Chapter 35
Rylee
“We’re approaching Silvac,” Pierce says, his tone soft.
I pry myself away from the edge of the boat as I spot land across the water.
“Thank the goddesses,” I say, my stomach churning.
It’s been this way the entirety of our weeklong journey. I’ve never been away from Lumathyst, and while I’ve been on Axl’s ship before, it was never in seas this rough. Something I now wonder if he controlled for my benefit.
We’ve had so many rough days on this journey.
Angry skies and thunderous waves that rocked even a ship as big as one from the royal fleet.
The only reason I’ve been able to function at all is because of Dalfon’s remedies and shots of healing magic that help me maintain some composure.
Try as I might, I couldn’t wield Axl’s power enough to sway the tides.
I was surprised at seeing Dalfon when Pierce and I boarded the royal ship set for Silvac.
A handful of enforcers, staff, and sailors also set sail with us.
Dalfon convinced the kings to allow him to accompany us, insisting it was too soon after my recovery from the Athanry to be so far from an experienced healer.
And though I felt fine, health wise, I appreciated the sentiment.
Plus, as an unexpected surprise, Dalfon has helped me study the history of Silvac on the journey, generously answering any of my questions to help me prep for our arrival and negotiations.
He even taught me a few greeting phrases in their people’s language, but he assured me the Occuli speak many languages, including my own.
Pierce hands me a glass of chilled mint tea, and I sip it as I watch the crew rush about the ship, responding to demands from their captain in an effortless flurry of movement.
I take a deep breath. “Here’s hoping I don’t insult the Gemeni.” The twin rulers of Silvac are, from what I’ve learned, an eccentric pair.
“You’ve been studying with Dalfon the entire trip,” Pierce says. “You’re more prepared than I am.”
I roll my eyes but smile up at him. He looks regal in a suit of emerald green and black, not a wrinkle in sight.
“I should go change,” I say, gesturing down to my simple, blue cotton dress.
When feeling the effects of the sea, I wanted free-flowing over tight garments.
Plus, spring has shifted to the warmer side, and when nightmares often woke me in a cold sweat, it felt good to have light clothes on.
Quickly, I retire to our cabin and change into something more representative of a princess of Lumathyst—an elegant sleeveless gown of soft green to complement Pierce’s suit.
The beach we dock on is made up of glistening black sand, the granules sparkling under the blazing midday sun.
Soft waves crash against it as Pierce takes my hand, the two of us following a couple of enforcers farther down the beach, where people I can only assume are Silvac guards are waiting for us.
Lining the beach to the north is a luscious array of tropical forestry that steals my breath. Vivid colors burst from the thick vegetation—rich greens, bright oranges, buttery yellows—it’s hard to tear my eyes away.
“Your highnesses.” A smooth, feminine voice calls for my attention as we reach the welcome party awaiting us.
There are only four of them, which makes our much larger group seem a bit excessive. Dalfon is behind us, with more enforcers and staff behind him, too.
Pierce dips his head to the four, and I quickly follow suit.
“Hello,” he says, offering them a respectful smile. “Thank you for allowing us to visit.”
The one who spoke nods slowly, her black eyes glistening as she turns to me.
“The Gemeni are most interested in your new princess,” the Occuli says. Her voice possesses the same qualities as Dalfon’s, a specific lilt I’ve come to associate with the magical beings. But the four before me are nothing like the conjurers of the kings.
These Occuli are all stunning women with varying appearances—two are tall and lithe with smooth black skin and long braids adorned with glistening jewels shaping their faces, while the other two are shorter and pale, with curves and long, flowing red hair that hangs over their shoulders.
And there are no purple robes here. Instead, they wear thin, see-through silver fabric that looks ultra breathable while also flattering.
Long-sleeved tops flow over their hips, and lightweight pants cuff at their ankles; their feet are bare in the sand.
Each wears a number of jewelry pieces, varying in material from gold to silver to emeralds and rubies and diamonds and more.
“I’m Altair,” she says, motioning to herself, then her next companion with matching braids. “This is my sister, Seraphina. This is Circe and her sister Tatiana.” She gestures to the other two. “We’ll take you through the great pass and then on to the Sanctuary.”
“We appreciate you taking the time to guide us,” Pierce says, a hand placed over his chest as he bows again.
I follow suit.
“You’ve been made aware of our rules with regard to the island?” Altair asks.
Pierce and I nod. Basically, don’t touch anything without requesting permission, respect the environment, and don’t kill anything. Pretty easy rules to follow. Rules that should be second nature, really.
“We will travel with the utmost respect,” Pierce answers. “We’re lucky enough to have not only your guidance, but that of our companion”—he points to Dalfon behind us—“as well.”
Altair smiles as Dalfon moves to my right side. “Dalfon Faras,” she says, opening her arms. “It’s been too long.”
“It has,” he says, embracing her and then the other three.
“I’m glad you were permitted to come,” Seraphina says.
“Come,” Altair says, pointing toward the luscious jungle awaiting us. “Let us make our journey. The Gemeni are waiting.”