The concern fell from Oran’s face. He became a wall, revealing nothing. “Are you asking me?”

“I—” she stopped herself. This was precisely what he’d meant moments ago. Knowing the answer to this would change everything.

“Hime will be here soon,” she said.

Oran held her eyes as he nodded once, solemn and resolved to keep his promise to her no matter the cost.

One day she would be ready. But not today.

Chapter Thirty

CHAPTER THIRTY

When dawn threaded the horizon with a single promising band of gold, Harwell moved through the ship with the bell, rousing everyone with its tinny clang. As he went, he repeated the same phrase. “All friends bury the dead.” His voice was a sweet, earthy counter to the high note of the bell.

The crew gathered on deck, slipping silently into the brisk morning air. Caledonia watched as her girls emerged. Apart from those who were unable to move easily, every girl was here. Even Far drifted out and clung to the edges of the crowd like a timid spirit. Oran kept his distance, positioning himself in the command tower. It was better that way. There was no point in stirring tensions.

Pine was perched on the starboard railing. Looped around his hands was a string of every trinket and stone the Blades had brought him over the course of the night. He’d collected them like beads in sets of three, knotted tightly together. Sledge stood on the deck nearby, one side of him washed in fresh light, the other still dusted in purple shadow. He was so still, so peaceful, yet sunlight clung to the tears sliding down his long cheeks.

“Captain?” Nettle had come alongside her, her eyes shiny with tears.

Caledonia paused. She knew what was on the girl’s mind because it was on her own. “You acted without permission,” she said. “But so did Triple.”

“I’m sorry,” the girl answered with a nod.

There was no easy way through this. Not for any of them, but especially not for Nettle. She would take part of the blame for Triple’s death and carry it with her the rest of her life. Caledonia knew it because she would do the same.

With a gentle sigh, she turned to Nettle and placed a hand lightly on her shoulder. “Your actions saved Gloriana. And she saved us.”

Her tears spilled over, creating tiny streams along her cheeks. “But Triple—”

“I don’t blame you.” Caledonia bent to look directly in Nettle’s eyes when she said, “Victory without regret is tyranny. When we fight for each other, we win, no matter what.”

Nettle’s tears came faster even as she frowned against them. “This doesn’t feel like winning.”

With a sigh, Caledonia answered, “It rarely does.”