Ilona laid beside Mason on the bank of the pool and took in their surroundings. The jungle around them was thick with trees and vines. She could hear birds calling to one another but also other creatures she didn't recognize.
Her father would have probably known what they were. Studying animals was his favorite hobby. She sometimes wondered if he didn't enjoy it more than pirating.
Thinking of her father sent a pang of sadness through her. She wondered what he would be thinking of her now. He wouldn't know she hadn't gotten his letter. Her father would assume she'd disobeyed him and sailed off with the Prince, ruining their business arrangement.
She looked down at Mason and found him studying her with serious blue eyes. He reached up and gently tucked a stray piece of hair back behind her ear, letting his fingertips brush over her cheek.
