Hook Before Swan

Dimonds and Spades

"No, this is one of the boy's little mind games" Killian paces in front of me.
"Look. Ordinarily I would believe that but I don't think he's bluffing this time. You have to trust me when I say I will do everything in my power to keep that from happening." I grab Killian's hand and he turns to face me.
"I trust you" he grabs my other hand and our gazes meet. Wow. He's so
"Killian" Liam is coming back. Killian clears his throat and I hold my hands, fidgeting with my fingers.
"Liam! We need to hurry, Ash said.."
"That Pan told me you guys were looking for Dreamshade!" I look at Killian who has a confused look on his face but I stare hard at him trying to get him to follow my lead.
"If I would've know that's what you wanted we could be done gone by now, I know exactly where some is. I just have one question, what do you need it for?" This I actually needed to know, you've got to be in some pretty deep trouble to need that.
"It's our king" Liam's voice is questioning at first but then evens out as he falls into his story "He says this plant has the power to heal any wound, with it's magic we would never have to bury another sailor again."
I take on a somber expression, how am I going to convince them their king, to whom they're so loyal, is lying to them.
"So as you can imagine it is vital that we complete our mission with haste and return to the kingdom"
I look at Liam and take a deep breath then glancing over to Killian, his expression like stone. "I'm afraid your not going to like what I'm going to say but I ask you just hear me out"
Liam looks defensive but Killian looks intently at me. I quickly look away as my heart flutters, normally I'd be blushing but my focus is on my coming speech.
"Dreamshade, it's not what you may think it is. You seem to be a good judge of character so I give your king the benefit of the doubt, he too may be fooled, but Dreamshade is a deadly poison. One drop could kill a man in minutes."
I try to tread lightly, I've learned Liam's temper can be a bit explosive.
"So you call my King a fool?!"
"Thanks not what I mean!"
"Aaa then a cold hearted murderer! I'll tell you this girl he is neither! I don't know who you think you are or what you and your little friends are scheming but one thing is certain, I will acquire the Dreamshade with or without your help." Liam's face is bright red.
I look pleadingly at Killian who steps up.
"Liam, this isn't the first time we've been told this. We should at least listen to what she's saying and consider our options."
Liam explodes again "She said herself she's with that slimy boy who spoke to us! They're all working together!"
I refuse to take anymore of his belittlement "For your information I have risked not only my safety and life but everything I have ever known of life to help you! If Pan knew what I was doing Zeus knows what he'd do to me! I have been nothing but loyal to you since our agreement and have given you no reason to treat me like a disposable resource, I've gotten more than enough of that being the only girl in a camp of ruthless, untrained, teenage boys who are allowed to do whatever they want. Now of you don't want my help fine, I've survived this long I can continue until I find another way off this island but you...who knows. If you want my help be thankful I'm still willing to but you WILL treat me with respect and trust me wholeheartedly, I know the ins and outs of this island and I can promise you you will not get off it without my help." Ok that may be a stretch but for the sake of proving a point I still add it. Liam looks like a school boy crowned in front of his friends with the dunce cap.
"Killian you said once before you trust me, hold yourself to that." He grinds his teeth and looks to his brother.
"Liam she's right. We need her. And I do trust her." Liam stares hard for a second then exhales dramatically, throwing up his hands and walking a few feet away. I look to Killian worried. He grabs my hand and squeezes it.
"I trust you love I really do but my brother can be a hard man to convince. Let's keep moving and I'll work him down on the way there."
"But what if this is what Pan wants! This could kill your brother" I look into his eyes worriedly and Killian frowns a little, I see his mind racing behind those sapphire eyes.
"It'll be ok, we won't make it that far. And you say you know the island and how to survive, I trust you won't let anything happen." He smiles, obviously with more faith in me than I have in myself. We turn to catch up with Liam and inform him of the plan.