SHADOW

Ambition Against Desire

This girl is acting very strangely lately. She is confusing my thoughts. I have to get rid of her, or she will become a weakness. I can't afford to be weak now, thought Ambrosio as he released Sha's hand.

Her hand had been so warm. The scent of sea salt, lavender, and powder lingered in his nose—strange, yet pleasant. A hint of sweat, a trace of flowers... it was what had woken him.

I am tired. Too tired, if even a woman can sneak up on me, he thought again, dusting off his velvet breeches. The fabric of his clothes was damp; seawater had splashed all over him while he had slept, leaning against the railing.

His fingers glided along the warm wood. There was a small black dot on the horizon—soon enough, they would reach the first islands of the Aru Empire. Seagulls flew overhead from time to time. There were many empty islands, and many dangerous pirates—ones he would enjoy decimating if they dared to attack.

The shadows beneath his skin moved. He looked at his hands, covered in scars. He was not wearing his gloves; the heat was stifling, and there were no nobles here to see him, to ask questions, to wonder why a noble like him bore so many scars.

Sha stood to his left, watching the horizon, but he knew better. The young woman still ogled him from time to time, though today she was bolder than usual. She was very beautiful, with her black hair and porcelain skin. She had sharp, youthful features that knew no real hardships—unblemished hands and eyes full of naivety.

All my hard work to marry her to King Elias and gain favor for my commercial empire—wasted. Ambrosio sighed.

That damn kingdom had ports and roads connecting all the best trade routes... and what am I going to do now? A wanted criminal—I'll have to hire new personnel, hide my ships, change their flags, conceal my subcontractors... all because—because of what?

He exhaled slowly.

I must admit, this woman has caused me more trouble than she has helped.

As I accounted for everything, the king fell for her. But Elias is not stupid—he needs money, not to be anyone's puppet. So he chose wealth and power, perhaps keeping Sha as a collateral concubine. A great plan for him... but not for me.

His jaw tightened.

Perhaps it could have been a compromise for me too... but I grew jealous and drunk. I must recognize that, thought Ambrosio, clenching the railing.