Page 2 of A Crown of Fates
He’s exactly what one would think I’d want. A sweet guy on the inside, mischievous on the outside, and more than three hundred years ago, he was rather talented between the sheets, but he’s held no interest for me since I returned.
In fact, nobody has. I’ve wanted nothing more than to spend time with Isla and our parents. The three of them are all I need in my life now that I have them back. Not a mate, not agood time, and certainly not a lazy king.
With a soft sigh, I pull away from Isla and offer a smile that doesn’t feel quite right. “I’ll be back in less than a week.”
If I keep saying it, the words will be true. The universe and gods will bring me back home to my family. I won’t somehow get stuck in Selaris. King Theo won’t be my mate.
I control my own destiny and my thoughts are powerful, filled with their own kind of magic.
These are all things I’ve been telling myself more often as of late, and one of the few things I’m thankful for discovering while I was on Earth. Manifestation and tapping into the power of my subconscious isn’t something I’d ever have learned in Lunara,but now that I know how impactful my thoughts can be, I wield them wisely.
Well, most of the time.
Sometimes a girl needs to conjure a chocolate cake to make the world right again.
With one final glance at my sister, I step away from her and make my way onto the ship. The plank’s drawn up behind me, and the engines come to life beneath the wooden deck. A sense of finality washes over me as I lean on the sleek railing, watching the horizon slip further from my grasp.
Isla blows me a kiss then folds her hands regally in front of her, her bright blue eyes seeming to glow under the morning sun as she gives me one last piece of advice.“Just remember what you used to tell yourself every morning while getting ready for the day: Everything is always working out for me, and I’m on the path that benefits my highest good.”
Damn her. My chest grows heavy as I repeat the words to myself. For the first time in years, I don’t believe them. Still, that’s something to sort out later. I’ve committed to being on this ship, and there’s no going back now.
The deck behind me is already abuzz with activity. Dozens of women bustle about, most wearing expressions of excitement or nervous anticipation—though some cling to the side, pale-faced and ready to hurl into the sea. I’m not sure which group I fit into yet. Probably neither. I’ve never been good at masking my emotions, and it’s going to be a struggle to do so in the coming days.
My sister might think this is some grand adventure, but it’s an unnecessary, ridiculous tradition. Still, the people of Polaris are watching, and there are those who’d love nothing more than to see Isla fail as queen. I refuse to give them any excuse to question her leadership.
Geena, one of the handmaidens, comes rushing toward me. Her cheeks are flushed, and her rich brown eyes are hidden beneath her onyx hair as she bows her head, the strands falling forward. “Your Highness, I apologize, but it seems there’s been a mix up with the rooms.”
“If there’s no room for me, I’m happy to swim back to shore,” I tease with a soft smile, leaning casually against the exterior wall of the ship, but she doesn’t seem to appreciate the joke.
Her gaze widens. “I don’t think that would be wise, Princess Estee,” she stutters. “The waters are frigid, and people would?—”
“I was only kidding, Geena,” I tell her before she can spiral much further. “Whatever the mix up is, I’m sure we can work something out.”
Her shoulders slump in relief. “Currently, you’re sharing a room with one of the other ladies, Your Highness. Drea has offered to sleep on the deck so you can have your privacy, but Captain Peters is refusing to allow that, and?—”
I place a hand on her shaking shoulder and give her a reassuring smile. “I don’t mind sharing. I promise. If you’ll show me where the room is, I’ll tell Drea myself.”
I might be a princess, but that doesn’t mean I don’t have a heart.
“Yes, Your Highness.” Geena bows before turning sharply to lead the way.
The hundred-foot vessel is already cutting swiftly through the waters now that we’re away from the dock. As we hit a wave, I shove my arm out to catch myself on the wall before we get to the door leading to the rooms.
Please, be a smooth trip.
The handmaiden turns the wheel on the steel door to disengage the lock, opening it for me and gesturing for me to enter first.
The hallway has whitewashed wooden slats on the wall and dark floors. Between the windows to the closed-off areas, there are framed photos of past captains and the crew on different excursions. All the doors down this hallway are shut, but through the glass openings, I see we’re passing the laundry and food storage before going by the kitchen, where I can smell fresh baked goods that have my mouth watering.
We go down a narrow set of stairs, with Geena in the lead this time, and we get to the next level of the ship, where most of the sleeping quarters are located. Halfway down another hallway, Geena stops at a door that’s ajar and moves aside. I enter to find Drea picking up her suitcase.
“I hope you don’t mind top bunk,” I tell her cheekily. “Heights of any kind aren’t really my thing.”
She gapes but still bows. “Your Highness, I was just leaving so that you could have your privacy.”
“Not necessary,” I promise with a warm smile. “Plus, being alone on a ship for the next couple of days doesn’t sound very fun to me.”
Drea swallows thickly, not seeming thrilled about getting to know one of the royal members of her pack. “Of course not, Princess.”