Read the first chapter of Isle of Sorrows, the second book in my Greybrow Brothers series! (If you haven’t started the series, be sure to read Corsair’s Curse first.)
Chapter One
Soleil
My father keeps an herb garden in a small greenhouse on the south side of the house. He uses the plants in concoctions, preparations, and tinctures, preferring fresh to dried. One of the herbs he grows is catmint. It’s used in fever-reducing teas and as a digestive aid. It smells like lemony peppermint and grows rampant if left to its own devices.
But it’s never left to its own devices because the family cat is mad about it. If we forget to shut the greenhouse door, he’ll lie on top of it, smothering it with his abundant love. When the door is closed, he stares at it through the glass, the picture of ardent devotion and unrequited longing.
I’ve decided Davyn and Lukas Greybrow are catmint.
The people of the city Alsphia—especially the female people—watch the Greybrow brothers as Lord Alvaro D’vain leads our group into Palace Elra Denoir, an impressive structure built atop a rocky monolith overlooking the teal waters of the Brechalan Sea. Shaladan nobility and servants loiter on the elevated colonnade that crosses the sheer drop between the mainland and the outcrop. The name “Greybrow” is whispered as we pass, the twins’ reputation apparently stretching far beyond Kalae.
Once Davyn and Lukas pass, the spectators turn their attention to our mercenaries and my brother. Interested eyes also study our trio of scholars and then Flink, our mostly worthless copper-scaled lesser dragon that I somehow ended up tending.
And finally, they look at me.
A few contemplate me with their eyebrows drawn low, most likely envious of my position on a team boasting so many handsome men. (And who could blame them?)
But many are just curious. Who am I, and how do I fit into the group?
I don’t wear mage’s robes, as I’m not certified by the Mages’ college. I don’t look like a warrior, nor do I carry a sword, bludgeon, or a bow. And I could never be mistaken for a scholar.
I’m a mystery.
I hear someone mutter, “She must be a scout.”
“Oh, yes,” is the reply. “An adventuress.”
I mull that over. It’s a romanticized profession, dredging up images of daring expeditions, wind-swept hair, and far-off locales. Far-off locales such as…Alsphia.
My eyes slide over the tropical city nestled into the low ocean-side cliffs and then at the impressive stone palace before us. I’m far from home.
Maybe I am an adventuress.
“Do you think they’ll let us see her?” Garret asks me quietly, as edgy as a caged wolf.
The “her” in question is Cassandra Marie—Duke Thane’s only child, the Greybrow brothers’ cousin, and my childhood friend. She also happens to be the unrequited love from Garret’s youth and is currently imprisoned by the Milindrian monarchy.
She’s the reason we’re here.
“I don’t know,” I whisper back.
“Do you think she knows we’ve arrived?” he asks.
“I don’t know,” I repeat.
“Do you think—”
“Garret,” I hiss quietly. “I don’t know.”
My brother snaps his mouth shut, breathing hard through his nose, making his nostrils flare. He’s like a bull, ready to charge.
“You won’t do Cassie any favors by causing a scene,” I remind him quietly.
“I know that,” he retorts, rolling his large shoulders. “I’m not a fool.”
“I didn’t say you were.”
Before he can respond, the metallic clamoring of a moving portcullis fills the air.
There’s no gatehouse in front of the palace entry, just an imposing set of teakwood doors that are easily fifteen feet tall. The portcullis that protects them raises slowly, the sound scaring several seagulls that sit atop the curtain walls. Once the metal grate is out of the way, those huge doors open, revealing…
“Cassie,” Garret whispers, her name ragged on his lips.
A brilliant smile blooms over Cassandra Marie’s face as she steps into the tropical sunshine. Always lovely, even while serving a prison sentence, Lukas and Davyn’s cousin looks like a princess in her cobalt satin gown that seems far too heavy for the heat and humidity.
She wears her sable hair half up, held in place by pearl combs. The rest falls down her back in a cascade of perfect, soft curls. Her skin is ivory, and her eyes are a shocking color of green.
She was pretty when we were children, always insisting on wearing lace and ruffle dresses even when we were in the wilds, with large bows in her hair and slippers that were often ruined in the mud. But now the bow is gone, her dress is well-tailored without a ruffle in sight, and she’s beautiful instead of merely pretty. She still has a slightly mischievous look, however, like a fox parading as a kitten. She’s not as docile as she would like people to think.
