shaky breath, then lifted his chin. “I know the way. I will take you.”
Nevis’s mouth fell open. “Are you sure?”
“Aye.” Lobby tightened his trembling hands into fists. “This must be why I’m still alive. I have to help that poor lass.”
“Thank you. Are you ready to go? Do you need to pack anything?”
Lobby shook his head. “I don’t own anything.”
“Then let’s go.” Nevis crossed the plank with Lobby close behind.
The ship was empty except for one lone figure behind the wheel. He stood with his back to them, a hand resting on the sword against his hip. His linen shirt and breeches were blue, along with the long, droopy feather that decorated his wide-brimmed hat.
Was this the captain? Nevis wondered. If so, he was rather small. Could he even use that sword?
Nevis cleared his throat. “Will there be any more seamen joining us?”
The small man turned around, and Nevis stumbled back, his knapsack tumbling to the deck. Holy crap! “You-Your Highness?”
She removed her hat, and her long braid of hair fell down her back.
“Yer Highness.” Lobby doffed his hat and bowed.
What the hell? Nevis glared at the princess. “What are you doing here? Do you have any idea how dangerous this voyage could be? There’s a reason why all the seamen deserted.”
Princess Elinor gave him a wry look. “Are ye worried about me?”
“Hell, yes! I mean—” He dragged a hand through his hair. “You’re the heir to the throne. You shouldn’t take any risks.”
She plopped the hat back on her head. “As far as I’m concerned, Brody is the heir. Are ye saying I shouldn’t even look for my own brother?”
“You—you should let the men do it,” Nevis argued.
She shrugged. “The men are too afraid. I am not.”
Damn. She was brave. And beautiful. Nevis tried to keep his gaze from dropping to her breeches. For a petite woman, she had long legs. “D-did your mother give you permission to do this?”
“Aye, she did. And ye may address me as captain.”
Nevis snorted. “On a cold day in hell.”
She raised an eyebrow, then turned to Lobby. “Ye have sailing experience, do ye not?”
“Aye, my lady.” He bowed again. “Lobby is the name.”
“Thank you, Lobby. Ye’ll be my first officer.”
Nevis huffed. “Excuse me, Your Highness. I would be the obvious choice. I am a colonel, you know. In fact, that actually outranks a captain.”
“Not at sea.” Elinor looked him over. “But I am glad ye’re here. All those muscles ye have will come in handy when hauling up the sails.”
Nevis blinked. By the Light, she saw his muscles? His heart expanded, but his mind blared in alarm. Don’t you dare fall for her, you fool! He crossed his arms over his chest. “Do you even know how to sail this decrepit old tub?”
She narrowed her eyes. “Do ye doubt me?”
“She’s the princess, sir,” Lobby whispered. “She’s been sailing all her life. This is her boat.”
Nevis groaned inwardly. He certainly didn’t have to worry about his unfortunate attraction. The princess must think he was the rudest oaf in all of Aerthlan. He gritted his teeth. “I’m quite certain this lovely boat will be sufficient for our needs.”
“Exactly.” Elinor nodded. “A larger ship would draw attention and perhaps come under attack. With my boat, I believe we can sneak in unnoticed.”
Lobby nodded. “An excellent idea, Captain. The Sea Witch’s castle is on the northwestern edge of the island, so, to be safe, we should steer toward the opposite end.”
“Thank you, Lobby,” she replied with a smile. “Will ye untie the mooring ropes, please, so we can be on our way?”
“Aye, Captain!” Lobby scurried off.
Nevis started to follow.
“Colonel.” Elinor stopped him with a raised hand. “Ye may take your belongings belowdecks. You and Lobby will share the spare cabin with the cook.”
“As you wish.” Nevis picked up his knapsack. “Anything else . . . Captain?”
Her mouth twitched. “It must be getting colder.”
“I must be in hell,” he muttered, then trudged down the stairs at the sound of her laughter.
Chapter 9
As Maeve approached the soldiers, she cringed inwardly at how intently the young men were staring at her. Brody had been right, blast him. She was no match for an Embraced army. And she shouldn’t have shifted in front of other people. At least the soldiers seemed to be more focused on her face than the rest of her half-naked body.
“She looks so much like—” the wind-wielding soldier began.
“Shh.” The other soldier, Alfred, hushed him.
“Will you carry this for me?” Bettina shoved her large basket into Maeve’s