Frozen Tides (Falling Kingdoms 4)
Page 90
Olivia’s brows raised with surprise and she awkwardly patted Lys’s back. “I’m grateful I was able to help in time.”
Despite his previous misgivings, the witch had more than proven herself to him. “My deepest gratitude to you, Olivia,” Jonas said. “I owe you my life.”
She gently pushed Lysandra away from her. “Yes, I suppose you do.”
He waited for her to name her price, probably some outrageous request that he’d never be able to grant. “And . . . ?” he prompted.
Olivia cocked her head. “And . . . I must be on my way now. Farewell.”
She turned toward the door.
“Wait!” Jonas said. “Where are you off to? Got some other random strangers to heal around town?”
“Perhaps,” she allowed.
The girl was a true mystery. But, really, all Jonas needed to know about her was that she could work real magic.
“Come with us,” he said.
She frowned. “Where?”
“The Limerian palace.”
Olivia crossed her arms and studied him for a long, silent moment. “Jonas Agallon, a failed rebel leader whose life purpose is to destroy King Gaius and bring peace and freedom to Mytica again, wants me to join him in a journey to the Limerian palace.”
“Actually, I’m going to start by destroying his son. And, yes, I do want you to join us. Lys, what do you think?”
Lysandra met his gaze. “You’re right, we need her.”
“Am I to become your newest rebel recruit?” Olivia asked.
“You did just save my life, knowing who I am,” Jonas reasoned. “And knowing my goal.”
“And you’d like me around to save it again, if need be,” Olivia said.
“I won’t deny that that would be a large perk. I know there’s not much in it for you, but if I’m successful . . . if I can pull this off . . .” He shook his head. “Everything will be better in Mytica, for everyone who calls this place home.”
Olivia turned, as if to leave, but then paused. “Fine. I will agree to accompany you on this fateful journey.”
“Good,” he said, a grin breaking out on his face. “Then let’s be on our way.”
CHAPTER 10
FELIX
KRAESHIA
Felix hung over the side of the ship, trying his best not to fall into the choppy waters below. He looked up to watch the seabirds swirling, and saw that, among their numbers, was a golden hawk.
Perhaps a Watcher was overlooking his suffering.
He felt someone slap him on his back, and he turned around to cast an unfriendly glare on the offender.
It was Milo Iagaris, a former palace guard who’d been accused of aiding the rebels, a crime for which he’d been sent to the Auranian dungeon, where he’d remained until very recently. Upon his release, Milo hadn’t been told that it was Felix’s fault for stealing his uniform.
It would be best that Milo never learned that little detail. Felix thought he wouldn’t be nearly as forgiving as the king had been.
He’d been partnered with Felix as a bodyguard for this journey. Felix had to admit that Milo, made of muscle on top of muscle, did have the right build for the job. Also, from the conversations they’d had over their days at sea, Milo seemed more than ready to remorselessly inflict pain whenever it was necessary. And even when it wasn’t.