The king clapped his hands, rubbing them together with a smile. “Wonderful. If that’s your only concern, his co-command of your ship should pose no trouble. As you know, the waters around the isle are enchanted and carry the magical song as a protection to their land. Rylander needs a crew that can get him close enough to shore, so he can take the tender and paddle to sand. Only he can defeat the Siren Queen, but he needs your crew to get him there.”

Lou shook her head. “Are you daft? No ball of wax will prevent the magical waters close to the island from imprisoning his mind. Did you not hear me the first time?”

Edgar and I shot up simultaneously, but the king cautioned with his hands. “Stand down. My ego is not so delicate.” He pushed himself to his feet, looking to Lou. “Captain Rylander is not like most men.”

“Yes. He’s more arrogant and foolish. I agree. But that won’t serve me well on the seas.” Lou crossed her arms, her nails pressed into her biceps as if holding them back from violence. “What could he possibly have that no other man on land possesses?”

The king tossed me a smug glance then turned to Lou. “He’s entirely immune to the siren’s song and the only person alive impervious to their poison.”

Chapter nine

Lou

I watched the king’s mouth move, but the words didn’t make sense.

Captain Rylander Bordeaux, my father’s murderer, was also the only person in existence immune to both the siren’s song and their poison? Tyche did not favor me.

My thoughts returned to the attack on The Sea Singer, and for a few horrendous seconds, I saw that milky poison bubbling in Lianna’s neck. I forced the painful memory away and instead recounted Rylander’s actions. He hadn’t used wax inside his ears, but I’d seen some other form of plug—a fluffy, white substance—sticking out of them. Could that have been a charade? He’d come in close proximity with the creatures and never once turned on us. And he had heard the song long before the others, sounding the alert.

“How?” I asked, still unbelieving.

King Delphi gestured to Rylander in silent permission.

“It was a gift from the gods,” the captain answered.

I’d never paid much mind to legends, but I knew the origin of the sirens. They were the daughters of the muse Calliope and the god Achelous, and with those shared divine powers, their song consumed all men without exception.

I cursed. “You lie.”