Page 245 of Captive of Secrets and Storms

I hush my inner voice.

Though, it has a point.

Rian is set to inherit the throne from the Shadow King. I can’t think of a match that would be more favored by an ambitious mother.

“Helen’s and Erik’s mothers are childhood friends,” Rian says. “Despite the rift between Virendrellians and Sea Fae, they remain close.”

I connect the dots.

“Erik is Sea Fae?”

He nods.

My brows draw down. “So the pirates were Sea Fae?”

“No.” Rian’s hands slide away as he steps back.

His shadows right the table he knocked over and pick up the papers that fell to the floor.

He moves in front of the table and studies the map of Eranthia. “The pirates were a distraction.”

I shift to stand at his side, watching as he traces the borders of his homeland with his finger. “A distraction?”

“So Erik and his elite force could find you.” He looks at me from the corner of his eye. “Is it true you killed one?”

Karl’s unseeing eyes flood my mind while Steinn’s guttural snarl fills my ears.

“Yes,” I whisper, heart heavy.

“It’s not your fault.” Shadowed tendrils wrap around my arms. Rian takes my hand. “Hali told me what happened. You were trying to defend her and Nance.”

That doesn’t make it right.

I stare at the base of his neck. Shadows slither across his flesh, preening under my attention.

Now it’s my turn to change the subject.

“This is the Sea King’s ship,” I say.

“Technically, it’s a pirate ship the Sea King commandeered after its previous owners decided to raid one of his islands.”

I swallow the lump in my throat. “Why would the Sea Fae come to Virendrell for me? What did Helen tell them?”

“The truth. That you’re an infamous healer from the continent.”

I wouldn’t have said infamous…not until I healed Darius, I guess.

I purse my lips and lift my gaze. “Why would she tell them that?”

“Because the Sea King is sick, and his family is desperate to heal him. She knew they’d come for you.”

Cold realization surges through my veins. “Was that your plan?”

“Pardon?”

I tug my hands free and step back.

“We were travelling to the Sea Fae before the Pelagor attacked.” I pause, searching his eyes for the truth. “Was your plan to offer my services to their king in exchange for his alliance?”