Page 58 of Under Restless Skies

“It feels like never.”

I understand what he means, understand feeling trapped, fearing that your future is slipping away, but it’s not forever. “One day, this will be your past. Nothing but a memory. Believe me; I’ll help you. You might not even need to wait two years.”

Alayel rests his elbows on the table and then places his face on his hands, and turns to my brother. “What kind of help do you need?”

Kaio fidgets in his seat, I suppose unsure if he should answer the question.

“Money,” I mutter. “To pay for a good apprenticeship.”

Alayel narrows his eyes and grimaces. “Wait. You have to pay to be an apprentice?”

I want to laugh at his shock, but I don’t want my brother to think I’m laughing at him, so I keep my face serious, and say, “They take their own families first, then the people who attend training schools, sometimes since childhood. For people untrained, with no contacts, those ships can take them as servants, but it’s still difficult to get a position, and they’ll never get a chance to advance. They’ll be servants forever. My brother wants to be a merchant.”

Alayel hasn’t changed his expression. “It’s still bizarre.”

My brother tilts his head. “Demand and supply. It’s not only for goods. It’s for jobs too.”

“I suppose.” Alayel points at Kaio. “You know what? Maybe Foros will help you. Maybe money won’t be a problem.”

I shudder, wondering if Alayel thinks I mentioned my brother’s need for money expecting his help, which would be quite embarrassing. Plus, I wouldn’t want to owe Alayel a favor, but I’m not sure what to say right now, in front of them.

Kaio sips his drink, then says, “Money’s not the problem. It’s the solution.”

Alayel chuckles. “No question about that.” He turns to me. “Are you ready?”

For some odd reason, receiving all his attention, hearing the softness in his voice makes me flush.

“Yes,” I mutter.

The prince turns to my brother. “We’re going to have dinner in the high Dracolius City. Do you want to come?”

Kaio glances at me, then back at Alayel, and bites his lip. “Thanks, but I’m full. Ugh. Soo full.”

Was my expression obvious that I didn’t want him to come? Now I feel like the worst sister ever, and I swear I thought it was quite graceful of Alayel to invite him.

My brother continues, “I don’t think I can see food for an entire day. Or two. Oh no. I’ll have to do my job with my eyes closed.”

His exaggeration is a little excessive, and I glare at him. “You’ll chop off your finger.”

“With the experience I have? Not a chance.”

I hug him, and then we head to the door, and I look back, wondering if I should say something to Laristella, but I figure I’ll pass by many more times, and I’ll have tons of chances to speak to her.

Maybe I’ll thank her profusely for teaching me about the golden oil. At the time, I was too busy wanting to hide in a hole to appreciate her words about my orifices and how to find the right one to apply the oil. With Alayel by my side, I really shouldn’t be thinking about such body parts.

Instead, I focus on my belly. That, right now, feels like a bottomless pit, even though I’m sure I ate the biggest lunch I’ve ever had in years.

“Where are we going?” I ask as I close the door behind me.

“You’ll see.”

We head to the bay, but to the side opposite from the docks. This is High Dracolius City, for wealthy merchants, commanders, and nobles, away from the bustle and the noise of sailors, smugglers, and commoners.

We walk on a cobbled street lined with taverns, restaurants, and shops. I’ve been here a few times, but obviously never bought anything or ate anywhere, as it wasn’t something I could afford. In fact, I still can’t afford a restaurant here, and I don’t know if I want to owe Alayel a favor.

I pause. “What if… we went to the other side? A simpler restaurant? Or maybe⁠—”

“Shhh.” He places a finger over my lips. “Let me do this for us. You earned it, remember? Consider it our celebration.”