“Ummm… I’ll, ahhh...” His face burned. He took a step backwards. “I… I’ll think about it.”

  He rushed out of the room and up onto deck, trying not to spill any water. It wasn’t the first time someone on the ship had made that type of offer. But he was never tempted. There was only one naiad he wanted to do that sort of stuff with. And at the moment, he was leaning on the rail, body slumped.

  Levrith took a few steadying breaths as he approached Ceto, willing the burning in his face to subside.

  Chapter

  Four

  “Looks like you could use this,” Levrith said, coming up behind Ceto and holding out the cup of water.

  Ceto turned, squinting at him. “Thanks.” He took the cup and gulped the water, throat bobbing as he downed the liquid. “I needed that.” Ceto drummed his fingers on the side of the cup and then stared down at the deck. He cleared his throat. “About last night… I’m sorry. I was drunk. I wouldn’t normally—”

  “Don’t worry about it,” Levrith interrupted. He didn’t want to hear the apology. He didn’t want to hear how the kiss had been a mistake. How Ceto wouldn’t normally ever want to kiss him. He didn’t think he could stand the pain of hearing those words. “And if I got pissed every time you did something idiotic, we wouldn’t be friends.” He forced a laugh.

  “Thanks.” Ceto smiled, shoulders relaxing. “I don’t know why you humans invented alcohol.”

  Levrith chuckled. “To be fair, we seem to be able to handle it better. Although, maybe that’s from years of practice.”

  Ceto smiled.

  A silence followed. It felt awkward. It had never been awkward between them before.

  “Well, I should get back to it,” Levrith said, pointing behind him. He didn’t really have duties, not today whilst they were still anchored in the bay and everyone was recovering from the battle and the previous night’s festivities.

  Ceto nodded. “I might go rest a bit more. Thanks for the water.”

  “Anytime.”

  Levrith walked away towards the riggings. He ran a hand along one of the lines, glancing up at the network of ropes hanging above. The sails had been pulled in whilst they were anchored in the bay at Naiad Island.

  “Morning, Levrith.”

  He turned to see Rowena swaggering towards him.

  “I’m going ashore.” She waggled her eyebrows. “I have a particular naiad friend I need to visit. Want to join me? Try and find your own particular friend?”

  “Nah. I might check over the riggings. Make sure they’re all in good condition before we leave the island.”

  She glanced up at the riggings and gave him a look that showed him how little she believed him. “You sure?”

  “I’m sure.”

  She sighed. “All right. You and the ropes have a good time, then.”

  After she left, he climbed up the mast and went about the task he’d set himself. It gave him something to keep busy with, at least.

  A couple of hours later, Levrith sat amongst the riggings, muscles aching as he continued checking and replacing damaged and worn rope as needed. Sweat dampened his shirt. Ceto had reappeared on deck, and Levrith tried not to watch him.

  In the distance, a small rowboat approached, coming from the island as the crew rowed. He spotted the captain and Raiya amongst those returning to the ship. Once on deck, Raiya disappeared below. But the captain strode powerfully around the ship, talking to the crew, looking striking and dignified as usual. He looked up at Levrith, nodded at him, and continued.

  From above, Levrith could see how Ceto’s eyes followed him everywhere he went. Levrith’s stomach twisted. Perhaps it had been the kiss, but he had hoped that something might have changed after last night. That perhaps Rowena had been right and Ceto was ready to move on. Apparently not.

  He tried not to watch Ceto, and focus on his work. He managed for all of two minutes. The captain strode towards Ceto, and Ceto’s back straightened. He looked much recovered. He’d even managed to re-plait his hair properly and right his clothes.

  He nodded at whatever was said. Levrith thought Ceto looked a little uneasy, not smiling at the captain as he usually did. Levrith shook his head at himself. He needed to stop watching, analysing, and obsessing over Ceto’s every move.

  Raiya walked up onto the deck, and the captain’s gaze fixed on him. Ceto frowned. It wasn’t lost on Levrith, the whole situation. Ceto pining for the captain. Levrith pining for Ceto. Both were unrequited in love.

