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loaf of bread and a small water pouch. “That’s all you get until tonight,” he said, his eyes roving over her body, assessing her.
    Rema to re the bread in two, saving half for later in the day. “Thank you.”
    Nathenek stood. “I’ll be back.”
    “ Where are you going?” Rema shoved a piece of bread in her mouth, wondering how long it had been since the last time she ate.
    “ Out on the top deck.” He smiled, mocking her. “I don’t want to be cooped up in this room all day.”
    “ Good,” Rema said, feigning pleasure. “I’d rather be alone. I’m much more interesting and make a far better conversationalist than you do.”
    Shaking his head ever so slightly, he t urned and left, locking her inside.
    Sighing, Rema finished eating and then took a few small sips of water, saving the rest for later. She stood, ready to get back to work. Closing her eyes, she envisioned Savenek and everything he taught her. She started running through the various drills she knew.
    After several hours, e xhausted and out of breath, Rema sat and devoured the last of the bread. She took a gulp of water and lay on her back, staring up at the ceiling. Thoughts of Darmik invaded her mind again, and tears filled her eyes, blurring her vision. After her almost execution, she thought she had been handed a second chance at life. When Darmik arrived in the Middle Mountains, for her , she was elated. It was as if all her dreams had come true. He gave up everything for her—his father, brother, crown, and army. Even the hideous “L” Lennek had carved on Darmik’s chest was proof of everything he suffered for her.
    When she kissed him, she felt truly loved and complete.
    Now , here she was, stuck on a ship headed to Emperion. She reached for her key necklace and noticed it was gone. Panicking, she sat up and shoved the collar of her shirt aside, frantically searching for it. Either Nathenek had taken it, or the necklace had fallen off when he carried her down the mountain.
    Glancing at the footlocker, Rema wondered if her necklace was hidden inside. Standing before it, she tried lifting the lid, but it was locked and wouldn’t budge. Frustrated, she kicked it.
    Placing her hands on her hips, she paced around the room, searching for something she could use to break open the lock. She didn ’t see anything of use.
    What would Darmik do if he were in her position? He certainly wouldn ’t give up. Closing her eyes, she pictured him before her. Stay focused. You can do this. Maintain your strength, and when the opportunity to escape presents itself, take it. Rema opened her eyes, a fierce determination taking over. She would not sit around wallowing in her situation. Squaring her shoulders, she prepared to run through her form again.
    She vowed to get away from Nathenek.
    She would not be executed.
    And s he most definitely would find her way back to Darmik.
    ****
    Voices came from the other side of the door. Rema hurried and sat on the ground, trying to calm her heavy breathing. She wiped her forehead, removing the dripping sweat. The door opened and Nathenek stepped inside, his eyes sweeping the room and settling on her. Without saying a word, he handed a loaf of bread and a cup of water to her. After removing his tunic, he climbed into bed, facing the wall.
    She was starving from exercising all day and quickly inhaled the food. “Is bread the only thing I’m going to eat for the duration of our voyage?”
    “ I haven’t decided,” Nathenek mumbled.
    “ Do you plan to keep me in this tiny room the entire time?”
    Nathenek grunted. “It’s the safest place. Now be quiet and go to sleep.”
    “ You’re an assassin. Wouldn’t I be safe with you?” He didn’t respond. “All I’m saying is that it’s cruel to keep me holed up in here.” Rema glanced around the room, not really wanting to sleep on the hard, wooden floor.
    Nathenek rolled onto his back, looking up at the ceiling. “Why?”
    Rem a sighed. She needed to