Albion Bound

Almost a week later, The Morrigan and the Covadonga were loaded with supplies, ready to set sail for Albion. Vice paced the deck, excitement buzzing through her veins.

Knigh had left her the hells alone after their talk in Perry’s cabin. It had certainly been a clean break. So clean that Vice had spent the past few days carousing with her team, either drunk or hungover, both helping her to forget just how clean a break they’d made, just how empty her hammock was.

Excitement, not emptiness—that didn’t matter. What mattered was Fitz, about to announce who’d take the Covadonga back to Albion under her captaincy. Life was pretty damn fantastic.

Even better, once she had the Covadonga’s helm, she’d be far away from Knigh. She wouldn’t have to see his mask-blank face and rigid shoulders on her deck or suffer his judgemental stares whenever they found themselves on the same part of the ship.

Then things would be just perfect.

Cheeks stiff, she smiled and pulled her crossed arms tighter across herself.

Just perfect.

She glanced over at the Covadonga where hands checked the sails and lines but with no direction. Soon it would be hers. And once she’d delivered the silver in its hold, the new Queen would undoubtedly grant her its captaincy on a permanent basis. That’s what they’d done for Cress Newport when he’d taken in the Jackdaw and gifted its contents to the Crown.

The door to FitzRoy’s cabin crept open.

Here we go. He was going to call her in, brief her on what crew she could take, and—

Perry walked out, scanning the deck. Her face creased when she spotted Vice.

Ah, Fitz had asked Perry to keep an eye on her. Not exactly surprising and she wanted Perry on her crew, so that had worked out well.

Grinning, Vice sidled up to Perry and caught her arm. “So, is he going to make a big announcement, or does he just want me to go in there and—”

“Vice,” Perry said softly, gaze slipping away, “maybe we should go to—”

Fitz appeared at the door, mouth flat. “Peregrina,” he barked, “you forgot your crew list.” He thrust a piece of paper at her.

Vice blinked. “Your crew …” He was looking at Perry, not at her. Her stomach tightened into a ball of hopelessly knotted line.

No, he was just giving Perry the list, as she’d be Vice’s quartermaster. He’d come out here to tell everyone that Vice was the Covadonga’s new captain. She swallowed and smiled, cheeks burning.

His gaze paused on her for a second before he returned to his cabin, slamming the door after.