  Finally, he forced himself to focus on his work, and this time, he made himself not look back. Perhaps he should have gone with Rowena. Better that than being on the ship, staring at Ceto. Not that he wanted to have sex with someone. The idea did not appeal at all. But he could have been off the ship for a bit. Clear his head and perhaps nap on the beach. Try and find something to eat other than fish and seaweed.

  Maybe that was what he needed to move on. Some time away from Ceto. Perhaps he should take a leave of absence and spend some time with his family. It had been a while since he’d last visited. That might give him the space to heal his wounded heart and finally get over Ceto.

  Ceto clutched the book tightly in his hand. Today the crew had gone over the ship, ensuring it was all in top shape. Tomorrow they’d raise anchor and leave Naiad Island. But since the kiss, everything had been wrong between him and Levrith.

  Levrith talked and laughed with several of the crew. The afternoon sunlight bathed him in a gentle glow. It had been almost a day and a half since he’d drunkenly kissed Levrith, and since then, it had been awkward between them. Levrith had said it hadn’t mattered, but they’d barely spoken. He was almost certain Levrith was avoiding him. He hated it. He needed to make it right. Make it normal again.

  He approached the group. The crew turned their gazes towards him.

  “Levrith, can I have a word?” he asked.

  Levrith smiled at him, and a little of the tension unwound from Ceto’s body. “Of course.” Levrith followed him a short distance from the group.

  “If you have time, I was wondering if you’d read a bit with me.” He rushed out the words. Ceto held out the book. The gold lettering on the brown cover read, Tales of Seran and Seroth, God and Goddess of the Sea. Levrith’s book. He’d lent it to Ceto so he could practice.

  A while back, Ceto had confessed to Levrith that he wished he could read. None of the naiads on board could read, and not many of the humans. Still, he wished he could. And of course, Levrith had offered to teach him.

  He didn’t know why he felt so nervous. It was just Levrith. But the idea that he had done something to offend him shredded his guts.

  Levrith scratched at his beard. “You sure you’ve recovered?”

  Ceto frowned. “What?”

  “You drank an awful lot the other night. Sure you aren’t still recovering?” Levrith eyes twinkled.

  “I’ve completely recovered! That was two nights ago.”

  Levrith laughed and took the book, thumping Ceto on the shoulder. “Come on. Let’s see if you’ve been practising.”

  They sat side by side on the deck, the sun’s rays warm on their skin.

  “The oceans thrashed as Seroth screamed, her birthing pain beyond compare,” Ceto read each word slowly, his finger moving under the words.

  Levrith nodded along as Ceto read. Now that they were sitting here, he didn’t know why he had worried so much. Of course Levrith wouldn’t be angry with him. Levrith was never angry with anyone.

  “And Seroth’s children burst forth,” he continued reading. “Their pale-green skin shimmered as they moved through the water. Their wild, curly green hair, like seaweed, flowed with the waves. And their fingers moved as they signed to one another beneath the water.” Ceto paused and looked at Levrith.

  “Are they naiads? Do your people think naiads are the children of the sea goddess? Of Seroth?”

  “Kind of. I mean, some do. My grandmother definitely does. And if she ever asks you, I definitely do as well.” Levrith smiled.

  “And what about dryads or oreads? Where do they come from?” Ceto asked, referring to the forest and mountain nymphs.

  “No dryads or oreads on Lilliana, my island. Only ocean naiads. But maybe they are the children of some other deity.”

  “But you don’t believe that’s true?”

  “I don’t know. Maybe.” He shrugged. “Growing up, I did. But since then, I realised everyone believes something different than everyone else.” His brows drew down as he considered. “I mean, I don’t know if there are gods and goddesses of oceans, mountains, rivers, or whatever.” He stared at the fishernaiads, who dragged nets of freshly caught fish onto the deck. “But I like how it was taught to me. The idea that nature is powerful and to be respected. That it’s not something to just be plundered and taken from.”

  “People on your island don’t do that. Don’t just plunder and take?”

