Nina hesitated, unable to decide. "How about… you draw lots?"
Sal and Odian exchanged a glance. "Alright. We'll do as you say."
Odian thought to himself that, as her first mate, he technically had priority—but a first mate should be magnanimous. He didn't want to put Nina in a difficult position.
Besides, her method was fair. He still had a fifty percent chance.
Nina took out two slips. "Go on—draw. Whoever gets the one with a mark wins."
For a moment, neither male moved.
Odian spoke first. "Sal, you choose first."
Sal didn't hesitate. It was the same odds either way.
He glanced left and right, then closed his eyes and picked one.
Odian took the remaining slip.
Both silently offered a quick prayer before opening them with anticipation.
Odian's eyes widened the moment he unfolded his.
A smile bloomed across his face, bright and delighted.
"Nina… mine has the mark."
