The Pirate's Princess (Sirens & Steel Book 2)

by Bethany Wicker

  “Where do my siblings live?” I sort of wanted to meet them.

  “They reside with their mothers in different parts of the ocean. They were seen as failures for not inheriting the royal blood.”

  I cringed at that. She said “mothers” as in more than one… but I really didn’t want to know more about them just yet. Instead, I went with, “This isn’t the only place sirens can live?”

  “No, your father is our one true king, but we don’t have to live near him. We can live wherever we choose, but some like to remain close to Siren’s Call because it’s our safe haven.”

  “If it’s so safe then why is the barrier weakening?”

  “It’s because we’ve been without Poseidon’s necklace for so long. The longer it’s lost, the weaker we become.”

  “What does the necklace even look like?”

  “It’s made of pure gold, like King Triton’s trident. The pendant is a ‘P’ and where the ‘P’ goes down, it forms an upside down trident. If you haven’t realized, the trident is the symbol of Poseidon.”

  “Yeah, my dad taught me that, but you have no idea where I’m supposed to find it?”

  “According to the prophecy, you should’ve already been to its location at least once before you arrived here. Being close to it is what fully awakened your power. Did you have any weird experiences on the pirate ship or maybe on another island?”

  I mulled over the answer to that question. The weather reacted to my emotions while I was on the ship, but that couldn’t be it. That was too simple to be what she was referring to, so it must be something else.

  Then, it hit me.

  The island with the cannibals.

  I recalled feeling so powerful and invincible while I was there. Steel and the others said I even glowed a bluish color. The cannibals said they’d been waiting for me. Could they really have meant for me to retrieve the necklace from them? The longer I thought on it, the more it made sense.

  “I think I know where the necklace is,” I said softly.

  “You do? Where is it?” Eleanor exclaimed.

  “Um… if my assumption is correct, then it’s hiding in a pool on a cannibal infested island.”

  “Where’s the island located?”

  “That’s the thing… Steel had a map that led us to it. I have no idea how to find it without his help.”

  Eleanor stared at me and I could see her processing what I just said. “The others aren’t going to like you getting help from a human. They shouldn’t even know about the existence of our necklace, let alone help us find it.”

  “Nobody has to like it. It’s the best option if they want their powers to be restored.”

  “I will talk about it with your father and his other advisers to see if we can come up with a plan. For now, let’s continue your princess training.”

  “The necklace isn’t more important than me learning how to act like a princess?”

  “They are of equal importance because you must learn to control your powers before you can wear the necklace.”

  “How does teaching me to be a princess help me control my power?”

  “It will awaken the full siren within you that has remained dormant until now. If you can’t harness your siren abilities, then the necklace will be a useless piece of gold. It won’t do us any good if you can’t utilize the magic in the pendant.”

  “All right, what else do I need to know?”

  Eleanor smiled wickedly. “Control.”

  Chapter Five

  “Take a few deep, calming breaths,” Eleanor instructed.

  “I already did,” I said, starting to feel frustrated.

  Eleanor had cleared out the enchanted garden for me to practice calling on my magic. We’d been here for a couple of hours with no luck. I didn’t know I had magic within me before today, so I wasn’t surprised to be having so much trouble. That didn’t stop it from being annoying though.

  “Well, take a couple more.”

  “How do deep breaths help again?”

  “You need to breathe to live, but the deep breaths help clear your mind. You’re thinking about it too hard and need to relax.”

  “Can we take a break? I can’t relax when I’m being put on the spot like this.”

  “I’m guiding you, not putting you on the spot.” Eleanor crossed her arms and it was the first time I saw this patient woman growing angry. “The sooner you understand that the better.”

  “You know, I’m supposed to be a princess, yet you talk to me as if I’m a child.”

  “It’s because you have a lot to learn before you can fully step into your title.”

  “I feel like you two shouldn’t be left alone for extended periods of time,” Dad said as he came into view. “It’s usually hard to get under Eleanor’s skin. I’m not surprised to see Sera was the one to crack you though. She’s very hard-headed and stubborn, just like her mother.”