“You’re really here,” she says to her cousins as if she didn’t believe the news, breaking away from her well-dressed escort. She moves down the colonnade swiftly and embraces Davyn and then Lukas. Quietly, she adds, “Why are you here? Where are your parents?”
“Somewhere near the Trade Islands,” Davyn answers, frowning at her. “Are you all right?”
“I’m fine.” She turns to me, momentarily stupefied. She blinks at me like an owl and then laughs brightly. “Soleil?”
Cassandra Marie has never called me Sunny, always preferring my full name—just as she prefers hers. Select few are allowed to call her Cassie, and half of them are on our team.
She embraces me before I can respond, drawing me into her perfumed grip. “I can’t believe you’re here, too.” She pushes me back to arm’s length, studying me—and looking up to do so. “Have you always been this tall?”
I roll my eyes. “Have you always been this clingy?”
She grins. “I’ll take that as a yes.”
When she releases me, she turns to Garret. Suppressed delight sparks in her eyes and reflects back to her in his.
“Hello, Miss Thane.” Smirking, Garret bows over her hand—proving he knows manners, even if he often chooses not to use them.
“Hello, Garret,” she answers.
He drops her hand. “It’s been a while.”
“Too long…” Before she can finish her thought, her escort joins our party, stealing her attention.
The man has a nice face, not handsome but pleasant, and a genuine smile. He’s moderately tall, with brown hair, brown eyes, and a medium complexion. Though likely in his late twenties, he has a mature presence.
Alvaro joins the newcomer. “Your Highness, may I introduce you to Davyn and Lukas Greybrow.” As an afterthought, he adds, “Along with a few members of their crew.”
We’re not members of the Greybrow’s crew, but that’s not what’s concerning me at the moment.
Did he say Your Highness?
Garret is startled as well. We share a look.
“We’ve met.” The prince shakes the brothers’ hands. “It’s good to see you again.”
“You as well, Martin,” Lukas replies, and he sounds like he means it.
In fact, the twins’ manner has changed. They’re at ease now. Both look like they believe this mess will be easily cleaned up now that this Prince Martin is involved.
Cassandra Marie, however, doesn’t seem to share their opinion.
Her eyes go from Martin to Garret and then back again. I’d pay a good deal of money to know what she’s thinking.
“…and this is Miss Soleil Eldemyer,” Lukas says.
My name pulls me from my thoughts.
He continues, “She and her brother are good family friends.”
“Any friends of the Greybrows are friends of mine.” Martin takes my hand, bowing over it like I’m a lady and not a dragon slayer. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. Welcome to my home.”
I glance at Palace Elra Denoir, quickly putting the pieces together. Martin isn’t from Milindria. He’s a Shaladan prince—Alvaro’s host.
And our host as well, I suppose.
“Shall we go inside?” he asks Cassandra Marie affectionately, offering her his arm.
If I were to guess, I would say he’s the reason the first team is under house arrest and not behind bars.
She offers Martin a resigned smile, glancing back at Garret briefly before she takes her place at the prince’s side.
“I don’t like him,” Garret mutters to me as our group follows him inside the palace.
The logical part of my brain believes we’re fortunate Martin is in the mix. But the part that’s loyal to my brother agrees with Garret.
I don’t like him either.
“Come on, Flink.” I give the dragon’s leather lead a light tug. He’s stretched out on the ground next to my feet, all four limbs extended so every inch of his belly is pressed against the sun-warmed stones. When he ignores me, I tug harder. “Get up.”
The dragon grumbles and groans, dragging his feet like a toddler. When we reach the edge of the sunlight, where the palace shades the stones, he stops abruptly, hunches over, and refuses to budge.
I narrow my eyes at him and wrap the lead securely around my hand, preparing for a battle. “You only think you’re more stubborn than I am.”
Garret leaves me, having less patience for the lesser dragon than I do.
“Look at you two being all chummy.” Lukas matches my pace as I drag his annoying reptile down the colonnade.
I shove the lead at him. “Take him. He’s your beast.”
“You can sunbathe later,” Lukas promises the dragon. Then he pauses. “No, Sunny isn’t being mean. We must go inside.”
I roll my eyes.
Lukas grins at me. “He says you look angry.”
“I always look like this.”
