Charles and Malia sat on the pier eating oysters and watching the shipping boats arrive and depart. The air was fresh with the scent of the sea and sharpened by its salt. A captain shouted orders to his men, who were running behind loading their cargo. Malia recognized him as Captain Stowe, who she had nearly departed with before returning to the palace. He strode over.

“Back again, eh?” Captain Stowe said. “Didn’t work out for you, wherever you ...