Fugitive of Death

Chapter 22

 Xander snored.

Loudly.

I hadn't realized it the night before during our camping session because he was too far away. Now, trapped in the same breathing space, I awoke several times throughout the night to his animalistic snorts. By dawn, I was on the deck watching the flat expanse of water ahead and gnawing on a chunk of stale bread.

There was no sun. A perpetual blanket of gray loomed above, saturating the air with a stifling humidity. But there was no wind to toss us around during my first time on a ship and for that I was grateful.

I stared blankly at the lake before me and noticed the surface was the same shade as Xander's eyes. Then I pinched my own arm for even thinking that.

Stop that, Death scolded me as He often seemed to do these days. Put an end to this immature nonsense. I chose you to atone for your mistakes and stop this war, not start one with the prince every opportunity you get. What will it take for you to discipline yourself and cease this childish behavior?

A fucking miracle, I shot back.

Beyla, He said, using my full name and making my skin crawl, you are young. Because of that, I do not wish to control you. But if you continue on this path you will only be creating more obstacles as we try to bring about order. I implore you to change before I take it upon myself to fix your attitude.

Well, that was a horrifying threat that caused a knot of fear to take shape in my stomach. The prince is exceptionally difficult to deal with.

You are making excuses. Can you not see how much rides on his shoulders? The man has been disgraced and punished by his father. You are his one chance at success.

You are awfully empathetic for an uncaring cosmic being. I tore off another piece of bread with my teeth. Why should I care?

Because you are both mortals cut from the same cloth. He is a prince and you are an heir to a nation. Are you truly so blind as to not see the common territory between you both?

This prince you are so dearly fond of, I said, has done nothing but belittle me, mock me, and emotionally toy with me since I met him.

Because that is how his world works. Lysidora is built on the pillars of strength, honesty, and unity. You do not conform to his world and do not embrace the status quo. Perhaps he fears this. Perhaps he is envious of your ability to do so. Perhaps he is trapped in the confines of the crown he wears.

As if on cue, Xander appeared from below deck. His eyes scanned over his surroundings before finding me, a frown pulling his lips down. It was little things like that that got under my skin.

Just try to make amends, Death said. Consider it your first step toward atonement.

The bread in my stomach turned to stone. I will try.

Xander approached. "We'll cast off soon. Are you ready?"

Above, the sails unfurled and snapped open.

I swallowed hard, my mouth now dry. "I suppose even if I wasn't we'd be departing anyway."

"That would be correct."

I braced my hands on the sides of the ship. On the dock below, Meliton and a few crewmates were unknotting the thick ropes that tethered the boat to port. "I've never been on a ship before."

Xander leaned against the ledge. "This will be a first good voyage then. The lake is calm and the trip is short. And, Meliton is a well-seasoned captain. He has ferried many people, including the royal family, countless times with no issue."