“He said that, too.”
I purse my lips into a flat line, and Lukas chuckles, somehow convincing Flink to walk with him.
“You’re quite the social butterfly,” I say to Lukas quietly as we head for the entrance, glad the others are ahead of us. “I had no idea you’re on a first-name basis with a Shaladan prince.”
“Harold introduced my father to Martin’s family at court about ten years ago. Horace has hired Thane and Greybrow Scouting a few times.”
“Horace? King Horace? Do you realize how casually you toss around royal names?”
It doesn’t even slow him down. Lukas turns to look at me, his blue eyes bright. “Do you realize how badly I want to impress you?”
“There’s no need,” I sigh. “I’m impressed. I’ve always been impressed.”
“I love how you have a talent for turning something that should be a compliment into an insult.”
I lower my voice so no one will overhear. “Cassie doesn’t seem to care for your friend. Did you notice?”
Lukas swings the end of Flink’s lead, looking as nonchalant as you please. “Are you asking me what emotions I read?”
“Just tell me what we’re walking into.”
“Fine—I’ll share all I know. To start, Alvaro is a narcissist.”
“Like I couldn’t figure that out for myself.”
“Martin doesn’t seem to like him.”
“Who would?”
“Cassie doesn’t like either of the men, though it’s difficult to tell who her strongest distaste was directed toward.”
I give him a suspicious look. “You said you’re not good at this.”
On a roll now and impossible to stop, he continues, “Your brother is in love with Cassie, but that’s nothing new.”
I look at him sharply. “You know?”
Instead of answering, Lukas offers me a grin. “And you, Sunshine, are in love with me.”
My heart jolts, and I nearly trip over Flink. “I am most certainly not.”
“No?” His smile becomes lazy. “Maybe that’s wishful thinking on my part.”
I resist the urge to clear my throat and continue walking. “We’re merely friends, remember?”
“Vaguely. But I’m afraid that conversation has been overshadowed by a different one.”
Purposely playing obtuse because a self-indulgent part of me wants to hear him say it, I frown. “And what conversation would that be?”
Playing along, he mildly says, “We spoke of it just before we got in Alvaro’s carriage. Don’t you remember?”
“Was it significant? Nothing is coming to me.”
“Let me remind you then. Shall I set the scene?” Lukas pauses to adjust Flink’s lead. “We stood in the hall of Barlow’s ship. I had just staged a daring rescue—”
I snort, laughing despite myself.
His eyes shine. “And you desperately wanted to show your appreciation.”
“You seem to remember the moment slightly differently,” I say wryly, making the mistake of meeting his eyes.
Lukas steps a touch closer, lowering his voice. “Do I? Shall I tell you what else I remember so we may compare?” Before I can reply, he continues, “I remember the feel of your fingers pressed against the skin of my neck. I remember the taste of your promise.”
I swallow, pretending to be unaffected. “What promise?”
“When you said you’d kiss me.”
A pleasant thrill runs down my spine. “Promises don’t have flavors.”
He leans in, meeting my gaze. “They do to me.”
His words might as well be a caress. They travel over my skin, leaving me warm.
“Come along, Flink,” he says like he didn’t just shake me. “There’s likely food in your future if you’re a respectful guest.”
I grasp hold of Lukas’s shoulder and yank him back. “You weren’t completely honest with me.”
He turns, his eyebrows flying up at the accusation. “When? About what?”
“On the ship—in Davyn’s cabin. Your empath abilities are stronger than you claimed.”
He laughs, not bothering to hide his delight. “I didn’t lie. My perception just happens to be stronger when I know a person well. Your feelings become a little clearer with each day we spend together.”
I narrow my eyes, not particularly liking that.
“And it’s always easier to read a person when their emotions are heightened, like yours were back on Barlow’s ship.” He lifts a brow. “Like they are now.”
I cross my arms, squaring up to him. “I’m not feeling anything right now.”
“Annoyance.”
My concern eases somewhat. I don’t care if he senses that. That doesn’t make me vulnerable, nor does it tell him more than I’m ready to share.
“And attraction.” His smile becomes a glorious, mischievous smirk. “Don’t bother to deny it. You want me.”
Isle of Sorrows releases on March 8th! Pre-order it now for only $3.99. (The price will go up to $4.99 after the release.)
Shari L. Tapscott 