“Rylander has no reason to lie to you,” King Delphi said. He descended the two steps between us, standing too close. He towered over my head, much like Rylander did. His fur-lined gold surcoat cascaded around his feet. Brilliant red rubies dripped from his circlet, and the sun reflected off his gold crown, turning the fashioned laurel leaves into a halo. It stirred a memory of a childhood story about the gods, but I couldn’t quite grasp the details before the feeling slipped away.

“You may not like Rylander, but he is our best weapon and chance to end the War of the Sea. Even you must admit his skills as a warrior are unmatched. And with his divine gifts, you shall be nigh undefeatable in your journey to Anthemusa.”

I pursed my lips, taking note of the plural. “What other gifts does he possess?”

The king clasped his hands behind his back, broadening his chest. “You will find out during your voyage. Until then, trust must be earned. We have shared several of our secrets with you. We’d appreciate a gesture of good faith in return.”

I arched my neck to meet his pale blue eyes. “And what might that be?”

“It has come to my attention you’d like Rylander’s life as payment for The Freedom’s cooperation, in vengeance for the death of your father. Is that true?”

My teeth scraped together. I wondered who the dirty rat had been. Smitter? Bernard? I had wanted to wait for the right opportunity to declare my request, but maybe such a moment didn’t exist. The king obviously favored Rylander more than any normal sovereign should. “Yes, that is what I demand as compensation.”

With a sigh, the king strolled past me, giving me his backside. His shoulder-length salt and pepper hair curled at the ends the same way Rylander’s did. I wondered if he once shared Rylander’s chestnut locks.

“Unfortunately, that is unacceptable. Captain Rylander’s life is non-negotiable.”

My fists curled at my side, raising the muscles in my forearms. “It is all I want.”

The king pivoted. A slight pop of his jaw signaled his displeasure, but he blanketed it in a calm tone. “Then I fear you shall never fulfill that desire.” I opened my mouth to argue, but he held up a finger. “However, perhaps we can come to an agreement, something in between?”

I crossed my arms. “What could possibly be in between?”

The king avoided my glare and gestured to Rylander. “Why don’t you get cleaned up for dinner? I know a certain young lady who hasn’t spoken of anything but your arrival for a fortnight. I’m sure she will be over the moon to hear you are home. Change and meet Queen Olivine, Captain Lou, and the rest of our guests in the great hall.”

Rylander bowed, then retreated without the slightest acknowledgement of my presence.