  “Only her mother?” Eleanor quirked an eyebrow.

  “Okay, okay.” Dad chuckled. “I guess she gets some of it from me too.”

  “Your Highness, we have some things to discuss. Sera says she needs a break and I think your arrival couldn’t have been better timed.”

  “Everything okay, Sera?” Dad asked and his eyes swam with concern.

  “Yeah, it’s just frustrating trying to call on my magic,” I replied and released a sigh.

  “That’s to be expected. You’re new to all of this, so it’ll take you some time to adapt. How about you take dip in the enchanted pool? Maybe it’ll hold some answers for you.”

  “Can you make sure everybody else stays out of here for a little longer? I need some time alone.”

  “Of course. I’ll post some guards that will keep the others out until you’re finished. Take all of the time you need. Do you need me to get you something before I leave with Eleanor?”

  “No, I’m good. Thank you, Dad.” I smiled at him gratefully.

  “Anytime, sweetheart.”

  He and Eleanor left as quickly as he’d come. I was wearing a thin, forest-green dress that went all the way down to my feet. It wasn’t made to swim in, but I didn’t care as I stepped closer to the alluring pool. Its clear, blue water beckoned me as it glimmered like diamonds. The fountain splashed more water into the pool and made little ripples.

  Before I could think too much about it, I placed my foot onto the first step. As soon as my skin made contact with the water, a thrill went through me. It hummed and pulsed and compelled me to stick my other foot in as well.

  Once both feet were submerged, the thrill turned into waves of peace. I felt everything and nothing all at once. My lips morphed into a wide grin as I walked down onto the second stair. It was the first time I noticed the steps were made of stone. They were smooth like marble though and as I reached the fourth and final one, the water stopped just below my chest. It wasn’t cold and it wasn’t warm. Instead, the temperature was perfection and I felt as if I’d stepped into bliss.

  My toes curled and my mind went blank. My instincts told me to dunk my head under and there was nothing else I wanted to do more than that. The water tickled my scalp and clung to my hair as I dove down. My gills kicked in when I didn’t come up for air. Instead of resurfacing, I sat at the bottom of the pool. My eyes closed and I breathed in deeply through my gills. The layers of the green dress floated around me and I was finally beginning to feel like a princess. The power that surged into me from the water made me want to scream with relief.

  Suddenly, it felt like something was caressing my mind as it searched for answers. Answers to what, I couldn’t tell and I didn’t care. The magic opened my thoughts and I saw Steel smiling in front of me. For half a second, I was convinced he was really in the water with me, until my fingers went right through him.

  “I miss you,” Steel said as clear as day.

  It made me realize that I yearned to hear his voice again and again. “What are you doing here?”

  “I’m here to help you see where you
’re supposed to go. Well, I’m sure you’ve gathered that it isn’t really me, but I’m the form your mind desires to see.”

  “How is this possible though?”

  “It’s the magic in the water. It utilizes your desires to give you a familiar form to talk to.”

  “So, you’re the water speaking then?”

  “No, I’m the magic. The same thing that flows through your body. I can feel the magic humming in your veins. It wants to be released, but you won’t let it.”

  “I’m trying, but it isn't responding to me.”

  “Because you aren’t using your heart. You’re working with your brain when you need to trust your heart and your instincts.”

  “But my instincts tell me I need to find you.”

  “Then, find me.”

  Steel vanished so quickly that I would’ve missed it if I’d blinked. I looked around to see that he wasn’t anywhere in sight. My body trembled for a moment and I looked down to see my arms were glowing blue. So was the rest of me.

  I twirled in the water and rejoiced as the feeling of invincibility return. I could do anything and I knew what I had to do. I would find Steel and he was going to be the one to help me find the necklace. He was the answer to everything.

  I placed my feet on the ground and stood up. My head came out of the water and I took in some fresh air. My gills closed simultaneously and I felt like a new person. My skin was still illuminated as I took the steps out of the pool.

  The guards gawked with wide eyes and open mouths as I walked by them. They followed in step behind me, as to be expected. My vision was crisper, my hearing was sharper, and my feet felt lighter as I moved.