  “Nah.” He leaned back on his elbows. “We live in our houses, surrounded by trees. Not to say we don’t take down a few of them, but we don’t clear them like they do on the mainland. We don’t have buildings like them either. We just build amongst whatever is there. And there are birds and animals everywhere.”

  “Do you miss it? Your island?”

  “Sometimes. I miss my family. It’s huge. Five brothers and two sisters. And they’re all pumping out little nephews and nieces. Every time I go back, they’re taller and there’s more of them.” He gazed up at the sky. “And it’s nice on the island. Hot days and nights. It’s all very relaxed. Best fruit you’ll ever taste. And I miss my mother’s cooking.”

  “Is it safe for naiads?” Ceto asked, curious about the place his friend had grown up.

  “It would be sacrilegious to harm a naiad. You’re a child of the ocean goddess.” He laughed. “If you ever visited, no one would consider putting you in a cage. Although, they aren’t used to the pale-blue skin. That might confuse them.”

  Since his capture, Ceto had always avoided human settlements. He made exceptions every now and then. Usually, when he was talked into it by one of the crew. But he preferred the ship, knowing that he was always surrounded by water. An easy escape.

  But as Levrith talked, he could imagine visiting Lilliana. After all, if Levrith said his island was safe for naiads, then it was safe.

  Levrith hesitated and glanced at Ceto before looking away, eyes fixed on the fishernaiads gutting the fish in preparation for drying them. “Actually… I’ve been thinking. I might go back and visit.”

  “Really?”

  “Well, I haven’t seen them in a while.” His words ran together.

  “How long will you be gone?”

  Levrith looked down at the deck, scratching at the wood absently. “Not sure. Maybe a little while. A few months or so.”

  “A few months! But what will I do without you?” With Raiya and Silas together, Ceto didn’t like the idea of his closest friend being gone for months.

  Levrith gave a laugh, not meeting his eyes. “I’m sure you’ll manage.”

  It was on the tip of Ceto's tongue to ask if he could come too. If he left for a while, it would allow him to get away from Raiya and Silas. And maybe that was what he needed. A bit of time apart from them so he could recover.

  But something in Levrith’s voice, the way Levrith didn’t meet his gaze, made him hold back, made him think Levrith didn’t want him to come. Was this about the kiss? Was Levrith not so all right with it after all?

  “You’ll be missed whilst you’re gone.”

  “I’ll miss you too.” Levrith tapped the book with his finger. “Now come on. Keep reading. Show me what you can do.”

  Ceto turned his gaze to the black words, but he found it suddenly hard to concentrate.

  Chapter

  Five

  Levrith pushed the mop back and forth along the deck, leaving wet streaks in the mop’s wake. The sun beat down on his shoulders as he steadily worked, making his way across the deck. It was repetitive work. A lot of people complained about it. They found it dull and boring. But he found the motion soothing. Perhaps that was why he always ended up swabbing the deck.

  He glanced up as he worked, gaze like a compass, always seeking out Ceto. He spotted him a short distance away, talking to Tomas, the sailing master. Tomas pushed his sleeves up as he listened, revealing heavily tattooed forearms.

  Tomas said something, and Ceto gave a single nod, seeming satisfied. He walked off, right in Levrith’s direction. Their gazes met. Levrith knew he’d been caught staring.

  Ceto smiled. Levrith paused, leaning on the mop, trying his best to appear nonchalant. He tried to think of something to say. They were friends. Bantering throughout the day was typical for them. It came easy. Normally.

  But something had changed between them. Was it the kiss? Levrith leaving? He didn’t know. Ceto slowed as he approached Levrith.

  “Um… How long do you think it will be until we reach Lilliana?” Levrith blurted the first thing that came to mind.

  “Three days. If the weather holds.” Ceto glanced at the sky. “It should hold.”

  “Good.” Levrith nodded. “Thanks.”

  Silence followed. He knew Ceto didn’t want him to leave the ship, but Levrith needed time away. Then hopefully, when he returned, everything would be normal. And maybe he would no longer be in love with Ceto. He doubted it. But maybe.

  “Well. I better get back to it,” Levrith said, lifting the mop.

