Page 254 of Captive of Secrets and Storms

“Well.” He claps his hands together lightly. “Now that I’ve found you…”

The word found settles like a verdict.

“We will return home.”

No!

“Uncle,” Rian says, tone measured, “I still have work left to do.”

Yes, Gods…please.

Please allow Rian to take this ship and all its occupants to the Sea Fae.

They may have unleashed pirates to attack Virendrell, but my gut screams that Erik’s people are, undoubtedly, the lesser of two evils when compared to the violent Shadow King.

“Nonsense.” Marek’s lips curve, slow and satisfied. “You’re needed in Eranthia.”

The sea now crashes against the hull, violent and unrelenting.

I grip the railing to anchor myself. It feels like the world is tilting, sliding, pulling me somewhere I do not wish to go.

Then the king speaks again. “Where your future bride awaits.”

I don’t breathe. I don’t move. I don’t even blink.

Out of the corner of my eye, Rian’s shadows surge, snapping outward before he reins them in.

For the briefest moment, his gaze flickers toward me.

Just a flicker.

Then his face goes still.

No denial.

No protest.

He wears his princely mask once more, his silence louder than the churning sea.

King Marek barks an order over his shoulder, words I can’t make out over the blood roaring in my ears.

Boots hit the plank.

Half a dozen Shadow Fae cross onto our ship, blackened blades strapped to their backs, and curved daggers gleaming at their hips. They fan out around their king, spreading across the deck as if they already own it.

Their gazes roam, leering openly at the Virendrellians, at the trembling women clutching their children, at the men standing too stiffly with tight expressions.

“Ensure your prince remains safe on his journey home,” Marek says, his grin sharp and malevolent. “Oh, and all of our new citizens, as well.”

My stomach churns violently.

New citizens…

Polite words for prisoners.

Moisture burns my eyes as I look at the Virendrellians all around me. They’ll be thrown into the Shadow Fae’s dangerous world all because I asked the Shadow Prince to help them escape.

The same prince who asked to court me, but who already has a bride.