I headed above deck. I’d promised Smitter I would allow Lou to accompany me, and although I wasn’t entirely happy about putting her in danger, I was relieved that I needn’t go through this alone.

On the quarterdeck, I found Lou casually conversing with Krinny and Hannah. The men had to reside in the soundproof room with ear wax for the last day because of the magical waters. Only the female crew roamed the decks. Earlier, I had felt the ship pull from the anchor drop. Krinny wouldn’t have much to do until we set sail again. The rest of the crew attended their stations and chores on the ship. Nothing out of the ordinary. I didn’t know if that made me feel better or worse. Today could mark the end of the bloodthirsty sirens or the end of Lou and myself.

Looking around, there was no sign of Smitter, but I had a feeling he was back on Cava with King Delphi, seeking knowledge of the most favorable or disastrous outcome. As God of Prophecy, my father couldn’t dictate the exact future, but he had a habit of creating paths that would lead others toward one of his more triumphant visions. I absently wondered if his silence was part of that plan.

Lou turned toward me as I approached. She was dressed for battle, her braided hair swept over her shoulder. Her waist dagger was sheathed, her heavy boots laced up, her fighting trousers fitted to her frame. An open pirate’s coat, too hot for the island’s weather, completed her captain’s look. When her eyes caught mine, she smiled. “Well, you slept in. Did the princess need more beauty rest?”

I smirked. “I was having a wonderful dream, too good to wake from.”

“Was it a lassie?” Hanna asked, hopeful, hands on her round hips and a twinkle in her eye.

“Actually, it was. A blonde spitfire, gorgeous lips. She stabbed me, shot at me, and hit me a bunch of times.”

Hannah’s lips trembled with mirth while her eyes volleyed between Lou and me. “Keeps yea on yer toes, I’d say.”

Krinny laughed.

“It sure does.” I winked at Lou, and her cheeks dotted with pink blotches. I gestured to Lou’s attire. “You may want to leave the coat here. Anthemusa’s humid, and mostly tropical forest. The less you carry, the faster we’ll move.”

Lou handed off the coat to Hannah, revealing a loose white blouse and dark green trousers.

“It’ll be here when you return, safely,” Hannah said, draping it over her forearm.

Krinny approached. “The tender’s ready, Captain.”

“Thank you,” Lou and I said in unison.

I flipped Lou’s dagger in my hand, extending the pommel to her. “I thought maybe you’d like this back for the trip. Could be handy.”