“Rylander,” Olivine said, thrusting her jewel-laden hand out for me to kiss. The queen’s exceptional outer beauty was equaled in intensity only by her scornful nature. Begrudgingly, I leaned down and pecked her skin.

She withdrew her hand and smoothed her sparkling sapphire gown. “I trust this time you will rid our people of the sirens. My husband tells me your last quest was decidedly unsuccessful. Many men died. That is unacceptable for a courier of King Delphi’s mission.”

Smitter tensed at my side. We both detested Olivine, but our love for King Delphi meant we reserved our distaste for private conversations. By Lou’s twisted mouth and squinted eyes, I believed we had a new ally.

Before I could speak, Lou stepped to the front. “Rylander will not falter this time. Not only is his plan solid, but this expedition involves my crew and me. We will get him to the siren’s shores. We don’t fail.”

“And you are?” Olivine asked. Her powdered white nose scrunched as if she smelled something foul.

“Captain Lou of The Freedom,” Lou said bowing reverently.

Olivine’s free hand shot to her heart. “A lady curtseys for her queen. How barbaric to bow like a man. Royal threads do not a noblewoman make.” She flipped her auburn hair over her shoulder and rounded on me. “I realize being raised on a ship filled with whores and indigents doesn’t leave a child to good education, but Rylander, you should have taught her the basics of palace etiquette. We are a kingdom with a noble reputation to uphold. We can’t have the likes of Captain Lou tarnishing our standing.” She sipped her chalice.

Lou lurched forward, but I moved quicker. I caught her waist and pulled her into my side. Surprisingly, she didn’t fight me, only pulled steadying breaths through her nose.

“My apologies, Queen Olivine,” I said through clenched teeth.

Edgar peeked around my shoulder. His face blanched as he drank in the tension hovering between the queen and Lou. “Come, let’s sit. Dinner’s ready,” he said, motioning for everyone to take their seats.

His brow raised in question, but I shook my head. The queen’s insult didn’t warrant discussion.

I slid in next to Savina on the king’s left while Smitter led Lou to the seats across from us. Edgar took his place at the king’s right hand, while the queen took hers at the opposite head.

“Smitter, have you passed on the recent events to Captain Rylander and Captain Lou?” The king leaned back in his chair as he swirled his gold-plated cup of brandy, his favorite spirit.