Page 50 of Seaborn and the Seven Seas

“People talk. Especially the ones who’ve lost someone to that arena.” She smoothed the braid and reached for the next strand.

“Why does everyone listen to the queen when they know what she’s asking isn’t right?”

She came around to face me, hands dropping to her sides. “She has us all under her control. If you don’t do what she commands, you don’t pay for it, the ones you love do. You don’t live here, girl. You do not get to judge.”

My shoulders lowered. “I’m sorry. I’ve been a prisoner in Jeju in a cave my entire life. I’m learning manners, other cultures, and finding my footing in this world.”

I’d told her too much. But she reminded me of Nam with a trusting face, and I’d let my guard down.

She crouched, and I’d thought she was going to scold me, but instead her voice softened and pity etched into her expression. “You’re a Seaborn. Rare and precious.”

Not a question but a statement.

I pursed my lips and nodded.

She patted my hands on my lap and went back to doing my hair. “If you ever get a chance to escape, take it. Or you’ll never see the ocean again.”

I didn’t respond. I couldn’t. I just lowered my head. Every part of me wanted to break down, but I wouldn’t let that happen. Nam and the rest of my family had to be waiting for me. And Jina, she needed me to be strong.

“What’s your name?” I wanted to remember this kind woman.

“Nira.” She smiled somberly.

“Your family lives in this castle too?”

“My husband passed away, and my daughter…” She swallowed, her eyes glistening. “Prince Pierre took her and I never saw her again.”

“I’m so sorry.”

“Never mind me.” Her voice lightened. “You’re finished. Take a look.”

I turned to face the mirror. The suit fit like a second skin, flexible with every movement. I didn’t recognize the woman in the mirror. I had only seen a section of my features from the reflection of the water, but never all my face.

My dark hair fell past my shoulders, still damp at the ends. My frame was taller than I’d realized, but thin in a way that spoke of years of not enough nourishment.

My face was paler than Nira’s, the kind of pale that came from a life lived underground. Sharp cheekbones. Hazel eyes looked back at me—a mesmerizing, multi-tonal blend of brown, green, and gold that shifted depending on how I turned toward the light.

I didn’t know what I’d expected. But not this.

I had no battle skills. No experience. Killing Russo was luck. Theron had stepped in with Barron. And now I was supposed to walk into an arena and face a monstrous creature.

“You look beautiful. What’s your name?” She searched my face, waiting.

I was beginning to unravel who I was. I now understood what everyone meant by Seaborn. Let the queen do as she will. I swore on my life I would get back to the sea. Nothing was going to stop me. I had a reason to live, a duty I’d promised myself I would fulfill. That oath would carry me through whatever came next.

“Star,” I said, tucking Minha’s dagger into the sash at my waist and covering the top to keep it hidden.

Stars prevailed in darkness. So would I. I would show them what happens when you cage a being that was born to be free.

Chapter Sixteen

The door opened without a knock.

A guard filled the frame, golden armor catching the light, expression empty. “It’s time.”

Nira walked the short distance to stand before me. Her smile was small and somber as she placed her hands on my shoulders.

“Be brave,” she said softly. Then she leaned close, her voice dropping to barely a breath against my ear. “Don’t go for the neck. The hide is too thick. Go for the underbelly.”