Chapter 25
GAVIN
We make excellent timing. The heartbeat of the phoenix stone thrums through me as we approach. Less than a day and we’ll be at the site. Where everything changes for me.
Kyler dances to Jon’s music. The great bear of a man knows how to have a good time, and so does Kyler. Everyone has been in good spirits these last few days. Our displays sufficiently annoy the public Ailey, but privately, we all scheme.
“Join me.” Kyler grabs my hands and pulls me into one of his dances.
I don’t know the steps to this one, but I think Kyler makes it up anyway.
I love the way Kyler seems so free. He almost will be. “We’re almost there. Basil said if they use speed spells, we could be there in mere hours.”
“Will he use the spells?” Kyler asks, his dance slowing.
“I asked him to. He’s having the mages get them ready.”
Kyler nods. “Then we should celebrate.” He pulls me into another dance, his elegant arm going around my waist.
“Where did you learn to dance so beautifully?”
Kyler blushes, just as he does with every compliment. “You don’t want to know.”
His comment makes my stomach sour. “Does every one of your many talents have a sad story attached?”
Kyler shrugs and pulls me closer. “I wish I could lie and tell you no. That there was a skill I had that I chose to hone, but it’d be a lie.
” He lifts his hand, passing over the note tucked in my back pocket.
“Pick-pocketing, so I can survive. Vex sends me to shore to steal from the rich. I’m the best thief on the ship, and he can’t be content with just shipwrecked treasure that only I can reach. No, he has to have land fortunes too.”
I hate seeing the change in him.
“Sucking cock? Again, survival. Had I not learned how to please, I was threatened with…” He shakes his head. “Doesn’t matter. Worse came even when I learned.”
“Kyler,” I whisper.
“Dancing. I’m good at that, and I actually enjoy it. I was taught to seduce kings, Gavin. You’re just a prince, and my charms have already snared you.” Kyler releases me and steps away. “I’m not a good person. Don’t pity me.”
“I don’t pity you.” I take his hand and spin him back towards me. “You’re strong, Kyler. I’ll do whatever it takes to free you.”
His snort is condescending if there ever is such a sound. He lifts his hand with the spell that binds him to the pirate captain. “Blood magic. You’ve seen it. I don’t know why I ever thought he’d free me. The ritual to end the binding will kill us both.”
“You’ve talked to Ailey about it.”
“Yes. You had no knowledge of blood magic, and she does, I’ll bet a little, but more than—”
“I didn’t want to scare you.”
“I’m a pirate and do scary shit daily. I could have handled this.” When Kyler steps away this time, I let him.
The bosun whistle blares loud, catching everyone’s attention.
“Brace yourself. The speed spells will start momentarily and we’ll be at the site of the phoenix stone shortly.”
We haven’t used speed spells since we wore out the magic user, but with four nautical mages onboard, there’s no worry about exhaustion for such a short distance.
I think I should apologize for upsetting Kyler. I really hadn’t meant to keep the knowledge to myself, but I didn’t want to upset him. He disappears from the main deck. Perhaps that means he’s retired to our quarters.