Free All the Stars and Teeth (All the Stars and Teeth Duology) by Adalyn Grace Page B

it?”
    My chest seizes. Not with defeat, but purpose. The ocean’s brine is a perfume that steadies me as I press my fists against my lap so that Bastian can’t tell how deeply his words resonate.
    “And what role do you play in all this?” I ask, because I want to glean every bit of information I can before I let him know I’ve made my decision. “Am I to believe that a pirate has no ulterior motives and is doing this for the good of the kingdom?”
    The ocean pounds into the ship, but Bastian doesn’t flinch. He watches me with the thoughtfulness of a particularly clever feline. “I want my home back. And so long as Kaven’s there, I’ll never have it. That’s my only motive, and with my ship and your magic, I believe we’ll make quite the pair. So how about you and I strike a—”
    “For the honor of Arida, I will not stand for this!” The voice comes from behind.
    I whip my head around and see Ferrick, soaked and dripping water onto the deck. His skin has taken on a greenish hue. He sways slightly, barely managing to hoist a rapier out in front of him.
    “You have kidnapped Princess Amora,” Ferrick says, “and I’m prepared to sacrifice my life to save her. I hereby challenge you to a duel!”
    He looks like he’s about to throw up.
    “Ferrick,” I groan. “What are you doing here? This isn’t necessary.”
    But Bastian’s already on his feet. “Code of conduct, Princess—if you don’t want stowaways, be sure to draw up the ladder once you’re done climbing it.” He sighs and crosses thedeck, looking over Ferrick’s ill-fitting emerald garb with a grimace I fully understand. “I’m guessing you’re a Suntosan?”
    Ferrick squares his shoulders and tries to stand proud despite the seasickness that colors his skin. “I knew there was something off about you. Thank the gods I trusted my gut and turned back; I saw what you did to the guards, pirate. Let Amora go.”
    Bastian draws a sword from his belted sheath and taps Ferrick’s blade with it, as if in greeting. “Ferrick, was it? I suppose it has been long enough since I’ve had a proper duel.” There are stars in Bastian’s eyes and amusement brimming in his words.
    Ferrick thrusts with his rapier, but Bastian parries it without looking. Show-off.
    The clanging of steel bounces off the deck before the ocean devours the sound. The sea is less gentle than it was this morning. It’s angry at the ship disturbing it, rocking it fiercely as we venture out of the shallow waters.
    Bastian wields his sword as though it’s an extension of his own body, unrivaled by a swaying, seasick Ferrick. He moves effortlessly, stepping with the to-and-fro sway of the waves. I’ve no doubt he’s a practiced pirate. His tongue and wit are as sharp as the blade in his hand. He’s been doing this for many years, but I’ve never heard any stories of a pirate who sailed the seas without a crew.
    “Ever lost an arm in a duel, mate?” Bastian asks as he effortlessly weaves around Ferrick’s next strike. There’s no time to consider his words before he half jumps forward and brings his sword down on his opponent. The sound of Ferrick’s surprised yelp fills the sky. His rapier clatters to the ground, and his right hand thumps down alongside it.

CHAPTER SEVEN
    “By the gods!” Ferrick peers down at his hand with more annoyance than pain, and Bastian looks at the blood that now coats the deck of his ship in the same way. “Was that really necessary?”
    Drawing a handkerchief from his coat pocket, Bastian wipes the blood meticulously from his sword. Once it’s sheathed, he steps forward to examine Ferrick’s severed hand, cut just below the elbow.
    His blood is already congealing. New skin grows around the wound, forming a small nub of flesh and muscle. When Bastian pokes at it, Ferrick jerks back.
    “What in the stars?” my soon-to-be fiancé growls. Weaponless and with one arm rendered useless, he’s still trying to feign toughness. Though