Mina quietly stole away from the captain's quarters to the deck of the boat. It had been another argument to get them there. Egon wanted more time, but she couldn't see more time doing them that much good. Especially since her pregnancy was already affecting her balance and center of gravity. She could tell every time she moved around that things were changing for her already.
They had spent some time that day with Evander practicing pulling the dagger from her chest in the privacy of the captain's quarters. It had gone reasonably well. Unfortunately, the experience left them both fairly weak in the knees and open to attack, but every time they did it, they got faster and more stable. They did the rest of their training on the deck, putting on a bit of a show for the crew. Having a new terrain for sparring was good for them. It helped point out things they both were still weak on.
"Couldn't sleep, miss?" It was Casper. He had come up beside her while she had been lost in thought over the day's happenings.
"No. Usually, a bit of fresh air and stargazing helps." She smiled weakly. She wasn't sure if it would be enough this time. She was racing towards her death, one way or another.
"You're going to get this done," he said confidently. "You have two of the best men I know behind you. And you have me. I'm not a sword master, but I know my way around weapons."
"I couldn't ask you to," she insisted.
"You don't have to. I failed Evander once. I'm not going to let him go into this without me," he explained.
"You're a good man, Casper." She patted his arm.
"I don't know if I'd go that far," he laughed. "But I do love that boy like he was my own."
"I know you do. And I appreciate you for it. I can't imagine not having anyone, and because of you, he's not alone." She smiled.
"And you, and your little babe that's on the way," he said.
"Soon, he won't have me. But he'll at least have you, Egon, and the baby. I hope that's enough to keep him from turning into my father." She couldn't imagine Evander being that bitter, but before her mother's death, neither could anyone who knew her father.
"If I've learned anything from Egon, it's that he's very determined. Once you get this darkness thing sorted out, you'll get the dagger thing sorted out too." He spoke with every confidence, and she honestly loved him for it.
"If you believe so, I guess I must too." She turned to look at him. "Thank you, Casper. You've made me feel much better."
"Anytime, my queen," he said quietly. "All you ever have to do is ask."
The few days at sea were monotonous, and they entered the port of Pontus without incident. Once on land, they had to figure out their next steps. First was to get into the royal city and get a room. They were relying on Egon and his reputation for that. He had such a reputation that Aurelius knew him, so he had the pull to get them in. They passed through the gates with ease and made their way up the main street. Egon led them through the crowded streets like he had never left. When he stopped, it was unsurprisingly at a brothel. The doorman let them in, and they were greeted by a half-naked woman who immediately attached herself to Egon.
"Egon, it's been so long. Where have you been?" She practically whimpered. Mina used every ounce of her strength not to tear the woman off of Egon.
"Chrysanthos, entertaining princes," he responded casually. "Now be a dear and fetch me the mistress."
"Ohhhhh, but you always see her. It's not fair," the girl whined.
"I tell you what, if I find myself in this house again looking for some company, you'll be at the top of my list," he said, sweeter than she would like. "Now, be a good girl and go get the mistress of this fine establishment."
"Okay," she said reluctantly and wandered off through a back door.
"Don't look at me that way. I have no plans of ever returning," he swore. "I've found all I need. Unless you find yourself interested in women?"
"In your dreams, sir," Mina insisted.
"Not unless you want me to dream about it." He kissed her temple.
"Good answer," she replied. As he straightened up from kissing her, a rather fancy lady emerged from the back door. She was beautiful, dark, and sultry. Everything Mina was not. Her robes were made of the finest silks with intricate patterns woven and stitched throughout. And Egon had fucked her. Multiple times. And now they were asking her for help. "Actually, remind me to kill you," she joked.
"Egon, you've brought guests." Even the woman's voice was sexy. Mina felt like she was going to lose it.
"That's never been a problem before," he laughed. "Indira, these are my lovers, Van and Violet."
"Van. Violet." She dipped her head as she greeted them. "Come on, Egon. What are you here for? If you were here for a foursome, we'd already be out back and half naked.
"Can we get some privacy?" he asked quietly.
"All of us?" She raised her eyebrows, and Egon nodded. "Very well, follow me."
She led them through the room and down a narrow hall that opened up onto a small courtyard. At the back of the courtyard was the entrance to a large, beautiful marble clad foyer. She continued through to a seating area before gracefully coming to a stop and arranging herself on a sofa.
"I assume this is about the fact that Van is short for Evander, and her name is definitely not Violet." She dipped her head again. "My queen."
"I'm not surprised that you know," Egon admitted.
"I make it my business to know what's going on in the royal house, and not just because Aurelius is a close friend." She explained.
"We're here asking a favor." Mina chimed in. She was a little impatient with the back and forth.
"Are you? As a friend?" She looked at Egon, then at Mina. "Or as my queen?"
"Both," Egon answered. "I'm asking you as a friend."
"I'm asking as your queen, but it's not an order. It's an offer. Help us, and I'll help you with whatever you need." Mina promised,
"That's a broad promise." She pointed out.
"It's a big ask. And if Egon trusts you with this, I trust you not to screw me over." Mina leaned on Egon, who looked down at her reassuringly.
"Oh my goddess!" Indira exclaimed. "I thought you were joking. Egon, are you in love with the queen and her wielder?"
"Very much so," he confirmed proudly.
"What a mess you've gotten yourself into. I can't wait until Aurelius finds out."