Pirate Lord Page 19

  Lily wanted to check on the children, to bring them back up into the light. She didn’t like the thought of them locked below deck, though she knew they weren’t afraid of it like she was. She was glad the battle was over, glad that it had felt short, though by the position of the sun it had taken hours. The enemy had fled, and something told her there must be some reason for them abandoning their fight like that, but she couldn’t be bothered to think about it right now.

  She shook her head, to try to clear it. The crew were already beginning to clear up, not having to be told to do so. Lily realised she was still gripping her sword. She wiped the blade off on her trousers, though it didn’t achieve much, and slipped it back into its sheath.

  Her hands now freed, she slicked them through her hair before shrugging off her coat. Lily held it up and took in the damage. Someone had sliced a hole down the back, though she’d dodged in time so that the blade hadn’t reached through to her skin. Her back was scarred enough as it was.

  The adrenaline was beginning to wane now and aches and pains started demanding her attention. Some of the blood she was covered in was definitely hers – but she’d deal with that later. First priority was her children and her crew.

  Lily hung her ruined coat over the banisters of the stairs, pulling a key from a hidden pocket. She made to head below deck but froze as silver hair caught her eye.

  Blood dribbled slowly from Eli’s forehead, somewhere beneath his dreadlocks. His shirt was ripped open, his expression stern. Eli pushed the figure ahead of him; his hand planted firmly on their shoulder. As they got closer Lily recognised who it was. He threw Roselyn to the ground by Lily’s feet.

  Cold water poured down her spine. “What is this? What’s happened?”

  “You tell her.” Eli spat. He looked furious.

  Roselyn tilted her head up, her hair parting as she did so, “I was only doing my job.” She was trying to maintain her usual coolness, but something in her voice betrayed her.

  “What did you do Roselyn?”

  “The battle, your forces, your presence, it was all just a front – to cover me while I snuck onto the ship. You were wrong to assume the King wouldn’t be aboard, he was. Lord Merek knew he would be. He had spies at the court. He told me to get on the ship at all costs, find the King and kill him.” Her hands were covered in blood.

  Eli snorted, “That was not a kill, that was a massacre.”

  “Lord Merek wanted me to make a point.”

  “I heard the screams, but by the time I’d reached them he was already dead. She was standing over him. There was blood everywhere.”

  “You lied to me.” Lily hissed. She’d told her she was just there to watch her, to make sure Lily stuck to Merek’s terms. She’d confirmed that to her face, not long before the battle.

  “I’m sorry, really I am. I had to fulfil my contract. You must believe that I did what I could. He wanted to kill your family. The initial plan was for me to blow up the ship with everyone on it – he wasn’t going to warn them. I convinced him it made better sense to scare you rather than destroy you.” Her eyes were wide, searching Lily’s for something – forgiveness perhaps.

  Lily kept her expression blank. “You should have told me.”

  “I couldn’t.”

  She wasn’t lying, Lily could tell that much. Her confession confirmed Lily’s own suspicions, that this had all been planned out. But the fact remained, Roselyn had lied to her face and put them all in danger by murdering the King who led the armada against the Pirate Lord. They had retreated, perhaps upon finding their leader brutally assassinated, but that was pure luck – they could just have easily have risen up in anger and taken out the entire Pack. Roselyn could have killed them all. “Well, what do we do with you now?” Lily folded her arms across her chest. “What do you think Eli?”

  “Don’t ask me to make judgement.” His words were clipped, and he didn’t make eye contact with Lily or Roselyn. He just kept staring at a point behind Lily’s shoulder, his brown eyes much colder than Lily was used to seeing them.

  “Do you trust her?”

  He snorted humourlessly, “I thought I did.”

  “Eli.” There was pain in Roselyn’s voice – she didn’t try to hide it. “I’m sorry you had to see that.”

  “You think that’s what bothers me? I have done much worse in my time I can assure you. I’m a Prince of the Wastes Roselyn, perhaps you’ve heard of my people before.”

