The Pirate's Princess

by Bethany Wicker

  Bastian was the one to nod and Gregor refused to meet my eyes. There were only six men. Gregor, Bastian, and four others. Felix wasn’t among them and I knew that only meant one thing.

  “We were acting on greed instead of our heads,” Gregor said. “Now, we’ve lost our captain, our ship, and most of our crew.”

  “We’ll find Steel. You can bet on that. All you can do is learn from this mistake and move on.” I pointed in the direction they needed to go. “Tortuga is that way. Do you guys think you can make it? Never mind, I’m just going to pull you guys there really quick. Let me go get some rope from off the ship and I can get you guys there in no time with my tail.”

  “No, find Steel. We’ll manage,” Gregor said.

  “I need to make sure you guys make it there safely at least.”

  “Steel first. You can help us after you find him.”

  I sighed. “If you insist.”

  I reluctantly left the boys to handle themselves. Before I left the area, I swam around the ocean a little more as I tried to search for Steel. I didn’t have any luck, but he wasn’t dead. That couldn’t be it, and I believed the Kraken when he said he didn’t eat him, so there was something I was missing. What if sirens really did take him to be vindictive? There was only one way to find out.

  I focused on my legs and watched as the tail reformed once again and pushed myself as quickly as I could towards Siren’s Call. I doubted the sirens had him, but I didn’t know where else to start. Maybe I could at least enlist some helpers.

  Chapter Sixteen

  I found Thames waiting for me when I crossed the barrier behind the castle. He waved as I approached and watched with awe as my tail returned to a pair of legs.

  “That tail is so awesome. How did it go?” Thames asked with a bright smile. “You look a little rougher than usual.”

  “Thanks, tell me what you really think. I think I look good considering I was captured by pirates and found Steel and his crew had been too. Thanks to the Kraken, it wasn’t for long, but Steel’s missing,” I replied.

  “Missing? How can he be missing? Where do you think he is?”

  “I have no idea. I came here to see if anyone might’ve taken him. Have you seen anything?”

  “No one else left through the barrier except for you. Everyone’s been too scared since the mermaid attack to leave. That and they have no reason to. We get both sun and water here.”

  “I figured that, but it just doesn’t make sense. I’m going to go find Eleanor and see if she can help me come up with an answer.”

  “I’ll come with you since I don’t have anything better to do.”

  “Actually, I think I might have a task for you. Do you think you could handle helping out humans? They’re males, so you don’t pose a danger to them, correct?”

  “Correct, my voice works best on women, so I tend to stick to them. But why would I want to help humans?”

  “Because you would be helping me. These humans are members of Steel’s crew. They helped me when I had no one else and it would mean a lot to me if you could help them get to Tortuga. Preferably, before they die of starvation or thirst.”

  “My father wouldn’t like the idea of it.”

  “I know I’m asking a lot and you can say no. I won’t be upset, I promise.”

  “No, I’m sorry. I meant my father not liking it was actually a plus. I’m more than happy to help you any way I can. It would be an honor. Where are they located?”

  I threw my arms around Thames and hugged him tightly. “Thank you so much. Swim straight until you see a recently sunken ship, and then you may want to swim up. You should be able to see their boat not too far from there. Watch out for mermaids because I know they like to raid sunken ships.”

  “Will do. You can count on me.” Thames winked and left through the barrier without hesitation.

  I went in search of Eleanor and found her swimming in one of the pools. She noticed my frantic expression and jumped out of the water quickly.

  “What is it? What’s wrong?” she asked.

  I noticed the other sirens in the pool were openly staring and listening. “Walk with me and I’ll fill you in.”

  Eleanor’s hair was dripping wet, but she didn’t seem bothered by it as she followed me. She remained silent and patient while she waited until we were far enough away from prying ears to start the discussion.

  “I don’t even know where to begin, but I guess I should start with the pirates that captured me,” I said.