  “Of course. Don’t want to keep you from your duties.” Ceto continued up to the helm, where the captain stood. As he approached, Ceto’s body changed. His shoulders straightened, and he held his head higher. The knowledge that he would soon be away from Ceto sent a pang through Levrith’s body. Couldn’t be near him. Couldn’t stand to be away.

  Tomas stamped his wooden foot on the deck, getting Levrith’s attention. “Are you going to stand there wool-gathering or are you going to swab the deck?” Tomas’s arms were crossed, one eyebrow raised.

  “What, can’t a man take a minute to catch his breath?”

  Tomas snorted.

  Levrith tried to focus on work and not on what Ceto was doing. The wind whipped around him, ruffling his hair. He paused to tie it back.

  “Sail ho!” Maia, the naiad on lookout duty, called out from the crow’s nest. “East!”

  Levrith looked eastwards, out to the ocean, along with the rest of the crew. Nothing but blue ocean stretched out in that direction as far as he could see. Not surprising considering he didn’t have a naiad’s keen eyesight.

  It could be nothing. A merchant ship or another pirate ship, but they’d been on high alert since the battle with the Order at Naiad Island. Footsteps sounded across the deck as Captain Tivera, followed by Ceto, walked to the rail.

  “She’s big, Captain!” Maia yelled. “A brigantine, I think.”

  “Can you see the flag?” the captain called out.

  The creaking of the sails filled the air, the only sound as the crew held their breath, waiting for her response.

  “It’s the Order’s flag! And it’s bearing down on us.”

  “Naiad’s nipples!” someone cursed.

  “Fight or outrun them, Captain?” Ceto asked.

  The crew standing around them, Levrith included, didn’t twitch a muscle as they listened on, waiting for their captain’s response.

  “Let’s make it look like we’re running. Make them think we don’t want a fight. Lull them into a sense of security. Then we hit them.”

  Ceto nodded. “To your stations. Arm yourselves and get ready for battle!”

  “Let’s show these bilge-sucking rats what happens when you mess with the Naiad’s Revenge!” Tomas called out.

  Levrith gave a yell with the rest of the crew before the ship erupted into a flurry of movement. Levrith placed the mop down, adrenaline pooling in his gut. The naiads ran to the edge and stripped off their clothes, shoving them out of the way.

  Ceto’s pale-blue skin shone in the sunlight. Levrith watched Ceto, heart in his throat. Ceto yelled orders in the nymph tongue. As the naiad battle master, he would oversee the naiads during the fight.

  Seroth and Seran, please let him be all right.

  A large chest was dropped and opened next to the naiads. Ceto buckled a leather belt with a sheath and dagger around his bare waist and grabbed a grappling hook. The other naiads armed themselves. Several grabbed grappling hooks.

  “What are you doing, Levrith?”

  Levrith startled, turning his attention away from the naiads. Tomas stared at him, but this time, he was scowling, the amusement from earlier completely gone. “You know your job. Get to it!”

  “Aye, aye.” Levrith took off at a run.

  He needed to focus. Ceto would be fine. He spared one more glance towards the naiads, just in time to see Ceto, naked and armed, diving overboard.

  Levrith rushed below deck. Whilst many of the crew often wore daggers and knives—or in some cases, cutlasses—they had other weapons stored for when they went into battle.

  He grabbed hold of one of the wooden chests and hoisted it onto his shoulder with a grunt. His muscles strained as he made his way quickly back onto the deck. People yelled around him as they ran back and forth.

  He dropped the chest from his shoulder. It thudded as it landed. He glanced out at the ocean. His stomach tightened. The ship was now visible, bearing down on them, its white sails full. His gaze dropped to the water. No sign of the naiads, but he knew they were out there. Ready. He ran down and grabbed another chest, carrying it up.

  He flung the chest down, pulling it open and revealing cutlasses, their blades glinting. He grabbed one, testing the feel and weight of the blade in his hand.

  He looked around. Rowena stood, hands steady on the helm, her face set with grim determination. The captain stood at her side. His mouth moved, but Levrith was too far away to hear what he was saying.