Shield of Sparrows (Shield of Sparrows, #1)

by Devney Perry

“We baited them, Odessa,” he said. “At most, a sailor will see one marroweel in the span of ten years on this journey. Finding seven was intentional.” Right. Baited per my father’s request. Baited seven so he could claim his bride prize. “Why me?” I blurted. “Why did you want to marry me?” If we were going to be tied together, I wanted an answer. Except Zavier stayed quiet, leaning his elbows against the railing, his tall, strong body bent in half. His gaze affixed to the horizon. “You’re really going to ignore me, huh?” The corners of his mouth turned up. It wasn’t even close to a full smile, but there was promise there. He was already good-looking, but he’d probably be devastating with a smile. Maybe it was safer if he didn’t. The last thing I needed was to fall for my husband and let down my guard. “I must warn you, Turah is not like Quentis,” he said. “Because the women wear pants?” The joke earned me another handsome half smile. “Clothing choices aside, Turah is rugged and vast. We’ve got a long way to travel once we reach its shores.”