  “Oh, my dear, you were captured by pirates?” she exclaimed. “Were you harmed?”

  I proceeded to tell her about everything that happened in detail and ended my story with Steel missing. Once I finished, Eleanor cleared her throat and looked around to make sure we were still alone.

  “There is only one explanation,” she said as if the answer was the most obvious thing ever.

  I waited a few minutes, and when she didn’t say anything else, I yelled, “What is it?”

  She tsked. “The mermaids, of course.”

  “But neither the Kraken or I saw Steel’s body.”

  “That’s true. I don’t know then. There has to be something else we’re not seeing because I still think it’s the mermaids.”

  “What about the sirens? They could’ve done it too.”

  “That’s unlikely because they haven’t decided if they like you or not enough to make a move like that. Besides, they’re also terrified of mermaids getting ahold of them since not much time has passed since the attack.”

  “Well, that’s reassuring.”

  “I’m trying to come up with an answer, not be reassuring. What do you want our next move to be?”

  “I don’t really want to have sirens out looking for him. It's not their place and I can’t go looking without taking heat for being with a human.”

  “I could go search for him. I’m sure Peter wouldn’t mind joining me as well.”

  “That’s a viable option. Let’s go find him and ask.”

  “I’m sure he’s bugging Ada, the chef, for some more food. That’s usually where he’s at when I need him. The boy can stuff his face like no one else. I also think he secretly has a crush on Ada, but hasn’t asked her on a date yet.”

  “No way, are you serious?”

  Eleanor nodded with a sly smile and we made our way to the kitchen. Eleanor had been correct. Peter was stuffing his face with all types of food. There was a pile on his plate and Ada sat watching him with a smirk.

  “Good to know I can find you easily whenever there’s a problem,” I said mockingly and both he and Ada jumped in surprise.

  “Your Majesty, I—uh—um—I didn’t expect to see you here.” He smiled through his food.

  “Your Majesty,” Ada said with a bow.

  “I’m glad I finally have the opportunity to meet the head chef who cooks such delicious food,” I said.

  Ada blushed. “Thank you, Your Majesty. It’s such an honor to hear that coming from you. I hope I continue to please.”

  “Keep doing what you do and I don’t think I’ll ever be disappointed. Peter, can I borrow you for a moment? I want to know if you’ll help Eleanor with something. It’s a favor for me.”

  “Of course, of course. Give me a second.” He shoved as much food in his mouth as he could and we said our goodbyes to Ada.

  Peter led the way out of the kitchen. As we walked, I filled him in on what had happened and he quickly agreed to go with Eleanor.

  “I’m glad this helps you, and I mean no offense, but I would do anything to get out of this castle right now. I’m sick of being cooped up on these grounds.” Peter sighed.

  “Can’t say I blame you for that one.” I laughed.

  We reached the catastrophe that was once the enchanted garden and froze in our steps at what was waiting for us. Thames walked through the barrier with a strange expression on his face. But that wasn’t what was so odd. It was the mermaid that was waving behind him with a smirk on her face. She re
minded me of Serena with her slitted pupils, but this one had green hair and a green tail.

  “Why is there a mermaid waving at us?” Peter asked

  “She’s actually here to talk to Sera,” Thames explained. “The mermaids apparently have something you want, and to me, that something can only mean one thing.”

  A snarl slipped out as I said Steel’s name.

  “That’s what I was thinking, but she’s not telling me anything. She said she only wants to talk to you.”

  I bared my teeth and stomped by Thames and through the barrier.

  “Where is he?” I growled.

  The mermaid’s smile grew into something sinister. “What makes you think it’ll be that easy to acquire him? I’m not just simply going to tell you his location?”

  “You better or else there will be nothing left of you to return home.”

  “Those are just empty threats considering if you hurt me, you hurt your pirate as well.”

  There it was. The truth that they definitely had him. “What do you want from me?”

