The Broken Kingdoms of Osvolta (Kingdoms of Osvolta #1)

70. Trust

Chapter seventy

Trust

T hey were worlds away from the frigid waters of Torrelin as the prince’s ship flew across the Celestial Seas. A week, that was what they had agreed upon. Then he would return her to Farrenhold, but she already found herself not wanting to return at all.

Solveig stood against the wooden railing along the port side of the ship. Her raven hair hanging loose, the ends curling in the increasing humidity the further south the ship tread. She stared out at the distant shores of Osvolta; lost in thought when Emmerich’s booted feet landed on the deck behind her from where he had swooped down on a line.

Being out on the open waters agreed with him, his mahogany curls tangling in the breeze, that deep bronze skin glowing beneath the sun. He was lighter. A faint smile decorated his features. His breaths coming easier as he took up space beside her; their shoulders brushing slightly. Fingers barely a dagger’s width from touching as he raised his other hand to point out toward the curving coastline and looming mountains beyond.

“We’re coming up to the border between Farrenhold and Estrellyn. Those peaks in the distance are the Ignis Mountains.”

Solveig followed his gesture to where dark tumultuous clouds curled around the peaks; eyes narrowing as she watched them churn, changing shapes on a whim. When she spun suddenly, turning her back on Osvolta and Estrellyn. Hair whipping in the breeze, sending sea spray spattering across Emmerich’s cheek; allowing him to breathe her in subtly. The scent of ocean salt mixing with her usual jasmine and lotus flower.

Solveig’s voice pulled him out of his reverie. “Do you believe in fairy stories?”

Emmerich brought his eyes up to hers and saw that she was watching him. Her words sounded light, but her eyes had an edge to them.

“We live in a world with magic. It would be na?ve to assume we’re the only magical creatures.”

“They say there used to be a terrible evil lurking in those mountains.” Solveig picked at the weather worn wood of the railing as she spoke. “An evil only the most blessed of Estrellyn’s pyromancers could contain.”

“You mean the dragons,” Emmerich supplied, seeing no reason to not name them.

“You know them?”

“No one knows them.” Emmerich laughed, nudging Solveig with his arm, causing her to smile. “Even before Estrellyn fell, they were a dying race. What remained of them afterward died out with the rest of the kingdom.” He paused, turning his gaze fully on her. “Nothing survived the Scorch.”

“But a kingdom as vast and powerful as Estrellyn. You think it’s possible they were all wiped out?”

“It wasn’t just the eruption of the Caldera that ruined them. The surge wiped out everything. Isn’t that the entire basis for the belief in your shadowed deity?”

“True.” Solveig quirked a brow. “But that wasn’t what I meant.”

“Then what did you mean?” He turned to face her fully, leaning his elbow atop the rail as he studied her.

“Whether you truly believe that there is nothing left of them.”

“I know you think I’m some all-knowing god, but there are some things even I don’t know.” He laughed, taking her hand in his with aching tenderness. “All I know of the High Kingdom is that the capital fell with the eruption. No one has seen a dragon since. No one has heard whispers of their being people left behind. So yes, I truly believe there is nothing left, because I have seen no proof otherwise.”

Solveig spun around to face the shore again as she spoke. “That’s interesting.”

“What is?” Emmerich sighed, aware he’d walked into a trap now.

“I could have sworn I saw something flying around those peaks. I wonder if anyone in Farrenhold has seen anything like that before.” She twisted her head around to study the prince again. She watched him, every tick, the flexing of his hands, the straightening of his back, and the bob of his stubbled throat as he swallowed deeply.

“It was likely a passing storm cloud, or flock of birds. They migrate this time of year.”

Solveig shook her head, a disappointed smile on her face. “Seriously?”

“What other explanation could there be?” Emmerich said, his grip tightening on the wooden railing. “Hasn’t Farrenhold had eyes on Estrellyn for centuries? Surely, they would have said something.” He shrugged.

“Or maybe they’re getting complacent.”

“Or maybe you’re focusing on all the wrong things.”

“Such as?”

Emmerich leaned into her space, lips drifting beneath her ear. “You have me at your mercy here, sweet princess, and you’d rather have a history lesson? I’m wounded, truly.”

Solveig’s head spun. “You’re trying to distract me.”

“Is it working?”

“You wish to scandalise your crew?” she whispered, her eyes flicked behind him to where a pair of deckhands pretended to look anywhere but at them.

“Let them watch.” His words were breathless as his eyes fell to her mouth, before flicking back up again, “I’m their captain. They follow my orders.”

“Then can you order them to not throw me overboard at night? It might help me sleep better.”

“If it’s problems sleeping, you’re having. I may have a few suggestions.”

“If all of them involve you joining me, then you can keep them to yourself.”

Emmerich ducked then, his lips whispering along the soft skin at the base of her ear, sending shivers skittering across her skin.

“I’ll give the order, Solveig, if you make a deal with me.”

She shivered at the sound of her name on his tongue. “What sort of deal?”

“That you come find me the moment you change your mind.”

