Twisted Metal Heart - Eve Langlais Page 0,77

or Marshes.”

He snorted. “Not exactly selling it. At least on land, my feet are planted, and I can fight.”

“The Avenger is equipped for battle. Never fear.” Darius winked and swung his legs over the arm of his seat.

They were in a strange room, part lounge, part navigational seat. Not that there was much to see. The iron ship ran on mechanics. Gears and pistons and engines that could be fired or cranked. Things that could be fixed, unlike electronics that couldn’t and needed to be replaced.

From here, he could steer the ship and yell commands to his crew through the various echo tubes that fed to the various sections of his ship. His crew remained below deck, preparing for departure.

“Even if I did trust you to sail, you spoke of going to the Crimson Bay.” Titan frowned. “Even in Emerald we’ve heard it’s pure poison.”

What Titan didn’t know was those waters were part of the reason why the Lazuli demesne was abandoned.

“Don’t drink or swim in the waters.” Darius shrugged. Problem solved.

But Titan still had questions. “Let’s say we sail to this Crimson Bay, then what?”

“Then we rendezvous with the queen in the forgotten ruins,” she said softly.

Titan stared at her, expression serious and intent. “And why is she meeting us?”

“Because Darius is going to send a message and tell her he has me and to bring five bags of dust in exchange.”

“I thought we already discussed not using you as bait.”

She stiffened. “You don’t get a say in what I can or can’t do.”

“I speak for our daughter,” he snapped.

That brought a sharp inhale from Darius. “You’re pregnant?”

She waved it off. “Early stages.”

“Doesn’t matter. He’s right; we can’t do this.” Darius sided with Titan.

She took turns glaring at them both. “My body. My choice. It is better we deal with the Emerald queen now than when I’m too big to defend myself. Not to mention better for the child. Have you thought of what could happen if the queen gets her hands on her?”

“I vote we stay far away from the queen,” the pirate declared.

“And how would you suggest that?” After all, Riella had thought herself far enough away, but the curse of her parentage followed.

“We could go back to the tunnels,” Titan suggested.

“Those are as dangerous as she is. You’d have to head across the ocean to get far enough from her influence,” was Darius’s contribution.

Titan eyed the pirate. “Do they have free cities in the islands?”

“Not cities, but if you’re not afraid of work, you can build a home and provide for a family.”

“I am not running away,” Riella snapped. “And you’re both deluded if you think moving to an island will deter her. She has to be dealt with.”

Titan sighed. “You’re probably right.”

“No probably about it. Riella is entirely correct,” Alfred noted.

“Doesn’t mean I have to like it,” Titan grumbled.

“Given I’m not fucking her, I don’t have to listen. If I go after the queen, it will be without you,” Darius declared.

“You need me,” Riella said. “You don’t have a choice. I know you already dispatched a water bug with a message.”

“A what?” Titan asked.

It took Riella but a moment to explain. “A water bug is like an underwater drone that can be used to send small items and messages. Often used by smugglers along the coasts and on the islands.”

“I never said I wouldn’t meet the queen.” Darius spread his hands. “I wouldn’t waste the opportunity.”

Riella shook her head. “If this boat doesn’t sail with me on it, she will know. She has spies all over this port.”

“Sailing toward her seems counterproductive,” Titan growled.

“But necessary. I won’t ask anyone to fight if I’m not willing to risk it all myself. I’m going to confront her. Are you coming with me or staying behind?” She made her intentions clear.

“You are too tough for your own good,” Titan grumbled. “I’m coming. You might need someone with my skills.”

“And what would those be? Epic glowers. Impulse control issues.” The pirate ticked off his fingers. “Incredibly boring hair. No sense of style.”

“If I hit him, can you drive the ship?” Titan asked Riella, his glare intent on Darius.

“I know a better revenge. Instead of hitting him, you could make me yell your name really loud in his bed since we’re borrowing his cabin.”

“You are not,” Darius exclaimed, moving from his slouch. “My ship. My bed. You can bunk with the crew.”

Riella stood and trailed her fingers on the metal wall. It shivered and groaned at her touch. She said