“The itinerary will be in your room, but of course you are free to do as many or as few of the activities as you please.” The pinstriped hostess said. “If you need help with anything, anyone in this uniform can get it for you. But you can also ask for me by name!”

  “Thank you.” Prin said warmly. “We appreciate all you’ve done.”

  The girl’s cheeks grew pinker but she retained a professional demeaner. “It was nothing at all. No problem.”

  Elwin didn’t add his thanks, as he didn’t think it would possibly dazzle as much as Aster and Prin’s. It would be underwhelming in comparison.

  Dru crossed her eyes at Aster, looking like her hands itched to snatch the room key back away from her.

  Laine, somewhat awkwardly pivoted away from them and left, waving and calling back over her shoulder. “I’d better get going then!”

  Aster yawned and raised her arms up over her head. “I didn’t get nearly enough sleep, I think I’ll take a nap now. Don’t bother me unless the ship hits an iceberg.”

  And she did look tired, her embroidered blouse was wrinkled and her signature red curls had less of a bounce and more of a droop.

  “Have a good rest, Aster.” Prin said encouragingly.

  She gathered up her luggage and went into her room, closing the door behind her. They could hear the bolt latch.

  “Wait a second, hey!” Dru tried the doorknob, which of course wouldn’t budge. “Where am I supposed to stay? Not in the cargo hold again.” She laughed. “There was a danger of being crushed between crates in rough waters. That’s what they don’t tell you about being a stowaway.”

  “It serves you right for being so rude.” Elwin pointed out.

  “Why would Aster want to share a room with you now?” Prin asked.

  “What? That wasn’t any big deal! I’m sure he’s been called worse than fae.” Dru said. “And you had to admit I had a point.”

  “Maybe so, but it seemed to hurt Aster’s feelings to be called that. It doesn’t matter if there’s a point or not.” Prin admonished.

  “You should apologize. And make it sincere or it wont work.” Elwin said. “I thought you were more reasonable than to believe all that superstitious nonsense.”

  “Of course I believe it, I know it even.” Dru said ominously.

  Prin put his hand on the doorknob of their room, looking to Elwin to unlock it.

  “I guess we’ll go check out our room too.” Elwin unlocked the door.

  Dru’s eyes widened. “You wouldn’t just leave me out here in the cold would you? In the . . . cruel sea salt air?”

  “It’s a beautiful day.” Prin said dryly.

  “Oh fine, come on in.” Elwin said. She would do the same thing for them if the situation were reversed. Wouldn’t she?

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  Dru grinned. “I always knew you were a real one, kid.”

  “You still have to apologize to Aster.” Prin said. He looked like he was about to say more, but when he saw the room he became distracted and forgot what he was going to say.

  The soft light that came in through the portholes, bounced from the bright sun to the ocean and picked up a shimmer of sea foam bubbles and reflective sparkle.

  The room was a fish bowl. Small, with rounded walls, two small beds and two white velvet arm chairs. The bedding, curtains, and rugs were shades of blue and there was a trunk and low dresser to put away your things. The unlit lamps on the wall were also the shape of bubbles.

  “It’s so cute!” Prin declared. He was clearly not prepared for the difference between a crew cabin on a working ship and this, a passenger cabin on a pleasure cruise.

  Dru walked around and then sat down on one of the beds. “It’s small, but space is at a premium on a ship, so I guess that’s to be expected.” She lay down and stretched. “The bed is comfy.”

  Prin looked out one of the round windows, fascinated. “This is a high end place . . . I feel almost like we shouldn’t be here.”

  “Oh there are definitely poors on board.” Dru assured. “But third class will be in the bowels of the ship. Without access to the deck.”

  “That’s awful!” Prin said.

  “It’s still a way to get from one point to another.” Dru said. “Even if you can’t afford the luxury part.”

  Elwin opened a small rounded door and discovered a tiny bathtub, toilet, and sink, fit in together like tightly packed but perfect puzzle pieces. If anything was half an inch out of place, the room would no longer function. “Wow! Even a private bathroom.”

  “Ooo, let’s take a look at this.” Dru took the booklet from on top of the dresser and flopped back down on the bed. She reached behind her and punched the pillows into a shape more to her liking. “Restaurants, bars, dancing! Geeze, this place is loaded with stuff. Wonder if it’s mostly old people though.” She made a face. “Ah!” Failing to elaborate on her exclamation she went calmly back to skimming the activities guide. “There’s maps in here too.” She put her dirty boots right on the counterpane.

  Elwin grimaced. Would he have to beg Aster to share a room with her? Or maybe they could give her the room and bring Aster into their room. Although that did seem to be rewarding bad behavior.

  “Oh, if you guys need some privacy just say the word and I’ll disappear for an hour or two.” Dru winked. “I wouldn’t want to be the cop in the bandit’s hideout.”

  “What does that mean?” Prin asked.

  “You know, like a very unwanted person.” Dru said. “If you want to be together. Just tell me to get lost and for how long.”

  “We’re together right now.” Prin said.

  Elwin thought he knew what she was getting at. “Alright.” He said. He sat down on the bed.

  “Oh, you mean now?” Dru got up and pointed to herself, then at the door.

  Prin tilted his head to the side, looking at first one then the other.

  Elwin sighed. It would have been nice to just get rid of her at will, but then he would have to explain to Prin and it didn’t seem worth the hassle. “No, not right now.”

  “Okay.” Dru flopped back down with her booklet. “They even have arts and crafts. Want to paint roses on porcelain cups?” She waggled her eyebrows at them suggestively. “It’s what all the cool old people are into.”

  Prin sat down beside Elwin. “I feel . . . safe here, I think. Should we take a nap too? Then we can meet back up with Aster when we all wake up?”

  “I can always use a nap.” Elwin said. He put his arm around Prin’s shoulder and squeezed it.

  Dru kicked off her boots. “Seems like the best stuff on the ship doesn’t start until later in the day anyway.”

  Prin took off his jacket and shoes, then the outer layer of clothes.

  He didn’t seem to be bothered by Dru’s presence so Elwin tried not to think to deeply about whether it was appropriate or not. He took off his own shoes and jacket.

  At least he wasn’t bothered in that way, something clearly still weighed on his mind.

  “Why did you treat Aster that way? Is it just what you said? Aster reminds you of a fairy?” Prin sounded skeptical. He got in under the covers.

  Elwin got in beside him, it was a tight fit, but they had slept in small beds before. He pulled Prin close against his chest and rested his face against Prin’s shoulder.

  Dru sighed. “It is but it’s more complicated than that too . . . Truth is, the fae are like my arch enemies.” She took off her round glasses, and her face looked softer without them, younger.

  “What!?” Prin squeaked.

  “Fairies killed my parents.” Dru rolled over. “Well, good night.”