Vandry’s praise filled her with warmth. Rapunzel looked up, straightened her shoulders, and cast aside her embarrassment. “Thank you, Captain. I know we don’t have much time before we arrive in Floren, but would you do me the honor of sharing your knowledge?”
“I’d be happy to pass on what advice and training I can. We should probably start with focusing your control.” Her smile widened. “Before you capsize my ship.”
* * *
Rapunzel spent the day with Vandry on the ship’s bow attempting to relearn and refine lessons Joren had passed on to her when he first began teaching her spells in secret. The captain wasn’t a gentle taskmaster either, and by the time Rapunzel retreated to her cabin for dinner and rest, she was exhausted.
She’d never tease Joren about mages being lazy in their libraries again if his instructors were anything like Vandry.
But as tired as her body was, her mind remained active, her thoughts restless. She waited until Sebille had fallen asleep and the ship was quiet before she ventured out in search of Muir. No stranger to ships and their tight, narrow passageways thanks to visits aboard several of Eisland’s finest vessels, she made her way without trouble down to the lower deck. The first door on the left was at the end of the hall. Rapunzel paused outside, straining to listen. Was he awake? Was he even inside?
There was only one way to find out.
The door opened after a single knock, making her wonder if he’d smelled her outside and had been waiting for her to make the first move.
“Something I can do for you, Princess?”
At first, her voice failed her. The sight of his bared chest and the chiseled contours of so much muscle disrupted her thoughts, and her mind went completely blank. Golden red hairs gleamed against his ivory skin, tempting her to smooth her palm over his torso.
“Princess?”
She snapped her gaze to his face. “May we talk? In private.”
He stepped aside and swept an arm toward his bedchamber. The room, while half the size of the captain’s, was far tidier, with a narrow bunk, a desk, and shelves lined with books. The only thing out of place were the blankets piled on the floor in an empty corner.
“I figured you would be asleep after your ordeal and lessons.” Muir shut the door and gestured her to the only chair on the room. Rapunzel perched on the edge of it, only to rise again moments later, too restless to sit still.
“I thought the same, but my thoughts are too wild for a proper rest I suppose.”
“So you thought to come here?”
“I….” She snapped her mouth shut and considered the truth. “For ten years, that tower was my prison, and now that I’m free, I find myself afraid. Except for when I’m with you. May I sleep here tonight?”
Muir said nothing. He stared at her, his lips pressed together, and for a terrible moment, Rapunzel was certain he was going to deny her. Then, his expression softened and he dipped his chin.
“I cannot imagine how all of this has affected you, but it must be terrifying. You take the bed.”
“Oh. What about you?”
He gestured to the blankets piled in the corner. “I tend to take my rest as a griffin.”
“Really?” Curiosity drove her to lean forward. “Do you and your clansmen prefer your animal forms over your human?”
“No, it’s not that. Like many of the shifter tribes, we spend equal amounts of time in each form. But I find nesting more comfortable than a bed.” He shrugged and glanced away, making her wonder if she’d made him uncomfortable with the question.
“I can’t say I blame you,” she said. “I have one more small request.”
“What is it?”
“My hair. I swore to myself I’d cut it the day I was free from the tower, but I don’t have a knife. Would you do the honors?” She turned her back to him and held her breath.
Muir said nothing at first. Then she heard his quiet footfalls, felt the touch of a finger against her pinned braid. “Rapunzel?”
She forced her lungs to cooperate, hating that contact between them made her breathless. “Yes?”
“Let down your hair, lass.”
While he fetched a knife, she removed a few pins used to secure the massive, heavy plait. When he stood behind her again, his body heat radiated through her.
“Where shall I cut?”
“Here, maybe?” She touched her neck, but he shook his head. “Here?” She gestured to her shoulder.
“You want I should take all of it?”
“Why not?”
“You’ll miss it,” he said. “A shame it would be to cut such beautiful hair so short. Though it may grow back, long hair is as much a part of you as my tartan is part of me.”
