Chapter Ten

Cook piled leftover sausage onto my plate, and I wrinkled my nose.

“We’re having this again?” I picked up my fork and pushed the food around.

“Don’t ye be giving me lip,” she threatened, swinging a spoon in the air. “My cooking didn’t bother anyone when I worked at the palace.”

I rolled my eyes. Leave it to her to bring up her glory days of serving the royal family.

“So why did you take a job with Father, then?”

She grinned. “Well, somebody had to make sure ye got a proper meal.”

Father exchanged a glance with her, then turned his attention to me. “Shouldn’t your hair be pulled up? I don’t know why you always try to hide your ears.”

Oh, Hag, I didn’t need this now. Of course he’d say something about it being down. He hated that it hid my pointed ears, one of the few things that proved I was at least half goblin.

Maybe I should just get it over with and tell him about the tattoo.

I opened my mouth to speak, but a sharp pain between my shoulder blades stopped me.

“Because it’s not in style.” Cook came to my rescue. “A lot of the younglings her age leave it down.”

Father narrowed his eyes but said nothing more on the subject.

When we finished our meal, he escorted us out the door and toward the docks for the Sending Off. Already the streets bustled with people eager to get a good spot for the processional that would wind through Gob Hollow and down to the docks.

The female goblins carried baskets of flower petals to toss at the feet of those going on the Mission, while men held small drums they would beat when the parade went by. A lump swelled in my throat as I choked back tears.

This should’ve been my moment.

“You’re awfully quiet.” Father offered his arm and maneuvered me through the crowd with Cook close behind us.

“There’s nothing to say,” I said.

He turned to look at me. “You’ve always been interested in the Mission. I thought you’d at least be excited to witness the Sending Off.”

I stopped walking, causing Cook to run into me. “You want me to be excited that you purposely kept my name from the Mission? Is that it?”

“Ivy…”

“Here’s a clue for you, Father: The Mission was my life. My dream. And you took it from me. So forgive me if I’m not happy about what you did.” Jerking my arm away from him, I stalked ahead.

Didn’t he understand how much he’d hurt me? I glowered, wishing I could just run back home. Something nudged my leg, and I glanced down to see Grr pressed to my side.

“Hey, boy. Where did you come from?”

He looked toward the sky.

I followed his gaze to the star-cluttered sky. Was it possible?

My skin prickled. For some reason, I was terrified to figure out what the Hag had in store for me. Between the tattoo, the voice I’d heard in the cave, and the dark markings, I didn’t know what to think anymore.

When we arrived at the wharf, the higher-ups lined the docks with their families. The boats that had been anchored near shore the previous day were gone, and in their place sat two large warships, cannons pointed out to sea.

Father caught up to me and gestured at a spot near the platform, which led up to the Moaning Mermaid, the ship that would take Prince Dorian and the others on the first leg of their journey. Like I wanted to stand with the rest of the King’s Council and their children.

Pudge settled in beside me. “How you holding up?” He held a stick with gizzards on it and raised it to his lips, popping one in his mouth.

Grr nudged between us and stared up at Pudge, licking his chops.

“Don’t even think about it.” He shoved the dog away. Then he turned back to me. “So, are you going to answer my question?”

“Is it wrong for me to hope that Vane trips over a plank and breaks some bones so I can take his place?” I said behind my hand.

Pudge laughed. “I can trip him if you want.”

Drumbeats echoed down the road, indicating the procession grew closer. As the crew of the Moaning Mermaid and the six Mission selectees marched past each section of spectators, more drums joined in.

King Starshooter came into view first, followed by the parade of family banners, the crew of the Moaning Mermaid (minus Honour), and lastly the ones going on the Mission. Even from where I stood, I saw the elaborate emerald-colored tunics adorned with gold embroidery. Each one carried a sword and a shield that bore their family’s crest. The king stopped when he came onto the dock, then turned to face the crowd.

“Today is a life-changing day for six of our younglings.” His eyes roamed the audience, lips tilted in a proud smile. “They will embark on a two-month journey to the Outer Realm. During these travels, they will learn the meaning of true courage. They will be tested, and when they return, they will no longer be children.”

Cheers spread through the audience, and I gripped Pudge’s hand. My chest tightened as I tried to pay attention to the king. But his words to those leaving on the Mission were lost on me. Maybe it was small-minded of me, but I didn’t want to hear about their bravery and good fortune. Nor did I care to see their happiness when mine had been obliterated.

“In a moment, I will have one more surprise announcement,” the king said, smiling down the line of younglings.

Could he have changed his mind? Were they going to add another name at the last minute? My heart hammered out of control.

Pudge released my fingers as the procession came our way for their last goodbyes, then slid his gizzard stick into his pocket with the other hand. Each of the councilors offered handshakes and some words of wisdom. And as the line grew closer, I stared at Dorian, who was at the front. His long legs carried him with grace, his straight posture making him taller.

When he drew close, he stopped and bowed. Then, there in front of everyone, Dorian got down on one knee, taking my hands in his. His gaze met mine.

What was going on?

“Lady Ivy Archer, while I know this is outside the timeline of the Choosing Ceremony and likely abrupt, I dare not wait until I come back, for fear that someone else might approach your father. So, with that, I humbly request your hand in marriage.”

