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 Blaise, 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. Heron got a daily shift in the kitchens and Artemisia 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 to say, but I couldn’t make my mouth form the words.
When I step out onto the