“Not likely.”

“Humour me?”

“Fine.” Solveig sighed. “If ever the day should come that I crave you warming the bed beside me, I promise you’ll know.”

“Good,” Emmerich said, with a sincerity that almost shocked her. “I think we’re beyond hiding from each other now, don’t you?” He pulled back to hold her gaze once more as she nodded slowly, in a daze. The guilt of the secret she kept gnawed at her insides. She should tell him, she knew that, but something held her back.

“Think you’ll be okay for a few hours whilst I go tend to my ship?” Emmerich asked suddenly, taking a step back to give her some breathing room.

“I kept myself entertained for years before you crashed into my life. I think I can handle a few hours.”

“Good, I’d hate to bore you this early on.” He smirked. “Keep your evening free, Princess. I have plans for you.”

“It’s not like I can run off,” she called as he walked away slowly.

“That’s what makes this so much more fun.” He laughed before disappearing below deck, leaving Solveig alone with her thoughts.

Emmerich was in the deep stores, inspecting the inner beams of the hull for signs of cracks and wood rot. The Valdrych was an old ship, and as they approached the treacherous Wrecked Seas, he had to be sure she could withstand the pressure.

“Captain?” a quiet voice came from behind him as he inspected the large beam of the keel running through the mid-section of the ship. His head turned to find one of Wrenn’s soldiers stood waiting.

“Is there a problem?” he asked, eyes wary. The soldier hesitated, appearing to think better of whatever it was they had come to say. “I’m waiting, soldier.”

“Some of the crew, sir, are concerned about your guest.”

Emmerich stiffened at his words.

“You’ve allowed her free rein of the ship. She has no one watching her. She could go anywhere, see anything.” The Soldier rushed at seeing the prince’s growing anger.

“We just—”

“Allow me to be plain. The princess is not to be touched. She is my guest and therefore under my protection. If you, or any of the others, lay a hand on her, you’ll answer directly to me—” Emmerich paused, smirking to himself slightly. “If there’s anything left of you after she’s done, that is.”

“Sir, if I may?” the soldier stuttered.

“No, you may not. Your orders are the same as always, to follow any direction I give you. Any further concerns, take them to Commander Bleeker. Is that clear?”

The soldier did not reply.

“Is that clear, soldier?” Emmerich repeated, punctuating each word.

“Aye, Captain.” He grimaced.

“Good, then go have the dining room readied. The princess and I shall eat together tonight.”

As the sun set over the distant horizon, Solveig watched the calm seas. A small voice, the one that yearned for freedom and adventure, urged her to hop up on to the railing of the ship. To feel the thrill of there being only one step between her and the waters below. Despite being a Hydromancer, she had never learned how to swim. The idea was foolish and utterly reckless. Yet the next thing she knew, she had one knee propped on the railing preparing to hoist herself up when a smooth voice called out from behind her.

“Running away from me already, Princess?”

Her knee slipped from the shock. “You nearly scared me half to death!” Solveig exclaimed, gripping the rail tighter as she righted herself. “I could’ve fallen overboard!”

“It’s not my fault you tried out tightrope walking around the railing of a moving ship.”

Solveig turned to find him leaning nonchalantly against the mast, arms crossed, a playful smile on his lips.

“Are you saying that you wouldn’t have jumped in after me?”

“That’s the game, is it? You’re trying to get me to remove my clothes again?”

“I—that’s not what I meant at all,” Solveig spluttered, cheeks growing flushed.

He reached out to catch a piece of her hair that flew in front of her face in the breeze, tucking it behind her ear. The silence stretched between them for a few moments before he smiled again and turned. At first Solveig thought he was leaving, but he returned quickly with a line around his hand. Wordlessly, he held his free hand out to her. Solveig didn’t move.

“We don’t have all day, Princess. If you want to be reckless, at least do it before we lose all the light, so I stand a chance of plucking you from the water.”

“Prick,” Solveig muttered, causing him to laugh again.

“Such an elegant way with words.” He paused. “Do you trust me?”

Solveig’s eyes flicked down to his open palm. She gulped, trying to calm her erratic breathing before whispering, “yes.” And placed her hand in his.

“Then hop on up, Princess.”

“You can’t be serious?”

“A moment ago, you were ready to jump up there all alone, now you have a safety net you aren’t interested?”

“No, I—” She paused, her gaze drifting out to the sea once more. “Fine, let’s do it.” Emmerich grinned as he held her tightly, urging her up onto the rail. Still holding one hand, he moved to hand her the line.

“Whatever you do, don’t let go of that rope. It’s your lifeline. If you fall, don’t panic. I’ll slow it, and come in after you, I promise.”

“Careful, Prince.” Solveig smirked. “You wouldn’t want anyone to think you’re fraternising with the enemy now, would you?”

“Where we ever really enemies?” He questioned, but Solveig remained silent.

“Now get up there before I change my mind.” He said after a beat, “I want to eat dinner at some point this evening and I’d prefer it if you joined me, and not the sharks.”