Rapunzel mulled the words over for a while, turning them over in her head. “Cut where you believe is best.”
“All right.”
Muir took the braid in his hands, there was a gentle snick sound of the blade slicing through hair, and a great weight lifted from her. Greater than she’d realized after so long of bearing it. He’d cut it to end a few inches below her waist.
She blinked away the moisture in her eyes. “Thank you.”
“You’re very welcome.”
After she wound the fallen braid into a big loop, she placed it in the corner out of the way. Muir watched her in silence, wearing one of his unreadable expressions.
“Sleeping under your wing last night, I’ve never been so warm. Would you mind if I…?”
He answered by shifting. Once he settled amid the blankets, he lifted one wing in invitation. Rapunzel settled against his side and rubbed her cheek against the soft feathers. They didn’t talk, and in a way, she was grateful. She didn’t want empty words or awkward conversation, only the comfort his presence provided. With Muir’s scent and warmth wrapped around her, she slipped into slumber and tried not to worry about the days to come.
Chapter
Muir sat on the edge of his cot with the mirror cradled in his hands. He’d woken alone that morning, and if not for Rapunzel’s scent fresh against his feathers, he might have thought he dreamed it all.
He must have slept like the dead to slumber through her leaving the room, a rarity when he often awakened at dawn.
Setting aside personal musings for later examination, he activated the device. The surface gleamed silver then revealed the familiar sight of the queen’s study. Sunshine shone through the large windows and birdsong filtered through the magical connection. The sound made him miss home.
“Queen Anastasia, are you there?”
Elspeth popped into the frame. “Muir!”
“Hello, wee lass—”
She wrinkled her nose at him. “I am not so wee anymore. Da’ lets me fly alone now. All the time.”
“A bonnie lass, then. My apologies, Princess.”
It seemed like only yesterday when he’d let the little princess sit on his knee during get-togethers and celebrations. Now she was far older, much too old to be treated like a child.
It made Muir feel his age, every bit of his childless thirty-five years.
“Is your mother available? I have news to report.”
“I can get her, I suppose.” She leaned closer, too close to the mirror, and lowered her voice. “Will you bring me something nice from Eisland?”
“Nice like what?”
“A dress. I want a pretty dress like Victoria’s with frost roses and ribbons and a corset. It has to have a—”
“Elspeth Liadh TalDrach, what are you doing in my crystal ball at this bloody hour?”
Elspeth vanished from the image, but her voice carried to him as she fled. “Nothing, Mum! Muir wants to talk!”
Still in her dressing gown and red hair gathered in a loose braid over one shoulder, Anastasia settled into the frame. She yawned into one hand and smiled. “I hope she didn’t give you too much trouble.”
“None at all. Is it too early? Forgive me, I should have checked the time.”
“Not at all. You may
call whenever you wish, whatever the hour. Is everything all right?”
“Yes, I simply wanted to keep you abreast of our progress. We’ll reach Floren’s coast tonight at our current pace. So far we haven’t seen a single ship, and that worries Vandry and me both.”
“Understandable. For a naval kingdom, I’d wonder where all their ships are as well,” Anastasia said. She rubbed her chin and made a soft sound in the back of her throat. “Do you think it’s because the queen doesn’t have control of the navy or that they’ve been assigned elsewhere?”
“I don’t know. My fear is that she’s sent them to Ridaeron to seek aid. I plan to ask Captain Vandry to scout the surrounding seas. If Ridaeron does send an invasion force, she can warn us ahead of time.”
“Good. In the meantime, I plan to send our own ships to aid you. We have two, and my father has pledged another four ships.”
“Will you be sailing over, my queen?”
Anastasia’s lips turned down. “As much as I’d like to, no. Despite the wall of thorns I grew, Liang has begun testing our borders again. Alistair left this morning to join the TalWolthe clan in the south.”
“I understand, though having a dragon assist would have given an advantage.”