  The assassin went pale – clearly she did indeed know what it meant. He was shouting, apparently not fazed by the fact that there were plenty of crew around to hear, although they were all busy. Lily checked to see if any of them lifted their heads or paused to listen, but no one did.

  Eli spoke through gritted teeth, “I tried to tell you, but you were too stupid to realise. I have lived for thousands of years, and will likely live for thousands more, and after all that time there is only one thing that bothers me, one thing that I detest; betrayal.

  “You told Lily you would play no part in this – that Merek had not given you orders beyond making sure she and Tristan did his bidding and faced the oncoming forces. You outright lied. And your actions may well now drag this crew and everyone who sails with us into an all-out war. You just killed a king, brutally and violently – you’re right, it sends a certain message, one that will not be ignored. Your actions have endangered the entire Pack.”

  “He had no right to that title.” Roselyn snarled, her anger stirred up by Eli’s scolding. She stood up, and he let her.

  “Rights have nothing to do with it. I fought a war myself over titles, two wars in fact. It changes nothing. There are always those who want power, even your Lord that you trail after so dotingly has done nothing to earn that title. You think the world is so much better off now without so many labels? Without divisions? Barriers may keep people in, but they also keep people out. The world is too big now, too open, too unsafe. You all think you’re safer but you’re blinkered, this is all you know. Perhaps it is time the kings rose again, and control was taken back.”

  “I’m an assassin, not a politician. People tell me where to stick the blade, and I do it. That’s my role and I do it well. I am not supposed to think about the complications, the aftermath. It is not my problem.”

  Before Lily could even move Eli grabbed Roselyn and pinned her against the wall by her throat.

  “Do it.” Roselyn gasped. “Go ahead.”

  “You’re a child, a stupid bloody child.”

  “Eli. Drop her.”

  He didn’t even hesitate before following Lily’s order.

  “Stop saying things to irritate him Roselyn, he won’t kill you unless I let him.”

  Roselyn didn’t try to get up, remaining knelt on the ground while she rubbed at her neck and stared up at Lily. “How is it you have so much power over a Prince of the Wastes?”

  “It’s not about power, it’s about respect. You’d know about that if you had an ounce of it for yourself. You should have told me what the Pirate Lord planned. You should have let me decide whether I wanted to put my family at that risk. As it is, I agree, you did what you had to do.” Things were making sense now, like pieces of a puzzle fitting together, “It was your order to remain at the back of the fleet wasn’t it?”

  Roselyn nodded.

  “You wanted us to be hidden behind our armada. It’s the same reason you had the idea to blow up The Shadow – although Merek tried to go further with your plan. It wasn’t to hurt us, or scare us; it was so that they wouldn’t recognise our ship. He knew that I would defy him, knew that he’d have an excuse to get us to prove ourselves to him, and an excuse to have someone watch us. Hiding isn’t really my style though, I would have pushed us to the front even if I had known your plans.” Lily turned to Eli, “Why do you think I agreed so swiftly to flying Merek’s flag at my mast instead of our own? Her idea too I’d bet.” Roselyn nodded once, mutely, “They won’t seek us out. They don’t know who we are. Besides, even if they
do somehow figure it out, with the protection of the Pirate Lord no one will dare touch us.”

  “He was a king.”

  Lily shrugged, “You said it yourself, another will rise in his place. We are pirates; we do not get involved with the land.”

  “Like it or not you’re involved now.”

  “We were a tool, nothing more. The Pirate Lord has made his point; he is not to be challenged. They will go back to arguing over their own borders, and leave his Island out of it.”

  “It won’t be as simple as that.” Eli remained angry, but he was beginning to calm down – surely he could see the reason behind Lily’s words.

  “Eli, you are a Prince of the Wastes, not a seer. I appreciate that you’ve lived a long time but don’t act like you can predict the future. Roselyn was wrong, she knows that. She won’t make the mistake to lie to me again, I am sure.”

  He’d retreated back behind that serene, slightly stern expression that was his norm. “You’ll forgive her so easily?”

  “Yes. We all make mistakes.” Lily leaned down to where Roselyn sat, her back propped against the wall. Her neck was red where Eli had grabbed her. “However, you cross me again and you won’t live long. I give you this chance for the friend that you have become to me. One chance, that’s all you get.”

