Bernard placed his hand on my shoulder. The rough calluses on his palm snagged my linen shirt as he gave me a hard squeeze. It was the grip of a skilled voyager, a man who had handled hard rigs and ropes all his life. “Captain Lou is going to be a problem. Do we really need her assistance? She ain’t someone we can ever trust, especially you. How in the underworld do we work alongside her?”

I understood his hesitation, but I knew that sometimes the most unlikely allies offered the most valuable aid. I placed my hand atop his and squeezed. “Too many men have lost their lives. I’ve exhausted my strategies. It’s time for a change.”

“I pray to Poseidon you’re right. But no matter our fates, your life ain’t negotiable. Why don’t you tell her why her father is dead? Maybe she’ll—”

I cut Bernard off. “No.”

Bernard shook his head, mumbling under his breath before leaving me to my own devices.

Smitter approached. “We are all set here. Are you sure about this?”

“You sound like Bernard. Are you worried for my safety as well?” I smiled, throwing an arm over Smitter’s broad shoulders. He stood a few inches shorter than me, but his bulk made him appear larger.

“You do tend to make my job of protecting you more troublesome than needs be.” He tried to shove out of my embrace, but I held onto him hard. Smitter’s rank as first mate hadn’t been a coincidence. The king handpicked him. Since childhood, Smitter had been part of my life, my education, and my family, always watching over me.

“Uncle, you worry too much,” I sniped.

“And you worry too little, nephew.”

I released him and avoided his reproachful glare. I hated when he looked at me like I had lost all sense. Smitter, although a fan of games and mischief, found no humor in matters of my safety. “There are no longer any options. We have no choice.”

Smitter sighed. “I fear you and the king have lost sight of the true purpose of your journey.”

I stiffened at the sharp words. “How can you stand there and say that? My blood is the only weapon to end this, once and for all.”

“Exactly why your safety is so important. With your blood, the gods ordained you to right their wrong. You are a means to an end. Do not forget the purpose of your nature—to help the gods do what they cannot.”

“How could I forget?” My tone rose, echoing between my ears. “It’s not just their will. It’s mine. The only way to save my mother is to kill Queen Lorelei.”