten

  I pace three steps across the cabin before I have to turn. My leg bumps against the narrow bunk. If it wasn’t so unladylike, I’d kick it. The diminutive dresser, crammed between my bunk and an identical one for Constance, holds a few clothes for us both. All we have left.

  At least I’m short enough I don’t have to stoop under the low ceiling. I force myself to sit on the miniature bed and hesitantly put my weight on it. Even after several days on the ship, it’s hard to trust that the bed will really hold me.

  The wooden walls are caving in on me, stifling every breath. It needs a window. Without one, it feels even tighter and closed in, like a prison. No one’s here. There’s no reason for me to keep standing on ceremony when frustration crawls all over me. I fling myself back onto the bed, only to sit up again.

  Never thought I’d have a bed worse than the one back on Sulamay Island, but I was wrong. I lower myself back onto it, trying to ignore the random pieces of straw poking my backside. If they knew who I was, maybe things would be better. Of course Jocelyn’s and Emeline’s bunks hold the same uncomfortable circumstances.

  The air in the cabin is musty and dank. My stomach twists and churns with the rocking of the boat. I wish the journey wouldn’t take so long. The captain expects the trip to take ten days—if the weather stays pleasant. Right now, it might as well be a year.

  At least I’m not as sea sick as I was the first couple of days, but somehow it makes the days pass more slowly. If only Constance wasn’t so insistent I stay in here while the rest of them do work around the boat. Apparently, Adelei is only skilled at helping the princess.

  The four days melt together. Constance gave me some stitching, which I ignore. What’s the point? Besides, on this boat, I’m likely to poke myself in the finger. The days are sweltering, leaving my servants’ garb sticking to me. I long to return to Sulamay Island. The island had already begun to feel more like home than Amara. If only I could be back in my cool garden before the pirates burned it.

  The only other thing that crosses my mind is Robert. Something about him makes me want to draw nearer. Though I haven’t seen him since boarding the ship, my thoughts linger on him. On that brief touch. Why would I have such a connection to a human? What’s more: what exactly does it mean?

  It doesn’t matter. I am betrothed. That’s all my future contains. My parents were wrong to sell my heart so they could have a treaty, even if it is my duty. If it wasn’t so utterly abhorrent to break a betrothal, I’d plead to have it done.

  Especially after meeting Robert. Funny that not long ago the idea of following my heart was silly. But here I am.

  Before mine, there wasn’t a betrothal in my kingdom for centuries. Yet, they chose me for it. Me. Not that I’d have married for love, but I’d appreciate a little more say in the matter. There’s no hope now, though. Nothing can stop it.

  Except maybe my death.

  That’s it. I refuse to stay in this room a moment longer. The ache inside me is too much to stay locked in here. I feel the stabbing of changing myself to Adelei and burst out of my room and up the stairs.

  The breeze sweeps across my skin, cooling me with its salty scent. The sun shines bright on the clean deck. A few crew members move about, ignoring me. Just as well; I don’t want their attention.

  I hurry toward the ship’s railing, intent on staring out over the ocean as long as such freedom is left to me. However long it is won’t be enough.

  Before I can reach the railing, Abner steps in front of me, halting my progress. His gaze is tortuous, making me want to step away. Mother’s training won’t permit such a thing, though. Royalty never gives in unless they want to.

  His mousy eyes fill with disgust, giving life to the otherwise dull brown. Dirty blond hair moves devilishly in the wind, while his frame stands tense. Though he’s thin and wiry, he’s still bigger than me and could do some damage if he tried.

  “What do we have here?” He sneers. “All of you servants are supposed to be slaving away in the kitchen. You think you are better than everyone else?”

  “I fear I don’t have any skills in the kitchen. I ju—”

  “You’re as bad as those elves trying to get a free ride.” He lowers his voice to a whisper as sinister as his eyes have grown. “I know what elves do with magic. If I see any of your friends doing magic on this ship…” He leans closer and pounds his fist into the flat of his hand several times before walking off.

  My knees buckle. I force myself to walk the rest of the distance to the railing where I collapse against it. The salty air clears my mind of his behavior so I can focus on the threat. If I warned Stewart and Constance against using magic, it should be enough. I hope it is.

  There’s movement to my side, and I worry he’s coming back to harm me. I reach for my sword, only to remember that they insisted I wouldn’t need it on this journey. Fine. A fist works just as well if it comes to that. I turn, ready to defend myself if needed.

  “Whoa, it’s me.” Ro
bert holds up his hands. “Who did you expect you’d need to protect yourself from on this ship? There’s only us, and the captain promised we’d take good care of you.”

  I shake myself. I want to tell him, but Abner is his friend. “No one, I suppose. I think I’m still uneasy after Captain Smythe’s attack.”

  His expression grows serious as he contemplates my words. “I’m sorry you had to go through that. People like him should be locked up with the key thrown into the depths of the ocean.”

  I smile. “That I can agree to.”

  Neither of us says anything else, and things turn awkward. I twist my hands within the folds of my skirt and glance everywhere but at Robert. The wind picks up, and the waves crash on the side of the ship, filling the silence with the waves’ rhythmic motions.

  Robert shuffles his feet. “How has the boat ride been for you, so far?”

  “Fine.” Not at all the truth. “Boring, actually. I don’t have experience that’s useful on a ship, so I’m finding myself with nothing to do.”

  “That would make the journey tedious. I haven’t seen you out on deck. Staying in your cabin will make the journey worse. You should come out and enjoy the fresh air.”

  “Yes, well…” I shrug, not looking at him.

  “I can leave if that is what you’d like. I don’t mean to make you uncomfortable.” He takes a step away.

  “No. Please, don’t leave. I enjoy your company.” I still my hand. “I’m sorry for my sharp tone. It is just that I—I enjoy your company, as a friend. I didn’t mean to give you the wrong impression.”

  After a moment of hesitation, he steps forward, and a smile slips back on his face. “I enjoy your company as well.”

  I sneak glances at him, which would embarrass me, but he seems to be doing the same. I can’t help but think of the time our hands touched. The heat rising to my cheeks.