“Deadly?” Caelan asked softly.
Shey nodded. “And highly addictive, though most users don’t live long after they start taking it. Overdoses are seemingly inevitable. We have ongoing efforts within our borders working to stamp it out, but I’ve also sent an undercover team into Zastrad to try and root out the gang or organization that is moving the drug into Caspagir. They’ve been there for the past five years.”
Rayne nodded with approval. “Which means they’ve learned the culture, customs, and language.”
“They know how to blend and avoid notice,” Caelan added.
“Yes. That’s why I’ve asked them to spare a member from the team to help you get to the Zastrad capital of Mrytu.”
“Thank you. This is going to be a great help.” Caelan walked over and placed a hand on Shey’s slumped shoulder. The prince appeared weary all of a sudden. He didn’t know if it was the attempt on their lives or the reminder that his own country was fighting a different kind of war that had nothing to do with the threat from the Empire.
Shey looked up and flashed him a crooked smile. The scars on his cheek twisted, and the weariness in his eyes remained. “Anything I can do. I’m sorry I can’t send the entire team with you, but if they’re exposed, it would take us several more years to get a new undercover team into Zastrad. That’s too many lives lost of my people.”
“One person would be best. We’re trying to avoid notice and move quickly through Zastrad. We appreciate all you’ve done for us.” Caelan squeezed his shoulder and released it, taking a step back.
“Unless you need anything else from me, Your Majesty—”
“Caelan,” he corrected with a smile.
Shey nodded. “Caelan. I’ll take my leave and check in with the captain and the head of security. I need to get to the bottom of how Empire spies managed to infiltrate one of my ships.”
“Of course.”
Shey started for the door but stopped as he passed by Rayne. “Are you sure you’re all right?”
Rayne nodded. “I’m fine, Your Majesty. Just a bit of lingering soreness.”
He bowed his head to Rayne. “Thank you for saving my life.”
There was the tiniest catch in Rayne’s voice when he said, “It was my honor, Your Majesty.” Caelan could only smile. Always proper even when other emotions were clearly at war within him. Caelan was willing to bet that far more than honor had propelled Rayne into acting to protect his old flame.
Without another word, Shey slipped out of the room, leaving them alone. Silence settled over them, seeming to expand until it was nearly suffocating. It wasn’t surprising that Drayce was the first to shatter it.
“So, I’ll be the asshole,” Drayce groaned, flailing his arms a bit at his sides. “Are we sure this was Empire-sent and not arranged by Shey? How do you know the assassin was trying for Shey and not Rayne?”
Rayne appeared ready to explode, but it was Eno who reached over and flicked Drayce’s ear as he said, “This was definitely from the Empire. Prince Shey was far too shaken, and I honestly don’t think he would have risked Rayne’s life.”
Caelan watched Rayne’s mouth fall open and then snap sharply shut with a click of his teeth. His advisor cleared his throat, recovering quickly. “In addition, the assassin was coming up behind the prince with a knife drawn. I was lucky I saw him in time to move Shey out of harm.”
“I trust Shey,” Caelan announced in a firm voice. “If I didn’t trust him, I wouldn’t have made sure that he had a connection to the Wind Stone. This was the Empire’s doing, pure and simple. We need to continue to be on our guard.”
“I can move into your chambers this evening and remain there until we dock in Sirelis,” Eno offered.
Caelan shook his head. “No, I’ll keep Drayce with me. It’ll also be handy when it comes to his seasickness. I want you to stay close to Rayne. Otherwise, we’re all in one room, and these cabins aren’t big enough for us to be that close for that many hours.”
“Besides, we have a very long car ride ahead of us,” Eno added with a smirk.
“At least I don’t get carsick,” Drayce said cheerfully.
“Thank the gods for small miracles,” Rayne muttered under his breath. He leaned his head back and closed his eyes. He looked worn. There were lines from the corners of Rayne’s eyes and around his mouth he’d never noticed before.
“Are you sure you’re not in pain?” Caelan inquired.
Rayne’s head immediately came up, his eyes snapping open. “No, Your—Caelan. I promise I’m fine. Just a little tired. Apparently, I don’t sleep well on ships.”
Caelan nodded, though he didn’t believe him. At least, not entirely. There was more disturbing his advisor’s sleep than the ship at sea. “Get some rest.” Rayne didn’t get the chance to argue as he obviously wanted to. Caelan was already turning his attention to Eno. “Could you take Rayne to his cabin and make sure he sleeps?”
Eno shoved away from where he’d been leaning against the wall and walked toward the bed. “Got it.”
Rayne tried to bat Eno’s hands away as the broader man carefully helped his advisor to his feet. “I do not need a babysitter,” Rayne indignantly snapped.
“Maybe not a babysitter, but it definitely sounds like you could use a nap,” Drayce teased. Rayne threw a glare in Drayce’s direction over Eno’s shoulder, making it clear that his life was in peril if he dared to utter another word. Drayce wisely covered his mouth with his hand, keeping silent until Eno and Rayne were out of the room.
Caelan flopped down in the spot Rayne had just vacated and groaned. Drayce wandered over and sat on the edge of the bed near his feet, facing him.
“Worried?” Drayce inquired.
Caelan dropped an arm across his eyes. “About which? Rayne? Eno? Rayne and Eno? The Empire? The fucking gods? The danger we’re bringing to Caspagir and the royal family? Take your pick.”
Something tugged at Caelan’s boot and he lifted his arm enough to see that Drayce was plucking at his laces, untying his shoe. He lowered his arm as Drayce grabbed the heel and slid the boot off. “I don’t think you really need to worry about Rayne and Eno. They’ll work their shit out.” Drayce repeated the action and pulled off his other boot, dropping it on the floor with a dull thud. Strong fingers dug into the arch of one foot and Caelan moaned softly.
“Do you know what their problem is? I get that Rayne is pissed about Eno suggesting he remain in Stormbreak, but I figured they’d be past that by now.”
Drayce was suspiciously quiet, causing Caelan to lift his arm from his eyes again. His friend was staring at the foot he was massaging, his brows puckered together over his long, narrow nose.
“Did Rayne or Eno say something to you?”
Drayce’s head immediately jumped up, eyes wide. “When has Rayne or Eno ever told me anything?”
Caelan relaxed. There was that. “You know, I forgot to tell you in all the chaos—thanks for saving my life.”
“All part of my badass bodyguard service.” Drayce released his foot and scooted along the bed until their hips brushed. He leaned down and lightly kissed Caelan’s parted lips.