Chapter 180. Emotions in the Ocean (2)

I slide out of bed, being careful not to wake Maddox, and pad quietly down the stairs to the lower deck of the ship. As I round the corner, I see Poppy, my friend and maid, talking to Antony, my cousin. Antony is now the King of Maatua since that was part of our agreement when I went with him to the island, but since he’s also Poppy’s mate, he’s decided to come back with us, for now. His mother, Mary, is helping get the island put back together.

Maddox doesn't like Antony very much, and I can understand why. Antony lied to Maddox about his background, pretending to be a military expert named Commander Pepelos. It turns out that Pepelos means liar in the language of Maatua, and Maddox was not pleased when he found out the truth that he was just there to get to me.

But despite everything, Antony is still my cousin. I know he has the best interests of our people at heart. That's why I can't help but feel a twinge of guilt as I see him standing there, talking