  Roselyn nodded, “I understand.”

  Eli held his hand out to Roselyn and she eyed it warily. “If Lily forgives you I forgive you.” He sighed, offering his hand to her again.

  This time Roselyn reached up and took it. He pulled her to her feet but let go of her hand as soon as she was upright, snatching it back as if she had burnt him. For a brief moment Roselyn looked hurt, but then she turned her face away.

  “Keep an eye on her until we reach the Island again.”

  “Yes, Captain.” His voice was gruff.

  Lily didn’t look back as she left. She had a feeling that Roselyn’s deceit had damaged more than his trust of her, and Roselyn knew it. She’d have to work to heal the damage she’d done, but Roselyn was smart enough to realise that.

  ~

  Marco’s ship slid up alongside, and he hopped over the balustrade. Tristan crashed into him the moment his feet hit the deck, enveloping him in a great hug. They patted each other on the back, laughing out congratulations. This was it, the battle was over, the enemy were long gone, and even a few members of the Pack had begun to peel away, heading back to their own lives, back to their own waters and routes.

  Lily hoped they would not have to call upon them again any time soon. At least that court would think again before threatening the Pirate Lord. They’d lost their king in the process after all. Maybe Roselyn had actually done them a favour. Hopefully she hadn’t poked a bear. Lily tried to set her mind away from thinking about Roselyn.

  It still stung that she had lied to her, that she hadn’t told her what her true role was aboard Hunter. Lily wanted a full explanation. As soon as they’d seen off the Pack she would find her and get one out of her, one way or another.

  They would head back to the Island in the morning – night was beginning to fall, and only an idiot would tackle the labyrinth in the dark. Tonight, she’d ask Roselyn to explain herself. She suspected there was more to be told.

  As her husband and his comrade peeled apart from each other, grinning ear-to-ear, Lily gripped Irena’s hand and stepped up to Marco. She smiled sadly, remembering the last time she had said goodbye to the Westerner. “I hadn’t expected to be in this position for a second time.”

  Marco grasped her shoulder, his eyes meeting hers, “This time is different.”

  “I still have to say goodbye to you.”

  He grinned, “Don’t tell me motherhood’s made you soft, flower.”

  “Not another word unless you want your throat cut open.”

  “Not all that soft then.” Marco chuckled.

  Lily slipped her hand out of Irena’s and gripped Marco in an embrace, “Don’t you dare disappear again – keep in touch. And you better be at Crescent Bay for Irena’s birthday.”

  He cupped Lily’s chin when she pulled away, “Like I’d miss that. She’s my ward, I’ll be there for her, I promise.”

  Lily knew he didn’t just mean for that day. He’d watch over Irena for the rest of her life. It was reassuring to know that there would be another pair of eyes.

  Marco grinned, scooping Irena into a great big hug, sending her giggling and spluttering. Irena wasn’t like that with most people. When he set her down again Irena regarded him with her serious eyes. “Bye Marco.” Irena blinked her huge dark eyes slowly, ignoring the surprised glances from her parents and the assembled crew alike.

  “Bye little flame.” Marco winked at Irena and hopped back onto the balustrade, saluting to the assembled crew. “See ya around.” He stepped down onto his own ship, the sails billowed open, and he was off.

  Lily gripped her daughter’s hand. Marco was going to play an important role in her life, and Irena was clever enough to realise it.

  Chapter 18

  Son of the Pirate Lord

  They hit the docks and Roselyn launched herself off of the side, landing on the solid boards of the jetty with a roll, before nimbly twisting up onto her feet and striding towards the town. It seemed her usual feline-like grace had returned now she wasn’t on a moving ship. Solid ground suited her.

  Eli watched her out of the corner of his eye, his hands tucked behind his back. As Roselyn disappeared into the crowds and Eli’s brow creased into a frown, Lily slipped into the empty spot beside him. “She’s something isn’t she?” Lily breathed, slipping her arms over the balustrade.

