Page 84 of A Yulean Sister’s Guide to Getting Kidnapped

Chapter 29

Adrian

“We have to stop,” Anne said.

“We can’t,” I said.

“There’s ship damage needing repairs”

“And it can’t wait until we arrive at our next destination?”

She shook her head. Connie, Bramwell, and I were gathered in the meeting room, with Sage sitting beside me. She was surprised I had invited her to this meeting, but I didn’t want her out of my sight. Despite yesterday, she brought her sewing with her, working on someone’s pants.

“No, the hull took more severe damage than we thought. We’ve managed to mitigate the water pouring in, but there’s structural damage. If it doesn’t get resolved, there’s a chance we won’t be able to stop it. And the rudder is broken, there’s no going forward without it.”

I sighed. “We’re only at sea for three more days, are you sure?”

“It seems like a big risk,” Connie cut in. “If it was only one, it would be worth it, but the extra manpower to monitor over three days would stretch us thin, considering some people were injured in the collision.”

I was still on the fence. I’d lasted more days through bigger breaches, and I wanted to try to stay on schedule. Returning a princess late seemed like a good way to end up chased by the entirety of the Peradonian Navy.

“But we could probably⁠—”

“Did you not hear her?” Sage interjected, surprising everyone. “The ship will break and we’ll all be floating in the ocean like sugar cubes. I thought you were trying to get my necklace, not kill us all.”

It was like the air had been sucked from the room. Even Connie and Bramwell, the only people on the ship who would dare question me, didn’t speak to me in such a tone.

“I can assure you, my ears are working just fine.”

“Is it your brain then?” she snapped. “I’m not dying in the ocean because you’ve decided you can’t be patient.”

Though there was an attitude there, there was something more obvious if you were listening. Fear. I could see it in her eyes.

“Fine,” I said finally. “Where’s our next closest stop?”

Bramwell was quick to roll out our map, filling the table. “Coordinates show we’re closest to Eros Island.”

I grumbled. “There’s no place closer?”

“What’s wrong with Eros Island?” Sage asked.

“Nothing,” I said. “Make the preparations to port, I want to be as quick as possible.”

I didn’t say anything else as I rose, forcing myself out of what now felt like a too cramped room to be in. I slithered quickly to my room, craving just a moment to breathe.

The pocket watch in my pocket felt extra heavy. I took it out, examining the gold top, my finger running over the ornate filigree on the front.

Someone knocked on my door. I slid the watch back and let them in. Connie was standing there, leaning against the frame.

“I’m fine,” I said, leaving the door open and retreating into it.

“Yeah, that’s what people who are fine say as soon as they open the door.” She went over and sat at my desk, the chair creaking as she leaned it back on only two of its legs.

“I just… haven’t been back.”

“None of us have,” she said. “But we don’t have a choice.”

“I know.”