beat them all. It doesn’t matter that he shot me once to show me the pain of a gunshot wound, to have me practice fighting while injured. Because now I can
do it. It doesn’t matter that he would starve me and weaken me, then give me tasks to complete. He taught me endurance. Now I can handle anything.
“What about you, Riden?” I ask. “What has gotten you to where you are?
You claim to be the one to have killed your father, yet Draxen is captain of this ship. Was Draxen your father’s favorite? Or was he simply the oldest? Either way, why would you let him take something you earned?”
Riden’s face hardens. “Draxen is older. And he was Father’s favorite. Not that it matters now. You were right earlier. We should have stopped talking. I don’t suppose you wish to tell me where your father’s keep is now?”
“No.”
He nods, unsurprised. “A storm’s coming, and we haven’t quite reached our
destination. Be prepared for a rough night.”
“I always am.”
I clear my mind rather than replay our conversation. I’m exhausted from being out so late, so I return to the floor and doze. It’s not as though I have anything better to do.
A loud ringing sound jolts me awake, sending my heart racing for the second
time today. Someone kicked at the bars of my cell.
When my eyes focus, I spot Draxen standing before me, hands at his belt, plumed hat upon his head. He watches me as though I’m some prize he’s won.
Or some new tool he’s received. I suppose he sees me as both. But I don’t care.
In the end, I will be the tool that ends his life.
My father couldn’t simply take the Night Farer by force. The map could easily get ruined in the struggle should he gun the ship down. He had to send one person aboard to search it. But when this is all done, I will lead this ship straight to my father so he can kill them all. The pirate king wants no competition when
searching for the Isla de Canta.
“How are you liking your accommodations, Alosa?”
“The floor’s rough and the cell stinks.”
“Fit for the princess of thieves and murderers, don’t you think?”
“Still could do with a bed.”
“You’re welcome to ask one of the crew to share. I’m sure any of them would
volunteer.”
“If I’m sleeping in anyone’s bed, it’ll be because I’ve killed him and taken his
property as my own. Haven’t you lost enough crew members, Draxen?”
“You’re too sure of yourself. I think I should order Riden to add some beatings into his sessions with you. Might do you both some good. Stars know,
he could use it.”
Since I doubt I’ll be able to finish my nap, I rise and take the chair, though I’m far past bored with the confrontation. Draxen has nothing interesting to say.
He’s hoping to see me squirm with fear. He’s a man who feeds off of others’
pain. So far, none of his intimidations have worked.
“I’ve granted Riden permission to work on you, but should you continue to be
uncooperative, I’ll give someone with less charm a chance to question you. Keep
that in mind while you sit down here.”
“Better hope he doesn’t get soft on me. I’d hate to turn one of your own men
against you.”
“Princess, Riden’s dealt with hundreds of women already in his life. He’s never had trouble leaving one of them. You will be no different.” His boots echo
through the empty room as he leaves.
Draxen’s a real piece of work. So is Riden. They operate in different ways, but their goals are the same, which makes them both equally stupid. What morons would think to steal from the pirate king? Especially without sufficiently checking their crew for spies? It was easy to arrange my “kidnapping” once Theris provided all the information we would need.
I’m surprised when Riden comes to visit me again, this time carrying a bucket
of water, a bar of soap, and a few clean rags.
I was certain I had angered Riden past the point of kindness. I almost feel bad
for all the terrible things I’ve thought about him.
Almost.
“You have ten minutes before I send the men back to watch over you.”
“I’ll only need nine,” I say to be difficult.
He shakes his head before leaving.
The boat rocks a little higher at that moment. Storm’s coming indeed. I’ve got
a good pair of sea legs on me. I feel sturdier on the sea than I do on land. I’m