  “All King Triton wants is your necklace. Give him the necklace and he’ll give you your precious pirate.”

  “He can’t have my necklace. I just got it back, no thanks to him.”

  “That’s his offer. Take it or leave it, but I’m only here to escort you to him. Alone. Nobody else is allowed to follow.”

  “There’s no way I’m walking into a mermaid’s den alone. It’s not happening and that’s nonnegotiable.”

  “I don’t understand why you’re talking like you have a say in this. What I’m saying is nonnegotiable.”

  “If you hurt him, I’m going to kill every mermaid in existence.”

  “We’re back to empty threats?” The mermaid crossed her arms with a bored look.

  “There’s nothing empty about it and I’m going to start with you.”

  “Look, I’m leaving with or without you. You can follow me or don’t. It’s completely up to you and I don’t care either way.”

  We stared at each other for a few more tense moments before I relented. I knew that she had the upper hand. “All right, let me at least fill them in on what’s going on.”

  “You have exactly one minute—no longer. I’ll be counting the seconds in my head and will leave with or without you.”

  I snarled at her one more time before heading back towards Eleanor, Peter, and Thames who were all watching me with concerned expressions.

  “We heard everything, my dear,” Eleanor said when I reached them.

  “Are you going to give him the necklace?” Peter asked with his eyebrows knitted together.

  “Of course not, but I do think that a visit to King Triton has been long overdue,” I replied. “There are some things we need to discuss.”

  “Are you sure you don’t want us to go with you? It's risky going in alone,” Thames said.

  “I’m the daughter of Poseidon. I’m sure I can handle it.”

  “You can’t take on a whole hoard of mermaids by yourself. Nobody can.” Eleanor clicked her tongue.

  “Thanks for bringing me back to the sad truth of reality.” My voice was laced with sarcasm.

  “That’s what I’m here for.” Eleanor cackled, but sobered up quickly. “Be careful. You’ve only just become queen and we aren’t ready to lose you just yet. If I knew I could talk you out of this, I would. But you’re just as stubborn as your father. There’s no reasoning with you.”

  “He did the same thing with Mom, didn’t he?”

  Eleanor nodded with her mouth falling into a frown. “And he never came back.”

  “I have to admit I’m afraid you won’t come back either,” Peter said.

  “I will. I promise. I won’t leave you like my dad did. I’m not sure how things are going to work out with Steel, but I know my dad would want me to learn from his mistakes.”

  “Um, the mermaid’s leaving without you.” Peter pointed behind me.

  I cursed under my breath when I turned to see her retreating back. “I’ve got to go, but I promise I’ll be back. Remember, I always keep my promises.”

  “What should we tell the other sirens?” Peter asked.

  I paused in my exit. “Tell them that it’s time for the mermaids to pay for what they’ve done to us. After I’m done, they won’t mess with sirens ever again. Oh, and Thames? Can you still go help the guys?”

  “Don’t worry about them. I’ll make sure they get to Tortuga safely. Be careful,” Thames yelled as I crossed the barrier. “Trust no one.”

  I chased after the mermaid with my tail instead of my legs, but she didn’t glance back once to see if I was following her. I was surprised to catch up pretty easily, but she didn’t seem to care. She just pressed forward wordlessly.

  We swam for a couple of hours before we reached a large golden castle. It was similar to the siren one, except that the siren’s had white and silver colors. There wasn’t a barrier surrounding this castle either. They must’ve never had to worry about an attack, but that was soon going to change if I had something to do with it.

  I wasn’t here to fight if they accepted the olive branch I wanted to offer. I still wanted to strive for peace. However, if they refused it, I would make sure they regretted it with every breath they took. I would bring the wrath of Poseidon upon them and make them rue the day they crossed me.

  The innocent island girl who knew nothing of the outside world was gone. In her place stood a queen who was willing to do whatever it took to help her people. I would rule them during a time of peace one way or another.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Two mermen wielding sharpened spears opened the golden doors for us as we approached them. They glittered as they swung inward and the brilliance of their shine could compete with the sun for its glory.

