* * *

Seven days after leaving Dorcastle, the first mate sought out Kira.

"The captain believes that you've earned your passage," the first mate told Kira. "You and J'son will be allowed to leave when we reach Caer Lyn tomorrow."

"Caer Lyn." Kira looked across the water, her stomach suddenly tightening. "May I make a request?"

"What is it?"

"Can J'son and I work our way to your next port of call?"

The first mate crossed her arms and eyed Kira. "That would be Kelsi."

"Kelsi? That would be great!"

"Is there something about Caer Lyn you wish to avoid," the first mate asked, "or something at Kelsi that draws you?"

"Both," Kira said.

"You told us you'd broken no laws. If there's a warrant out for you—"

"No," Kira said. "There's no warrant. But…there are a lot of Imperials at Caer Lyn. And we do need to reach the Free Cities. We will work just as hard as we have so far. We'll work harder, if that's what's needed."

"Girl, the first rule of bargaining is not to let the other know how badly you want something." The first mate studied Kira again. "I'll ask the captain."

Jason came by while Kira was waiting for the first mate to return. "What's up?"

"I asked them to let us stay on the ship longer."

He stared at her. "Us? Shouldn't you have asked me first?"

"I'm sorry. I didn't have time. Jason, it is important that I not be ashore at Caer Lyn. If we do end up there, we'll need to get out again as fast as possible. But it would be very risky."

"Why is it riskier there?" Jason asked.

"The Imperials. They have a lot of influence in the Sharr Isles. And they want me."

His gaze grew puzzled. "Why?"

"Because…" She gritted her teeth, embarrassed to have to talk about it, and looked around to ensure no one else could hear them. "They want me to marry one of their princes. And even though I'm underage, the emperor could make an exception to that law in a heartbeat."

"But if you don't want to marry one of them—"

"They'd drug me, Jason, or threaten Mother, or something. The Imperial court is a vicious place where the princes and princesses are in constant competition, which means everything from spreading nasty rumors about each other to assassination attempts."

"Wow." Jason nodded to her. "I'll do anything I have to so that won't happen."

"Thank you. You'd have every right to complain."

"Somebody warned me that if I kept complaining she'd hurt me," Jason said, grinning.

Kira laughed. "Sometimes I'm not very subtle." She turned as the first mate returned, straightening to attention as she saw the captain was there as well.

The captain frowned at her and at Jason. "You wish to remain aboard as crew until Kelsi?"

"Yes, sir," Kira said.