The queen chuckled. “An advantage you’ll still have. Teagan has asked to go with James on the Jolly Roger to provide aerial support along with more of your clansmen. If the seas are kind, they’ll be with you in a little over a week. Two at the most.”
“We’ll welcome their assistance, but are there no others able to aid us? Have we no other allies?”
“There are, but I prefer to wait until I know we have no other option. I dislike the idea of calling Joaidane away from his responsibilities in Samahara, but I can think of no one more capable.”
“The aid of another sorcerer would be a blessing, my queen.”
“Keep me updated, and should it become necessary, I’ll beg him if I must. Now, what are you hoping to find in Floren, Muir?”
He ran his hand through his hair and released a heavy breath. His queen saw straight through him, so putting on a show of confidence never crossed his mind. Not like when he spoke with Rapunzel.
“I really don’t know. If I had my way, we’d keep sailing, but the princess won’t abandon her people. I respect that.”
“How could you not?”
“All we can do now is seek out this resistance and see what they’re actually capable of. Until then, I can’t venture a guess.”
“I understand. Keep us updated. Until then, stay safe, Muir, all of you. James will have the Jolly Roger and Scarlet Brigade ready to set sail at dawn.”
“Thank you. I’ll inform the others.”
Muir and the queen bid each other goodbye, and then he tucked the mirror into his satchel and prepared for the day. When he reached the deck, Faolan jumped down from the rail of the quarterdeck above them.
“It’s about time you woke up,” Faolan said. “I’ve been here for hours keeping your morning watch.”
Muir grunted and brushed by him. He scanned the deck, spotted Rapunzel with Vandry, then turned back to his clansman. “Where’s Sòlas?”
“Fishing.”
“Alone?”
“Do you want to tell the old man he needs a nursemaid to watch over him?”
Muir grunted again, but he couldn’t argue with his friend’s logic. “Any change during the night?”
“No, we’re still on course, and we haven’t spotted a single sail. Vandry doesn’t like it. She says it’s unnatural. Me, I can’t wait to get back on dry land.”
“You’ll have your chance soon enough. But not quite yet. I want to scout out Floren before I bring you and Sòlas with me.”
“You get all the fun.”
“Aye, and one day when you’re the alpha of an aerie, you’ll get to have all the so-called fun. Until then, this is what I want to do. We’ve already lost Coinneach, Kaid, and Lileas to this damned kingdom, and I won’t risk you both, too.”
* * *
Like Jonquilles, Floren flourished along the coast and nestled against green hills. Rapunzel had missed the city and loathed visiting it under such unfavorable circumstances.
They used the cover of night to fly into a city lit by the occasional street lantern, but mostly shrouded by darkness. He landed in a quiet courtyard as directed by Rapunzel, then she and Sebille slid from his back. There was only a single light on the corner, and a wanted flyer of an old man had been wrapped around its stone pole.
Milo Bernard, wanted for the crime of high treason. An offer of 5,000 crowns had been offered for news leading to his capture, double the amount for his head. His name struck her as familiar.
“My family’s shop isn’t far,” Sebille said. “A few lanes over.”
“Is that safe?” Muir asked, transforming. “The queen knows of your family.”
“We must try,” Rapunzel answered, “if only to warn them, especially because my mother will no doubt be aware that Sebille is with me and may suspect Floren as our destination.”
“Oh no,” Sebille moaned into her hands. “You should have left me behind, Princess.”
“No. Whether I left you in the tower or not, she’d still know of the rebellion. If she could violate my father’s mind, we must not doubt she’s learned Joren’s plans and his discussion with his contact here. But even she would need time to reach Floren by land.”
“And if she comes by sea, we’ve had the head start at least,” Muir said, glancing toward the coastline. Vandry had anchored miles away, refusing to sail into port until they confirmed its safety. “Why are the streets so silent? Is this typical?”
Sebille shook her head. “No. I haven’t visited home much over the years, but this is as unusual as it gets. Something’s definitely wrong.”
