The ship isn't big, but there are a few cabins for us to settle.

The bed in ours is too small, so Alexander makes the sailors set a hammock for him. He doesn't even consider occupying another room.

He'd rather sleep on the floor.

After checking in, we walk on the deck and look at the sunny weather. It's the perfect day to start a journey by sea.

The captain of the ship orders his sailor around while we part from the shore. The waves of the sea hit the hull as the wind swells the sails.

The first hour is spent breathing the fresh air and admiring the colour of the water. Only later, I notice that Alexander is quite pale.

When the waves become stronger, when we're too far from the coast to be shielded from the open sea waves, his complexion turns greenish.

«Are you all right?» I wonder. He's been silent, without his usual energy. «Are you getting ill?»

«I'm fine. I just need to rest,» Alexander says and walks away from the waves. Before he reaches the door to the lodgings, he changes his mind and runs to the railing and grabs the wood with his hands. He vomits all he's eaten while I stare at him with wide eyes.

So, he suffers from seasickness.

«Let's go rest,» I mutter while reaching for his hand. «We can come here later.»

If the waves calm down.

It's going to be a long week for Alexander.

I pour him some water in a metal cup, and he sips with a grimace. His face hasn't regained any colour.

«I think you should take the bed,» I comment, observing the unstable hammock. He won't be able to sleep on that without worsening his sickness.

«I feel worse here,» he whispers, catching the table as if he was falling down. Yet, nothing is moving.

Oh, except for the ship. It might be worse here.

«Why don't you focus on something else?» I try, looking for a way to make him relax. «You have a wife here with you, yet you haven't stared at me enough today.»

«I'm not feeling well, Thea. And I did stare at you for the whole time...»

«Less than usual.»

I make him sit down and land on his side. He sighs and leans back on the bed. His head sinks in the pillow, and I caress his face with my cold fingers.

I sing for him. One of those folk songs I learned in Kyre. The one about the lovers and the god of wine.

He chuckles and turns on the side to look at me. At least, he seems to feel better.

«I think it's better if we don't take the second ship. It's better to go by road, Alexander.» I can't stand to see him like this for so long.

«No,» he moans. «We have to. I've already organised everything... We can't change now.»

«But you're white like a cloud, my dear.»

«I've already decided.»

«We can reorganise the journey like we did the first time. No big deal...»

«No, Thea.»

«Why not?»

«You like travelling by sea.»

«But I like a husband in his best shape more.»

«You'll have your husband back when the travel is done,» he points out. Even while suffering, he manages to think and reply.

And he continues being stubborn.

«You are the one suffering,» I puff and shrug. If he insists, so be it.

«Just stay with me,» he tries, raising his brows in a needy expression. «I feel better when you're nearby.»

«It's a lie,» I sigh, but I cuddle at his side. We've slept on the seat of a carriage; this bed can't be smaller than that.

«It's not,» he replies. «I can't stay without you, Thea. I'll do anything you ask me, as long as you promise to stay with me.»

«That's a bit crazy even for you.»

«But it's the truth. All I care about is that you're alive, possibly nearby, and happy.»

«I know that already. But you can't control me to such a degree, you know? I'm the only one who can decide whether to be happy or not. You can just keep me alive and nearby. By imprisoning me in a cage.»

«When this is all over, after overturning his majesty's enemies, I'll set you free. Is that all right?»

«What about my uncle and Asteria? Weren't they your number one enemy?»

«You know their face now. You won't fall into their trap just like that. And I can keep you safe from them without imprisoning you. They're foreigners, while the faction opposing his majesty is in Ethiro. We don't even know who they are, just a few obvious names. It's more difficult.»

«Well, I can help you with that without being in danger. I'll think of something.»

«No.»

«Then can I at least plot in the dark with you?»

He blinks, thinking about the matter for a minute or two.

«I can let you plot in the dark on one condition: you'll plot with me and no one else.»

«Will you get jealous if I find another scheming partner?»

«No, I'll drag you away from the capital and refuse to tell you anything about my plans and moves. It's not a matter of jealousy. If you can't refrain from sticking your nose in dangerous places, I'll have to protect you the way I can.»

«You're tyrannical.»

«Indeed.»

But at least he's feeling better. He hasn't complained about the waves for a while, and his face regained some colour.

Even though it might be just an effect of the candle's light. I blow it off before turning back and covering myself with the blanket.

«Can you move back some more?» I ask as the edge of the bed is cutting my back.

«Just a bit,» he mutters and moves by an inch.

As it doesn't help much, and Alexander doesn't want to let me closer because he's afraid to hurt the baby, I turn my back to him and slather on him. I catch his arm and lean it higher than the waist.

Since Alexander's back is on the wall, there's no place to move away. But it's enough since I'm now on the bed with every part of my body.

«If you don't feel well, please wake me up,» I say before closing my eyes. «I'd prefer to get up and let you pass than sharing your destiny.»

«As my wife wishes.»

«And don't snore. Your mouth is close to my ear.»

«Yes, dear.»

«And stop being so obedient. It's scary.»

«All right.»