Ilona's mind turned and turned as she thought about what the next night would bring. She tried to keep herself still and her face blank, but the men all around her were excited. The cavern filled with the roar of their cheering after Mason's announcement.
She watched the corner of her Prince's lip curl ever so slightly. The energy of the others was catching, but even if Mason would let it get to him, Ilona would not. She may have been standing in a crowd of pirates eager to fight, but she dreaded it and still wished she could stop them.
Looking up at the handsome man she loved, Ilona felt her heart ache. What would she do if she lost him? How would she live?
Mason caught sight of Ilona watching him, and his blue eyes went to her. He could see that she was working to keep her face expressionless, but he could read her every thought in her eyes. She wasn't happy, but she didn't want anyone else to know that. Not even him.