  Mermaids and mermen watched me closely as I was led to another room. Some even spoke in a language that I didn’t understand. From their facial expressions, it couldn’t be anything good.

  It was difficult to not be awed by my surroundings, despite the situation. King Triton’s castle was as spectacular as our siren one on the inside as well. Jewels adorned the walls and various shiny artifacts were on display.

  My mermaid guide remained silent as we entered another set of double doors. I bit my tongue to keep from screaming out once we approached the front of the room. There, stuck in translucent bubble, was Steel.

  It surrounded his whole body and protected him from the water. His face was still beat up though and he looked paler than usual. He was floating in midair with his eyes closed and a merman stood under him. The merman had thick golden locks with a glinting yellow crown on his head and a full beard jutting out from his chin. His tail matched his hair as it shimmered like the sun. I could see why his castle was gold. The color gold represented him.

  It was as if Steel was a trophy being displayed for everyone to see. A slimy smile of victory adorned King Triton’s face as he waited for me to draw near.

  “So, this is the famous Sera that I’ve heard so much about.” King Triton’s voice dripped like honey from his tongue. “News of your success on discovering the siren necklace has spread swiftly. I was hoping you’d bring it with you and am pleased to see it hanging from your neck. What I didn’t expect was for you to remind me so much of your mother. You’re as beautiful as she was.”

  “Release Steel, now,” I demanded.

  King Triton let out a booming laugh that nearly made the castle shake. “I believe you heard that I desire the necklace in return.”

  I had formulated a plan in my head, and now it was time to execute it.

  I unlatched the necklace and held it out for him. “If you want it, come and take it,” I said in an intimidating voice to match his.

  King Triton shook his head. “Hand it to Indra and she will bring it to me.”

  He motioned to the mermaid I’d forgotten was still standing next to me. I grimaced, but did as he asked. She had no sooner taken it into her palms when a scr
eam escaped her lips. Bubbles erupted around the necklace, turning the mermaid’s hands red, then black. I watched with wide eyes as it continued to spread up her arms.

  King Triton interrupted my moment of shock. “Take it back from her!”

  I realized that saving this mermaid was the last thing I wanted to do. King Triton should be the one turning to ash instead of her. It was his fault for not taking the necklace and for even wanting it in the first place.

  “If she dies, I’ll make your precious pirate pay for it,” he said through gritted teeth.

  I narrowed my eyes at him and snatched the necklace back from her. When I did, her arms crumbled to ash all the way up to her shoulders, and she fell backwards, unconscious.

  King Triton beckoned to someone behind me, but I couldn’t take my eyes off the mermaid. “Take Indra to the healer. Make sure she is taken care of.”

  One merman lifted her tail and another grabbed her shoulders. I watched as they carried her out and shut the doors behind them. I turned back to King Triton and fixed a glare on him.

  “You were just going to let her die,” he said more than asked.

  I crossed my arms. “I was.”

  “You may possess your mom’s beauty, but you don’t have her kind and gentle spirit.”

  “Or maybe I’m still pissed at you for all the damage you caused to the siren castle, including killing my dad.”

  “Oh, yeah… that.”

  “Yeah. That. Had you forgotten about killing your former best friend?”

  “No, it just wasn’t on the agenda.”

  “Really? Then what is? I’d like to see this agenda so I can make some corrections to it.”

  “Bite your tongue, Sera. I’m still a king and you will not speak to me in such a manner.”

  “Well, thanks to you, I’m now a queen so have every right to address you how I see fit. From my perspective, you’re an enemy standing in my way and destroying my kind.”

  King Triton rubbed his face with his enormous hand and let out a deep sigh. “This isn’t going the way I’d hoped.”

  “You mean, you were planning on me giving you whatever you wanted, correct?”