Page 166 of The Crown’s Temptation

"You entrapped me in a prison of knots and leather. You must have been extra sore about losing tonight."

"I did not lose⁠—"

"Untie me."

He turned and began to loosen the ties. His breath on my neck and that cedar and sea salt smell made it difficult to concentrate.

"I remember now," I said quietly.

"Oh?"

"I was saying I am a good person. A trustworthy one. The circumstances here are exceptional and I will do what is necessary to survive it."

"You are taking forever. I told you it was too tight."

"I did not. I made it secure."

I snorted. "If you say so."

"So this is what you must do to survive it?"

"Putting on clothes I am comfortable in while a friend I trust helps me. Yes."

He was quiet for a while.

"Done."

The ties were loose. Finally.

I turned my head. "It took you long⁠—"

The ship lurched. I fell forward. He caught me before I reached the floor.

"What the⁠—"

Thunder roared outside.

"Of course," I said. "A fucking storm."

Eravic grinned. "Aye. My favorite."

He handed me the clothes. "Now put those on. I like you better as a lad."

CHAPTER 35

The Whore’s Daughter

When we made it above deck, a man in white robes was standing there. He looked out of place amidst the crewmen.

As soon as he saw me, his face broke into a smile. "You look like her," he said.

"Like who?"

"Your mother, of course."

"You knew her?"

"Quite well. I was her mother's healer in Alarna for many years." He paused, then laughed. "Until Eravic started getting injured every fortnight on his adventures and his father insisted I stay aboard."