CHAPTER NINE
Dierdre rowed with all her might, Marco beside her, the two of them swiftly cutting through the canal, making their way back toward the sea, where she had last seen her father. Her heart was torn apart with anxiety as she recalled the last time she had seen her father, recalled his bravely attacking the Pandesian army, even against insurmountable odds. She closed her eyes and shook away the image, rowing even faster, praying he was not dead yet. All she wanted was to make it back in time to save him—or if not, then to at least have a chance to die by his side.
Beside her, Marco rowed just as quickly, and she looked over at him with gratitude and wonder.
“Why?” she asked.
He turned and looked at her.
“Why did you join me?” she pressed.
He looked at her, silent, then looke
