Read Online The Lady Machinist (Curiosity Chronicles Book 1) by Ava Morgan - Free Book Online

much to protest Nikolaos’ attendance on the journey. “Space is tight on a ship. Lydia has the only private quarters. You’ll have to room with the crew.”
    Nikolaos kept his face expressionless. “I shall do what I must to ensure the lady’s protection.”
    “I can’t spare room for your guards.”
    Sabba scanned the top deck. “I see but a six-man crew, Ambassador.”
    “Your Majesty,” Lydia said, “I saw the ship’s lower decks. Most of the space houses the engine. There is a galley and cargo hold, but not spare rooms for passengers.”
    “I could show you, if you’d prefer, ” Rhys offered.
    “I trust Lady Dimosthenis’ observations,” the king said. He embraced Lydia. “Godspeed, Lady Dimosthenis. When you reach New Britannia, send word of your progress.”
    “I will, Your Majesty.”
    Sabba nodded to Rhys. “I leave you to set sail. Albeit brief, your visit has been both informing and favorable.” With that, he left the beach, along with the palace guards that had deposited Nikolaos’ trunks in the sand.
    Rhys afforded Lydia and her father a moment to say their goodbyes while he signaled for his crew to cast another longboat to shore. Fifteen minutes later, he stood on deck with Nikolaos and Lydia.
    Rhys called for the crew to weigh anchor. The sooner he left the Aspasian port, the sooner he’d be done with surprise changes to his plans. “Follow me, Lydia. I’ll escort you to your cabin. Wait here, Lord Abeiron.” He secretly enjoyed seeing Nikolaos’ face twist as the man was forced to loiter about the deck.
    Lydia’s precise footsteps followed him. He increased his pace, moving past the surrounding steel walls that were welded to curve around the shape of the vessel. The engine’s steady hum could be heard throughout the corridor.
    “Rhys, slow down.”
    He halted and pivoted on his feet. “Whatever business is between you and Nikolaos, I won’t have it affecting this journey.”
    The ship lurched as it cast off. Lydia stopped herself from crashing into him, splaying her hand against the wall before she could pitch forward. “I didn’t know he was coming with us.”
    “Why is Nikolaos really here?”
    She looked behind her as though the chief adviser was hiding on the steps. “I stand to inherit the Aspasian throne if the king and queen don’t produce an heir. My husband was Sabba’s only next of kin.”
    “So Nikolaos wants to marry you for the lineage.” Rhys’ muscles tightened in a flash of hostility as he considered Nikolaos’ ambition. “I witnessed his courtly display as he dragged you into the dining hall last week. I take it Sabba is unaware of how you’re being treated by his most trusted adviser.”
    Lydia rubbed her arm as though recalling the event made it hurt. “I snubbed Nikolaos’ advances that night.”
    “He should have heeded.”
    “It doesn’t concern you.”
    “It does now. You’re my responsibility until we reach New Britannia.”
    Rhys walked to the end of the corridor and unlocked his cabin door. “You’ll stay here. Keep the key on you at all times.” He gave it to her. “Malcolm will see to your meals.”
    She closed her fingers around the key. “Can I venture to top deck?”
    “Only if I’m with you.”
    She hooded her eyelids. More sultry than intimidating, but Rhys decided not to bring that to her attention.
    “And don’t bother the crew. I need them focused on making the journey home.”
    Lydia pocketed the key. “For what it’s worth, I don’t like the idea of Nikolaos sailing with me, either.”
    “Then I suggest you keep your door locked.” He left her to attend to his second passenger.
    On deck, Nikolaos watched Aspasia grow smaller in the distance. His robe billowed in the breeze. Three days’ exposure to saltwater and wind and it would be reduced to an expensive rag to mop the decks. “Has Lydia been seen to?”
    “She’s my charge now. You needn’t worry about her.”
    “As her guardian, it’s my duty to