  Eli grunted, staring down at his feet.

  Lily drummed a tune on the banister, before turning to him, “She had to close her contract in order to be able to leave him. She was paying off her tuition. That is their arrangement. She belongs to him until she pays it back. It has taken ten years, and this kill, this one is worth the last of the money she owes. She is a free woman now.”

  Roselyn had told her that night, her final secret, her final explanation as to why she had to do what she did. Why she hadn’t stayed her blade. Why she hadn’t told Lily the real reason she was with their crew. She was ashamed of belonging to Merek in this way; though she remained at his side through love, he only kept her around to ensure she made good on his loan.

  Marco had offered to pay off her fees, on more than one occasion, but she had refused him. Lily could understand why, in Roselyn’s position it would just feel like being owned by someone else. Paying it off herself was the only way to truly be free.

  Eli’s soft brown eyes darted to hers, and Lily saw a glimmer of hope before he stared off into the bustle of the town, his silver dreadlocks tumbling over his shoulder. “That may be. But still, she pines after him. She won’t leave him.”

  “I have a feeling that she’s realised he is not worth it.” He narrowed his eyes at her and Lily couldn’t help but smile. “For a man of incalculable age, you sure do miss a lot Eli.”

  She pushed off the banister and strode away, jumping up the steps to the top deck, where Tristan was watching the final preparations.

  He acknowledged her arrival with a nod, “We’d better get a move on, Merek will be expecting us.”

  “How should we play this?” Lily couldn’t help but grimace. She really didn’t want to have to see Merek right now. Especially as Roselyn had gone straight back to his side. If she was there, his pet, Lily didn’t know if she’d be able to be civil.

  “Not like you to ask.”

  Lily smiled, “Whatever you may think I do value your opinion.”

  Tristan laughed a little, that roguish grin playing on his lips, his dark eyes meeting hers, “Really?”

  “Yes – I just don’t always agree with your opinion.”

  He laughed a little more, “Oh I see.”

  “So?”

  Tristan paused for a moment, then wrapped his arm around her shoulders. “You know what, I’ll leave it i
n your capable hands. You do what you think best.”

  “Lily?”

  She turned to see Jim striding towards them. So strange still, to see him as a man rather than a boy.

  “You’re going to see Merek?”

  “Yes.”

  Jim scratched at his chin, “Can I come with you?”

  “Are you sure?”

  Jim nodded, his hands gripped into fists, “He’s my father. I should meet him at least.”

  “It’s your decision Jim. Of course you can come with us.”

  ~

  Tristan trailed Lily and Jim, his eyes darting from one to the other. They both marched along determinedly, no trace of hesitation or anxiety in Jim’s gait. Tristan was proud of him for that. Lily shouldered the door open and propped it for Jim to enter, before slipping into step beside Tristan. He watched her, but she didn’t change her serious expression. She looked even more bloody gorgeous when she was stern, it was rather unfair really. She caught the candlelight as she passed the torches, highlighting the red tint to her brown hair, and the darker specks in her hazel eyes.

  “Pay attention Tristan.” Lily mumbled, still not looking at him.

  “I can’t help it. You’re rather distracting in the candlelight.” She swore at him, and he grinned, “I’ve told you before, there are better uses for your filthy mouth.”

  “Not the time.” But she smiled a little.

  Good, it would not do for her to go in there all guns blazing. Jim was to meet his father, if she was too serious Jim would worry. He looked to Lily for guidance, he had ever since she arrived on The Shadow. Jim knew her well enough to read her emotions. He probably knew her as well as Tristan, maybe better even.

  They reached the entrance to the throne room, and the guards posted at the door pushed it open. Jim glanced back at them for a moment, and Tristan heard him take a deep breath before he turned and walked in. Lily didn’t hesitate, following close at his heels, Tristan a little further behind. Merek glanced up from his throne. His attention honed in on Jim, eyes widening. Jim faltered slightly – but anyone would when that hawk-like attention was focused on them. He stopped at the bottom of the dais. Tristan leaned against the wall, and folded his arms across his chest. Lily remained with Jim.