Read Online Shadow Of The Winter King (Book 1) by Erik Scott de Bie - Free Book Online Page B

suspicion, considering the significance of the passing words. Clearly, these were Denerre loyalists, which implied that they didn’t know Ovelia’s identity as the Bloodbreaker. If they puzzled it out, this would be a short voyage. The woman had lost none of her nerve, he had to admit.
    “You seem unwell, Lady. Have you been mishandled this night?” Fersi’s eyes flicked to Regel.
    “No,” Ovelia said in a tone that brooked no question. “This is my manservant, Norlest.”
    The men nodded. For a man to bear the name Norlest—the old king’s First Shield and best friend—meant he was no friend to the Ravalis. Regel said nothing. “Men shut their eyes when they open their mouths,” Orbrin had told him once, and the words had proved true many times. Regel could not tell if Fersi accepted their tale as quickly. He had a distrustful face and suspicious eyes that scrutinized them to minute detail. He may appear casual, but beneath his exterior hid a cunning, scrupulous pirate.
    “I have only one cabin to offer,” the captain said. “Your man could take a hammock in the commons if you wish. Unless—” Fersi passed appraising eyes over Regel, no doubt assessing whether he warmed his mistress’s bed. After all, “Lady Aniset” had no ladies in waiting. But weathered Regel hardly looked like a lady’s doxy. Perhaps a consort?
    “Show me the cabin, Good Captain,” Ovelia said, without answering Fersi’s speculation.
    While the crew eyed Ovelia, the captain led them to a cabin opposite his own in the aftcastle. It was a simple, curved room, perhaps five paces at the longest. It bore a single bed, at the foot of which sat a strongchest without a lock. A copper basin rested on a table in one corner.
    “The door locks from the inside and out.” Fersi handed Ovelia a long, three-toothed key. “I have the only other. You are welcome to this cabin and the upper deck. Meals are in my cabin, unless you wish to dine with the crew.” Fersi shrugged. “This I do not advise. The men have a crude view of your sex. Best not to start conflicts among them.”
    Regel saw Ovelia’s jaw tighten, but she had the sense to hold her tongue. Among the civilized Tar Vangyur, a warrior carried his worth in his sword, not in his breeches. Some of the barbarian Free Islanders did not even allow women on their ships. Foolish, in Regel’s opinion, but he supposed if a man thought of a woman only as a pleasure to be had, her presence would make such a man forget his work. Such a man was a coward and an idiot, but he would keep such thoughts to himself in this place.
    When Fersi looked at Ovelia, the same desire burned there, but he was refined enough to attempt to disguise it. “As to the discussed payment—?”
    “Have my thanks, Captain.” Ovelia handed him a pouch that clinked with coin. “The rest awaits you at our destination, as we agreed.”
    Fersi hesitated a bit too long, looking at her, pondering. Ovelia met that gaze, then looked away. She did not smile, but Regel could sense her body warming a touch.
    “Of course, Lady.” Fersi inclined his head. “And so I leave you in peace.” Then, with his palms pressed together, he bowed them farewell and shut the door behind him.
    “A pleasant leavetaking,” Ovelia said. “After I delayed his voyage so long.”
    “Don’t take it to heart,” Regel said. “Pirates of the Free Isles say those same words over enemy ships they have scuttled—usually with the crew still aboard.”
    “So I have heard.” Ovelia gripped the key tighter.
    Watching Ovelia, Regel pondered the look that had passed between her and the captain. Had Ovelia made another arrangement about which Regel did not know?
    Seemingly oblivious to his scrutiny, Ovelia crossed to the bed. She traced her fingers along its blankets, gazing at them longingly. She must have been exhausted.
    “I’ll take first watch,” Regel said, “in case Fersi crosses us.”
    “If he does, it won’t be within sight of the