Chapter 42 - Marco
Marco
Lemon zest, oregano, and thyme kissed the salty sea air in the market off the docks. Coming home never lost its luster. It was here, in the beating heart of Citros, the capital of Duski, where my soul called home.
Poor Alaina had been holed up nearly the whole trip. The girl had never stepped off the continent, and her sea legs were as steady as a foal’s. A selfish part of me hoped maybe the journey had been treacherous enough that she wouldn’t sail back.
While our time together on the ship hadn’t been what I’d imagined, and definitely a lot less sexy, we’d still managed to share moments I would deem uncomfortably intimate.
I learned about her family—a mother, father, and brother.
About when she first discovered her magic by reversing her own scraped knee to avoid getting into trouble for sneaking into a neighbor’s garden to steal some berries.
She’d painted the picture so clearly while she lay on my lap, my hand stroking her hair to help subset her chronic nausea.
I’d smiled without the sake of appearances, something that had become rare in my life.
It wasn’t to show arrogance or charm my way into getting what I wanted.
It was a quiet smile that grew where she couldn’t see it. One I kept to myself.
During the hours where her battle with vertigo became too strong, I filled the silence to help pass the time, a hopeful distraction while she weathered the worst of her symptoms. Turns out, a lot of self-discovery can occur when one isn’t afraid of judgment or interruptions.
While my clothes unfortunately remained on, the vulnerability had still managed to strip me bare.
I was uncertain how much she’d heard, seeing as she’d slip in and out of rest from the potent herbs the healer delivered, but those admissions still resounded in my head.
“I don’t have much coin,” Alaina said from beside me, her gaze cast out over all the vendors and their delicious goods. “But everything smells so damn good.” Her braids were coiled into a large, looped pile on her head, and I had to resist the urge to twirl the stray curl dangling behind her ear.
“Never you mind that. Go pick something.” I gestured toward the array of refined, polished, and sprawling carts and shops before securing my hands behind my back.
“Are you sure?” There was a flame of hunger in her eyes, and a pallor to her skin that required immediate remedy.
“Please, go, before you sully another good pair of my leathers.” I lifted my knee-high brown boot, a pair that had been brought to me as soon as we off loaded.
I hated greeting my kingdom in clothes that stunk of stale ship cabin air—and sick.
I never wanted to upset the glorious natural ecosystem of scents from my talented citizens, so replacement clothes were always brought to me upon my return.
At that precise moment, my crew hefted the trunk of my belongings past us, which contained a previously thoroughly puked on pair of boots.
“Sorry.” She winced at the memory.
I chuckled. “Seriously, anything you’d like. It’ll be my honor to pay for the first food you’ll keep down in weeks.”
Her piercing blue eyes twinkled, and those plump lips tugged to the side.
I much preferred her eyes unmasked by the seer, who I guess also possessed a degree of shielding ability.
On my continent, nearly every eye color was magically influenced, and she looked as if she belonged here.
A tempting thought, though I suspected entertaining it would leave me disappointed.
She inhaled deeply and straightened. “Very well then. I don’t mind spending a prince’s cash.”
“Good. Maybe you’ll get used to it.” Surprised flashed in her eyes as I maintained a scoundrel’s grin. She said nothing before departing, her commanding steps navigating the market. Like a queen.
Stop that. I shook my head, white hair creeping into my vision. Too long for my taste. I needed to get a cut right away. I brushed it back before invading her space once again.
“If I may,” I whispered into her ear from over her shoulder. “The lamb skewers often satisfy me the most after a long journey at sea.” Greedily, I let my nose brush across her charcoal hair, marinating in the silky luxury of it.
I lifted my hand to point to Stavros, the stand owner of the kabobs I’d suggested.
She walked over, and I ordered us several and had them bundled.
Offering her a stick, she took it and sniffed.
Her shoulders sank at the mouth watering, perfectly seasoned meat and took a bite that resembled a starving cat.
The loud hum she emanated rattled every part of me, even down to my balls. I forced the lamb into my mouth. Otherwise, I’d be standing here, slack-jawed at the unintentional erotic display.
But gods, it wasn’t erotic at all. She attacked it like a rabid animal. Had I been deprived of touch for too long?
I summoned Cleggris and ordered him to collect some of my favorite sugar and syrup tarts, then guided Alaina to an awaiting carriage.
We rode up the steady, cobblestone incline toward my castle composed of entirely white rock that looked as if it’d been carved from the cliffside.
The sprawling view of the dazzling blue ocean always stole my breath.
It was a shame that Alaina actively avoided peering out the window, but I understood why.
She’d had enough wobbly transport for a lifetime.
Once we arrived, I had Alaina escorted to her guest chambers where she could unwind, bathe if she wished, and sleep if she needed to.
Unlike Nicholas, I wasn’t immediately bombarded with nervous counselors or shady commanders.
No, this kingdom had systems and fail-safes in place to ensure its prosperity.
Without my people harboring hatred towards another part of the populus, there wasn’t much dissent through the kingdom.
Occasional squabbles, mostly drunken brawls over the attentions of other patrons toward someone they fancied, or infrequent inheritance disputes. Nothing that a night in the local jail with time to sober up, or arbitrators to draw up contracts, couldn’t fix.
The staff that functioned in my absence operated just the same, even when I was here. Surveys and suggestions in many town forums, a cycle of open communication and updates as need be kept everyone heard and content.
I sauntered through the familiar halls, grateful to know how much better my people fared than elsewhere, but the nagging that’d plagued me since I’d left months ago still thrashed under my skin. Windguard’s people needed help, and I remained conflicted over how best to approach the situation.
I made my way to the records quarters to start sifting through the information we’d been sent for. Evenita told Alaina that a century ago, crates were shipped to Duski just before Argora Vale's downfall. Whatever the records contained, apparently it was vital that we retrieved it now.
I just hoped we found it before it was too late.