Pieces of Jade (Pirates of Orea) by Lani Woodland, Melonie Piper Page A

things seemed backwards, as if Aleah saw herself as the one with morals instead of her sister. But Aleah was the one living outside the civilized world of Orea.
    “And free from morals as well?”
    “Like you? You are in the company of a witch outside the barrier, are you not?” My teacup hit the saucer with a clang. Aleah simply tilted her head. “Are you upset by me saying this?”
    “Yes.” My throat thickened with emotion. “You don’t know me or the circumstances that have led me here.”
    “Neither do you know mine.”
    The angry words withered on my tongue and I dipped my head in acknowledgement. “You’re right. I apologize.”
    “What brings you here to get help from a witch?” she asked.
    “Lady Meredith thought you’d help.” I opened the neck of my shirt, revealing the bare skin of my throat where my Medallion should have hung.
    She muffled a curse and leaned toward me. “What happened?”
    I tapped my fingers against my teacup, deciding how much to reveal. “James took me sailing beyond the barrier, and we were set upon by pirates. During the battle I accidently killed August.”
    Aleah paused, her teacup hovering in the air. “I see. So, you didn’t mean to murder the heir?”
    “Yes, and no. I meant to kill the man behind me. I thought he was a pirate. I meant to protect James and August.”
    Aleah sipped her tea. “Yes, that is one of the weaknesses of the medallion. And yet, the military is often called to kill for the kingdom, and still keep their charms.”
    “It’s spelled differently for the military, I suppose.” The tether on my emotions began to slip. “James thought I killed August so I could marry him instead. That if I married him instead of his brother, he would be more biddable and I would rule the kingdom. That I craved power.”
    Aleah crossed her ankles. “Is it true?”
    I shook my head and leaned heavily against the back of the chair. “No. I don’t want to rule the kingdom. I admit to loving James and my sword did steal August from this world, but the true fault lies with the pirates.”
    A flash of understanding filled her eyes. “Was this pirate young and very good looking?” Her voice seemed calm but her knuckles turned white as she gripped her teacup.
    “He was, but that hardly matters.” He no longer appeared handsome in my memories; all I could see was the destruction he’d set into motion.
    For the briefest of moments I saw some emotion I couldn’t name flash through Aleah's eyes. I lowered the teacup and stared at her.
    “Do you know him?”
    She cursed softly under her breath, which I took to mean yes.
    “Did you know he planned to do this?”
    “No. I have heard nothing about this incident.” Her voice took on a cold edge. “Nothing. Except for what you told me yourself.”
    Tea sloshed over the edges of Aleah’s cup and her eyes found mine. “Where is your medallion now?”
    “It's with the pirate captain.” I scuffed the toe of my shoe on the wooden floor. “I assume he still has it.”
    The grip on her teacup slackened. “You left it with him?”
    I frowned at the direction this conversation had taken. “Why is everyone preoccupied with the medallion? The charm is broken; it's worthless.”
    “If it's worthless, why did he keep it?”
    Her logic hit me with as much shock as cold water in my face. I didn’t have an answer to that. Why would he want it?
    “Anyone robbing or attacking the royal family is sentenced immediately to death. What’s the benefit of possessing that medallion it if it means he’ll end up swinging from a rope? Why would he keep evidence of his crimes?”
    “My medallion would have to be kept secret,” I whispered. “The navy would hunt them down, if for no other reason than to make an example of them.”
    She leaned back in her chair and lifted her hand to her temple. “Don't you wonder why he would go to such extremes?”
    “I’ve been so wrapped up in August’s death, I hadn’t considered