ROYAL BLOOD
Her head dropped, her eyes distant, and all she could hear were the faint whispers of the sailor and Prator conversing.
Soon the sailor returned, holding a small bag that jingled with coins.
With a firm push, he set the boat afloat and then climbed in, taking hold of the paddle.
Prator stood on the shore, eyes fixed on the small boat as the sailor's slow, steady strokes carried the boat farther into the sea.
Joya's head remained bowed, refusing to spare even one last glance, afraid that a single look would rip her heart open all over again.
Prator watched, standing erect, every line of his body taut with unspoken longing.