A breathy voice whispered in his ear. “Where are you going, Lord Dacre?”
“Lady Pia?” Dumbfounded, he didn’t know whether or not to relax. “What are you—?”
“Silence!”
The intensity of her whisper did the trick. Hinck dared not breathe. Out in the corridor footsteps approached. Passed by.
Once the steps had completely faded, Lady Pia gripped his tunic in her fist and slammed him against the wall. “You are getting careless, lord. If Sir Jayron had found you outside Sâr Wilek’s rooms tonight, he would have killed you.”
Hinck understood that much completely. The rest, however . . . “But why did you—?”
She pressed the knife point deeper. It pricked his skin. He gasped, terrified. Was she trying to help him or kill him? Should he try to fight her off? To get away? Was she alone? He wished he could see anything at all.
He felt her breath on his face a moment before she pressed her lips against his. Stricken again by her erratic behavior, he remained still. So much confusion enveloped his mind. He noticed, then, the spicy incense that clung to her. It mixed with the strong smell of bread from the galley. Delight reeled through him at the feel of her kiss, but he fought against it, certain she would cut his throat next and drink his blood as a sacrifice to whichever god of the Lowerworld she served.
When she finally broke away and stepped back from him, she said, “You were hungry. Take a tray back to your cabin. Obey me and it will save your life. And be more careful in the future. I will warn Sâr Wilek of their plans.” She opened the door, and the light from the lantern outside lit her profile as she exited.
When the door swung shut, enclosing Hinck in darkness again, he sank down the wall to the floor, knees bent. He swallowed, astounded by the actions of this mysterious woman.
Then he remembered the danger still awaiting them. Sink the ship. They were trying to sink the ship.
And if Wilek didn’t find out and stop them, it might be the end of House Hadar.
About the Author
Jill Williamson writes fantasy and science fiction for teens and adults. Jill grew up in Alaska, staying up and reading by the summer daylight that wouldn’t go away. This led to a love of books and writing, and her debut novel, By Darkness Hid, won several awards and was named a Best Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror novel of 2009 by VOYA magazine. She loves giving writing workshops and blogs for teen writers at www.GoTeenWriters.com. She now lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, two children, and a whole lot of deer. Visit her online at www.jillwilliamson.com.
THE KINSMAN CHRONICLES
Darkness Reigns
The Heir War
The End of All Things
Kingdom at Sea
Maelstrom
Voices of Blood
Resources: bethanyhouse.com/AnOpenBook Website: www.bethanyhouse.com
Facebook: Bethany House Twitter: @Bethany House
Kingdom at Sea Page 23