Isabel sat on the window ledge in her cabin, gazing out over the brilliant ribbons of crimson, peach, and violet adorning the sky as the sun sank past the line of dark blue sea. With each passing day, they drew closer to Frederick, and with each passing day, her hopes rose a little more.

As promised, the captain had sent a tub of hot water, and after discarding her bloodstained gown, she'd washed and donned a fresh one. Afterward, Isabel had tried to lie down and rest. Yet ...