I lowered my head and whispered in her ear, “Little Rose, those stories are one of our secrets. I keep yours, and you keep mine.” I nudged her playfully, and she giggled.

She peered up at me, lips twisting with mischief. She lifted her hand and snapped her fingers.

“Savina,” I whispered. I placed my hand over hers, but it was too late. The gaslights flickered and trembled above us. Lou’s eyes flitted to the ceiling.

“Another earthquake?” Queen Olivine asked as her gaze swiveled around the shaking room. She cupped her refilled goblet like it contained all the jewels in the land.

“Yes, because we are so prone to earthquakes,” Smitter grumbled, glaring at Olivine.

Savina winked, and the lights snuffed out, leaving us in complete darkness. All that stood out was the pearly smile Savina stretched in my direction, pleased with what she had done.

11.

Chapter eleven

Lou

Dinner had been strange. By the time the lights were relit, Savina and Rylander were nowhere to be found. No one mentioned their departure or the strange trembling phenomenon. The rest of the meal was eaten mostly in silence, polite conversation thrown out here and there.

When I returned to my room to change, a chest filled with new clothing more suited to my style sat in the middle of the room. I replaced the fine silks I wore for a white blouse, ruffled at the shoulders and wrists, under a black leather corset. Matching fitted trousers, hugging my hips and thighs, tucked into a pair of sturdy boots. But what caught my eye was a new blade resting on my pillow. It was constructed entirely of fine bronze with a pierced filigree hilt of exceptional quality and detail. The obverse was studded with four large rubies surrounded by smaller diamonds and mounted with a black pearl on the pommel. In the center was etched the Isle of Cava’s family crest. I’d never owned something so costly. Stealing treasure was the only way I earned riches. The idea of being gifted such an item settled in my stomach like sour milk.

A note from the king sat next to it. For your travels and trials. May it bring you good fortune and save us all. ~ King Delphi

I hung the luxurious present from its leather scabbard, which I fastened to my belt. I’d hold on to it for my crew. We never knew when we needed a bargaining item, and this would be a valuable asset.

“Ready?” Smitter asked, peeking his head through my door.

I nodded. I hadn’t been sure about the first mate’s request to join him in town, but my need to escape the royal palace outweighed my reservations.