They passed a dozen more wanted posters of other men of varying age while taking the indirect route to the next lane. The road was lined with stone cottages and little homes with manicured grass lawns and flower gardens teeming with colorful pansies and ivory crocus with deep, blood-red centers.
Sebille knocked on the door.
No one answered.
“Perhaps no one is home and we should return to the ship?” Rapunzel murmured.
Muir stepped up to the door. “No. I heard a noise. Someone’s—” A curtain shifted in the window. “—there,” he hissed. This time he knocked, his knuckles booming against the wood.
The door opened promptly to frame Moussa, a pale-faced, graying man in his dressing gown. His eyes grew wide. “Sebille?”
“Father, what’s happening?”
The old man dragged his daughter across the threshold. “Inside, quickly,” he said to Rapunzel and Muir.
Muir placed his hand on Rapunzel’s waist and nudged her inside ahead of him. Sebille’s father led the way through the darkened house and took them down to the cellar.
“Papa—”
“Shh.” Moussa lit an alchemical lantern on the table beside a rack of wines. When he turned to them, he appeared more haggard than he had been days ago, his face lined and eyes shadowed by exhaustion. “Sebille, I’m so glad to see you safe. And you as well, Princess, but you’ve chosen the wrong place to seek refuge.”
“Papa, what’s going on?”
“Floren is not safe. When we returned from the wedding, soldiers had taken a patrol in the city to seek out traitors against the crown. They claim there are many rebels. Can you believe it? They’ve taken three men into custody already and put two to death.”
Rapunzel stared. “What? Moussa, Countess Tasia would never allow—”
“Countess Tasia and her husband were the first to be arrested, Princess. Lord Emberlene of Château d’Anise rules Floren now. He has put a curfew in place. Anyone caught outside their home or place of business after dark is arrested on charges of conspiracy against the crown.”
“I can’t believe it,” Rapunzel whispered. Countess Tasia had been the city’s faithful, hardworking governor for ove
r three decades, nearly as long as Rapunzel had been alive. “She’s planned this the whole time.”
Muir groaned into one hand and rubbed his face. “It’s not too late to return to the ship and set sail for Cairn Ocland. We’ve done all we can, Rapunzel. What we need is an army if we’re to rescue your brother.”
“I’m not leaving.”
“You must,” Sebille’s father said. “Prince Muir is right. I merely ask of you to take my daughter with you.”
“What?” Sebille spun to face her father. “Will you, Mother, and Maxence not come with us? There is a ship able to take us all away.”
Moussa shook his head. “No. I will not. We have too much here, too much to lose. Your mother and I believe once the rebels are routed out, there will be peace again in Floren. Unfortunately, your brother is determined to find this resistance, wherever they are. He is out there now, risking his life for this foolishness.”
“What do you know of the resistance?” Rapunzel asked.
“People have been grumbling for months, but it’s never been more than talk. Until the soldiers came.” Moussa sighed and ran his hand through his thinning hair. “Now the rebellion is real. Someone has been leading strikes against the soldiers the past two nights. I’ve asked my son to stay out of it, but he won’t. He says there are others who oppose the crown outside of Floren.”
A spark of anger ignited in Muir’s chest and burst out of him before he could bite it back. “Would you prefer to have a coward for a son? Floren is his home. How can you blame him for wanting to protect it?”
“Sebille and Maxence are all we—”
A door shut above them, followed by the thump of feet against the wooden floor. “Father?” The steps came closer.
Sebille unlatched and opened the cellar door. “We’re down here, brother.”
Maxence came down the steps. He’d grown into a large man since Rapunzel last saw him, his skin the ruddy and deep tanned brown of a dock worker or sailor who spent his days under the sun.
“At last,” Moussa said, moving to join his daughter by the door. “Must you do this every night? Your mother was sick with worry. I promised her I’d remain awake as long as it took for you to return home.”
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