My fingers trembled in his. My mouth gaped open, and I stared at him. “Dorian? A-are you sure?” Was this the surprise he spoke of the other day?

He smiled, his thumb brushing against my palm. “I’m more than sure, Ivy. Please say yes.”

Next to me, I heard Pudge’s sharp intake of breath. Shite. Could I do this? I’d been envisioning Pudge as the one I’d have by my side. He was the one who set my heart fluttering and made my blood burn beneath my skin. Yet wasn’t this what I wanted? A position in which I could make a difference? If I couldn’t be an advisor, wasn’t the rank of princess, then eventually queen, just as meaningful?

“I—I, yes. Yes, I’ll marry you,” I finally said.

Dorian stood, bringing both of my hands to his lips, and he slid a large ruby and gold ring onto my finger. “Thank you, Ivy. I promise you won’t regret this,” he said. “Once I’m back, we really have to talk.” He kissed my hand once more, then led me over to his father, who pressed a kiss on each of my cheeks.

King Starshooter placed a hand over Dorian’s and my joined ones. “I formally announce the engagement of my son, Prince Dorian Starshooter, to Lady Ivy Archer, daughter of my High Advisor. May we cheer and celebrate their future union.”

Shouts went up around us as the townspeople cheered.

Several of the council members glared, obviously not in on this new development. “Why don’t you go back to the line now,” Father said, patting my shoulder, then giving Dorian a slap on the back as well.

Dorian brought me back to where I’d stood before, then leaned closer to my ear. “I hope you’re not angry with me.”

I managed a wobbly smirk. “I-I’m just shocked is all. Thank you. I hope I don’t disappoint you.”

“You, Ivy Archer, could never disappoint me. May the days go quickly so I might return safely to you.”

My eyes trailed Dorian’s retreating form, pulse still hammering beneath my skin. I, Ivy Archer, a half-blooded goblin, was engaged to the prince. And I had no idea how to feel about it.

Dorian stopped once again, this time in front of Birdie and her family, and gave a slight bow. As he walked away from them, I heard Birdie’s mom trying to console her.

“Don’t worry, he’s not marrying her for love. They got caught in a compromising position; that’s the only reason he’s being forced to do this.”

My fingers dug into my palms. Of course, that had to be the reason. But did it matter? At least it kept me from the Choosing Ceremony. And from Pudge, a small, sad voice inside me said.

Dorian spun on his heel, eyes narrowed. “No, I asked her because I love her, Councilor Dundry. Don’t try to ruin this moment because you don’t like it.” He peered down the line at me. “Ivy and I will have a happy marriage.”

Whoa. My cheeks warmed. Whether his words were true or not, I appreciated that he stood up for me. I peered up to where the king stood, half expecting him to say something to Dorian for the way he talked to the councilor, but he only stared after his son.

Even with this new development, I still wanted more than anything to be on that ship. Sailing away from Gob Hollow and doing something heroic. To leave behind the snickers and whispers and all the teasing I’d endured over the years. To finally prove I was special—tough—ready to be the next advisor. But I’d get none of those things. Not now. Not ever. However, I had a new future to look forward to.

“You’ll remember this as the day you weren’t good enough,” Vane said when he got in front of me.

“Some of us don’t depend on our parents to pay our way into Missions,” Pudge said. “Not to mention, Ivy is going to be more important than you anyway.”

Vane glared as he moved forward. In one quick motion, Pudge stuck his foot out, and Vane tripped into the people in front of him.

“Walk much?” I said under my breath as Honour brought up the rear of the procession.

Honour reached out to steady him. “Might want to watch your step—these boards are kind of loose.”

“I didn’t trip on a board!” Vane’s gaze darkened.

“Land lovers.” Honour laughed. He stopped and clutched my hand in his. “Congratulations on the engagement.” He raised my fingers to his lips, then placed a loud, obnoxious kiss on them. “I’ll miss your beautiful smile the most, or maybe the way you throw entrails in Vane’s face,” he teased, then said, “Be good, little sis. I promise to watch after your betrothed.”

Pudge snorted. “Will you move along already? Ivy might need that hand for something.”

“Don’t be jealous, brother. I’ll miss your beautiful smile, too.” Honour patted his back and walked away.

Once everyone loaded onto the ship, the crew pulled up the plank and raised the anchors. Men rushed around on deck to get the sails hoisted while Honour hollered out orders from his place behind the ship’s wheel. Boom! Cannons from the warships fired in a Sending Off celebration, and the wood planks rattled beneath my feet.

Cheers rang from the docks, and I couldn’t help but think that I was watching my future sail away without me. However, I reminded myself I could still do good as part of the royal family. I’d find a way to make a difference.

“Don’t worry, Ivy. You’ll get your day.” Pudge gave me a squeeze.

Birdie glanced my way, eyes sharp as assassin’s blades. I had a feeling she’d have me murdered if she thought she could get away with it.

“Guess I know what I’ll be doing while they’re gone,” I said, butterflies sputtering in my tummy. “Planning a wedding.”

He squeezed my shoulder. “Yeah. Not sure how much help I’ll be, but if you need anything…”

Face flushed, I grabbed his arm. “Let’s head to the practice grounds. I’ve got to do something to keep busy while they’re gone.”

He nodded, hurrying after me. I had no idea what the following days would bring, but I wasn’t about to give up my training. The Hag marked me, and I still didn’t know what for.