“Well, I appreciate the apology.” Kijani said, very nearly flustered by Adam’s gaze. Only years of etiquette and poise training kept her confused feelings from her face. “As for Eskel and I… we have the potential to be friends. Great friends.” A smile slipped onto her face, but it was about as detached from reality as the royal ‘we’. 

“Speaking of him, let me go tell him the plan. I’ll be back soon.” With that, she let herself detach. It ached. She just wanted to be in his presence longer. For the rest of the trip, at least. For the rest of time, maybe.

It didn’t take her long to find the cockpit. There, she quickly explained the barebones plan that she and Adam had concocted. She also tried to calm Eskel down, as she could sense the anger rolling off of him.

“You’re going to need to be calm by the time we arrive, Prince Eskel. Otherwise, this won’t work at all.”

“I know. And I will be, when the time comes.” He turned and flashed her a smile. His eyes showed no hint of it. “Also, it’s just Eskel now. We’re about to start a rebellion, after all. I think titles may be a bit unnecessary.”

Kijani chuckled softly. “Fair point, Eskel. Adam and I will both be in your corner, no matter what happens.”

“Thank you. I appreciate it. I will need you both.” He exhaled, and Kijani felt some of the anger leave him. That was a relief. 

“Good. I am going to borrow your shower.”

“Very well.” 

“And your clothes.”

“You... what?”

-

Kijani basked under the hot water in the ship’s grand quarters. The steam and soap were such a deep relief after months and months of swamp. She scrubbed from head to toe, washed her hair twice, and found a perfumed soap that didn’t smell too masculine. 

Then she simply soaked. Admittedly, she had missed this the most. The fine clothes and food were one thing, sure, but nothing beat a steaming hot shower. While she was in there, she thought. About what was going to happen next. About what she needed to do. She managed to get out before the water started to get cold.

Wrapped in a thick towel, she perused Eskel’s closet for something that would suit. Most of the clothes were too large, but she managed to put something together with a cream colored shirt that, along with a thick belt, fit her like a dress.

Then she went back to where she had left Adam.

“Does this pass for what a future Queen would look like?”