Free Wedding Bells, Magic Spells by Lisa Shearin Page B

joking mood. In fact, after my initial reassurances, I didn’t say a word all the way out to where the Fortune had dropped anchor.
    The ships in Mid’s harbor were either docked or moored. Smaller vessels with shallower drafts were in slips at the docks, while larger ships anchored toward the middle of the harbor. The Fortune and the Red Hawk were moored not merely because of their size, but their masters’ desire for security as well.
    My cousin, Phaelan Benares, was captain of the Fortune , and his father—my uncle, Ryn Benares—commanded the Red Hawk. The two vessels shared the honors as flagships of the Benares fleet. However, Phaelan was a captain, while Uncle Ryn was a commodore. Phaelan operated independently of his dad, but if he stepped out of line, my cousin knew who he’d be answering to. Despite being pirates, Uncle Ryn had standards of behavior, and Phaelan crossed that line at his peril. That I knew of, he never had, which was due more to Phaelan being a chip off the old mainmast than any fear of his father. Uncle Ryn had Phaelan’s respect, so fear never had to put in an appearance.
    This morning, they wanted security. Normally, when a high-profile guest entered the harbor, Guardian gunships would surround the arriving ship, to ensure that no vessel approached unless authorized. The two Guardian gunships Mychael had dispatched were moored nearby, and the sky dragons had returned to the citadel’s massive launch pad and stables. If they were needed, they could swoop down from the citadel to the harbor in less than a minute.
    Isibel Eiliesor, the new elven ambassador to the Isle of Mid, could not be any safer than she was right now.
    Mychael’s scowl told me that he still didn’t like it. I kept my expression carefully neutral. It wasn’t easy since I knew only too well part of the reason for that scowl.
    Mychael had shown me a holographic portrait of his younger sister. She was stunning. Phaelan had a keen appreciation for beautiful women. Plus, he’d gotten to rescue this one from pirates. My cousin was like a peacock, he liked showing off for the ladies, and Phaelan had yet to meet a woman who was immune. During the brief conversation we’d had this morning via Ben the telepath, I got the impression that Isibel had been less than impressed, or if she had, she’d kept it to herself.
    “Isibel may be on Phaelan’s ship,” I told Mychael as we dismounted, “but rest assured she’s on a pedestal.”
    His response was a single grunt. I’d learned that translated as he agreed with my opinion, but reserved the right to take action if I was wrong, which in this case meant pounding my cousin into deck wax.
    I was looking forward to meeting my future sister-in-law, but I couldn’t wait to see Phaelan. I’d know instantly if she’d dropped anchor on his ego.
     
    *
     
    The ladder was quickly lowered over the side of the Fortune , and Mychael and I climbed on board.
    I had to hand it to my cousin, he knew how to control his crew. Of course, knowing that the paladin of the Conclave Guardians’ sister was on board, and was to be escorted into Mid’s harbor by Guardian gunships and sky dragons, told them how they’d better behave when the paladin himself set foot on deck.
    Phaelan’s crew was as presentable as it was possible to make them with only a few hours’ notice, and those not actively involved in anchoring and securing the Fortune were standing in nearly straight lines and almost at attention.
    It was a stunning achievement.
    What I saw next was nothing short of staggering.
    Crimson was my cousin’s signature color. It said everything about him: fearless and flamboyant.
    This morning, Captain Phaelan Benares, pirate most feared, scourge of the Seven Kingdoms’ seas, was wearing somber black.
    What the hell?
    I was sure my expression said that and then some, but the only response I got from Phaelan was a solemn nod. Normally I would be on the receiving end of a rib-crushing hug, deck full