And what about your hands? a voice whispers in my mind. It sounds like Cress. I pull on the boots Dragonsbane gave me. They’re a size too large and they clunk when I walk, but I can’t complain, especially considering that unlike Richard, I don’t have any chores on the ship. Yesterday, during Dragonsbane’s tour, she explained that everyone aboard has some assigned daily task to earn their keep. Frederick got a daily shift in the kitchens and Liana will have to run the sails for a few hours each day. Even the children take on small tasks like pouring water at mealtimes or running errands for Dragonsbane. I asked Dragonsbane what I could do to help, but she only smiled and gave my hand a condescending pat. “You’re our princess. That’s all we need for you to do.” I’m your queen, I’d wanted

