“Uh-huh.” He tilted his head back and smiled up at her. “Lord Blackwell said I can steer the ship when we’re at sea.”
Red tinged his chubby cheeks. Since she’d returned home, the boy had nearly stalked her every move. Being around him gave her yearnings she never thought she’d have—for a baby. She smoothed her hand down his back. “Then we’re in good hands.”
She released the boy and he sprinted away from her, disappearing around the corner of the captain’s cabin.
“This is it.” Ravyn stopped beside her. “I haven’t seen the repairs to the deck yet.”
Jade leaned toward Rell. “She blasted a big hole in it. Rhys was not pleased.”
Ravyn stopped and glared at her. “I saved their lives from the Bane, didn’t I?”
“We saved their lives.” Jade cocked a brow. “A rescue I sometimes curse myself for when Luc becomes a pest.”
Rell and Juna smirked and followed her up the gangplank. From what Rell could see, the deck looked good as new. No huge hole graced the spot where Ravyn stood, dragging her foot across the wood.
“You can’t even tell.” She looked up, grinning.
All activity stopped, the crew turning at once to stare at them as if they’d never seen women before. The good mood fled from Rell, unease replacing it. These men were unfamiliar to her and she didn’t know what to expect. Within the Bringer group she was an equal, but in the world of humans women had their place.
A tall man with a gold earring dangling from his right ear approached. He slid the dirty hat from his head and clutched it to his chest. “Lady Ravyn.” He gave a quick bow and turned to Jade. A smile spread across his stubbly mouth to show a missing front tooth. “Lady Jade.” He crumpled the hat. “Don’t know if I’ll ever get used to calling you that.”
“Zeek,” Jade said. “It’s so good to see you again.” She stepped to the side. “This is my sister, Rell, and Lady Ravyn’s sisters, Lady Meran and Lady Juna.”
Juna face scrunched up as if she’d just heard a distasteful joke.
The man’s eyes rounded as he took in each of the Bringer women. “Gah, I feel plenty safe now with five of ya onboard.”
The tension melted from Rell. Obviously these men, at least Zeek anyway, had no problem with women.
“It’s good to see you again.” Ravyn waved to the men on the rope ladder. They smiled and waved back. “Let’s hope this is an uneventful trip.”
“I second that.” Jade walked farther onto the deck and turned back to Zeek. “What are the chances of me getting to knot a few knots and tie a few ropes off?”
“We’ve got a small crew this trip, so all help is welcome.” Zeek squashed his crumpled hat back on his head and ambled toward Jade. “I doubt you’ll be needing me to show you the ropes again, eh?”
“Ah, Zeek.” She pointed a finger at him. “You’re still as funny as ever.”
He blushed under her praise, his gapped grin widening. “Finally, somebody who appreciates my humor.”
“Don’t encourage him.”
Rell glanced up to the naysayer. A short, round man scrambled down the rope ladder and landed lightly on the deck. He wore garish striped pants that came to his knees and black boots that looked a size too big for him. From what she could see, he had all his teeth but his head was bald as a baby’s butt.
“Gem, charming as ever.” Jade tilted her head and propped her hand on her hips. “Have you lost weight?”
He patted his stomach. “I have lost a pound or two; thanks for noticing.”
Rell watched her sister charm the men on the boat, amazed by the ease with which she won them over. Perhaps if she’d never been turned Bane, she would possess some of the charms of a lady, but the woman she was now preferred silence to flattery.
Siban exited the bridge and half climbed half slid down the stairs. “We’re about to get underway.” He pointed to the glassed-in area above. “Would you like to watch from the bridge or bow?”
“Bow, as long as it’s safe.” Her heartbeat quickened at the thought of being near the front of a moving ship. “I don’t know how to swim.”
“Me either,” Gem said, gripping a thick rope and pulling. “Can’t stand getting wet.”
It didn’t take her Tell powers to confirm what he said. His smell did that for him.
“We’ll try to keep you out of the water.” Siban gave her a dazzling smile. “I’ll come join you once we’re underway.”
She cast a glance around the deck when she reached the top. Jade stood among a group of men, talking as if they were old friends. Maybe they were. Again she realized how little she’d actually known about Jade’s life outside of the Shadow World.
Rell joined Ravyn at the bow.
“I love this ship.” Ravyn looked over her shoulder. “I think Jade does too.”
“Yes, she’s seems at home here.”
Ravyn laughed. “Are you excited about your wedding?”
“Yes.” Rell looked out over the water. “Also scared and unsure.”
“Why unsure?” Ravyn turned to the side and rested her arm on the railing, looking at Rell. “You love Siban, right?”
“That is the one thing I’m not unsure about.” She met Ravyn’s stare. “Why haven’t you and Rhys wed?”
A chuckle slipped from Ravyn. “The subject hasn’t come up yet.” She turned back to the sea. “I think we’re both waiting until the battle with the Bane is over.”
Rell nodded. “That’s why I’m unsure. So much is undecided. What if I get with child?”
“Would that be so bad?”
“I’m not my mother, Ravyn. She was always there for Jade and I.” Rell frowned. “Until I took that away. What kind of mother would I be?”
“A wonderful one.” Ravyn placed a hand on Rell’s shoulder, forcing her to look at Ravyn. “One who would fight to the death to protect not only your child but your husband.” She smiled. “I think you and Willa are more alike than you think.”
Her words warmed Rell. She could feel Ravyn’s conviction, that she truly believed what she said. “I would like to believe that.”
“Then do.” Her hand slid from Rell’s shoulder. “I think it’s time that Rhys and I stop waiting until the world is safe.” She sighed. “That may never happen and I’d hate to die before making a true life with him.”
“A double wedding then? I’m sure my mother would love that.”
“Uh, no.” Ravyn’s eyes rounded. “I said we’d talk about it. In the meantime, we’ll enjoy your and Siban’s wedding.”
She laughed and turned back to the water. It was amazing how their talk had lifted the majority of Rell’s doubts. She loved Siban. Life without him would be as bleak as when she was a demon. There was no sure thing in these tumultuous times, but she wouldn’t let the Bane steal anymore of her happiness. Not looking at Ravyn, she said, “Thank you.”
Obviously understanding, Ravyn said, “You’re welcome.”
The two women stood together, enjoying the launch preperations. Ravyn explained different things about the ship, keeping their conversation light. Ropes were untied and tossed over the side of the boat onto the dock. With a loud flap, a single sail unfurled. The ship creaked and drifted backward out of the slip. The crew scampered around the deck and up the ladder, while Rhys manned the wheel, steering the vessel away from the pier and into open water.
More sails opened. The wind caught the material, snapping it to a tight billow. Waves crashed under the bow and the ship dipped down and then back up. Once all the sails had been unfurled, the ship sliced through the water, moving faster than Rell ever had in her life.
Siban left the bridge and maneuvered the steps to the deck. He joined her at the bow and slid his arm around her waist. It was a perfect moment in an imperfect world.