  The door to my dad’s private room was unlocked and I swung it open. Five people sat around the table. My dad, Eleanor, two unfamiliar guys, and one unfamiliar lady. All of them stared at me with expressions that matched the guards.

  “You did it,” Eleanor whispered. She was the only one who looked more amazed and excited rather than surprised.

  Dad cleared his throat. “Sera, you’re um… glowing.”

  “This isn’t normal?” I asked.

  “I can’t say I’ve ever glowed like that,” Dad replied. “What do you all think?”

  Eleanor was quick to answer. “I think it’s another piece of proof that she’s the Fated Princess. Her powers will be greater than even yours, Your Highness.”

  “It is a peculiar sight,” a man with long black hair and dark brown eyes said. “Forgive me for not introducing myself, Princess.” He rose and then bowed before continuing, “My name is Roderick. I am one of your father’s advisers.”

  The other man who had short auburn hair copied Roderick. “And I am Peter.”

  The girl was last and she simply inclined her head. “I’m Pricilla.”

  I grinned at them. “I sure know how to make a first impression, huh?”

  “You certainly do.” Pricilla flashed her teeth in an attempt at a pleasant smile, but it was more animal-like than mine.

  All of a sudden, the glowing stopped and it felt as if every drop of energy had been zapped from my body. My feet grew unsteady and I wobbled. A guard steadied me from behind and Dad moved forward.

  “Are you okay?”

  “I’m t-tired. I need to sit.”

  The guard and Dad guided me to an empty chair and I fell into it. Nobody said anything as they gave me the time I needed to calm my ragged breaths.

  “Eleanor, did you tell them about the island?” I asked once enough energy had returned to speak.

  “I did,” she answered. “Are you all right with continuing this discussion?”

  “I’m fine, just worn down.”

  “That I remember being normal. My magic used to take a toll on me when I first started using it too,” Dad said. “You’ll build your stamina up and soon, using your power will come naturally. You won’t have to worry about something like this happening again.”

  “I’ll have to start practicing control more often now that I know how to call on it.” I smiled weakly. “Any word on Steel’s location?”

  “Eon hasn’t been able to track him down yet,” Dad replied. “He’ll keep searching and report back once he has news. He’s only had one day to look. Give him some more time. He’ll pull through. He always does.”

  “Are we enlisting Steel’s help?” I asked. “Eleanor said you all would have to discuss it first.”

  “Well, that’s what we were doing, but we haven’t come to an agreement,” Dad replied.

  “Why not? It’s simple. If you all want the necklace back, then we’re going to need his help to find the island.”

  Pricilla cleared her throat, drawing my attention successfully. “You claim he has a map, yet we received word that his boat is at the bottom of the ocean. Is the map on the ship? If so, it must be ruined from being submerged under water for so long.”

  I chewed my lip. I’d forgotten that detail. I’d been trying to find any excuse to see Steel that I didn’t think the facts all the way through.

  “Should we send a search party to the pirate ship then?” Roderick asked.

  “The mermaids have probably already raided it,” Pricilla said. “Those greedy creatures never hesitate when it comes to a sunken ship, especially a pirate one.”

  “Yeah, but they only look for shiny things. I doubt they would take any interest in a piece of paper,” Eleanor added.

  “Maybe I could go check it out. After all, I’ve seen the map before so I know what it looks like,” I suggested.

  Dad’s face reddened. “Absolutely not. Like Pricilla said, it’s probably destroyed, so I don’t think it’s worth the risk.”

  “We should at least try.”

  “No, and that’s my final answer. Sera, I’m not risking you going out there and being vulnerable to a mermaid attack.”

  “They haven’t tried to attack me before, but sirens have.”

  “Have you encountered a mermaid before?”

  “Well, no, but—”

  “Then, you don’t understand how vicious they are. They have a vendetta against the sirens and attack any that they cross paths with.”

  “But why? It’s hard to believe that the only reason is that they’re jealous of us. There has to be something else.”

  “Sera, drop it. All you need to focus on right now is fully controlling your power. I’ll feel better about you retrieving the necklace once I know you can protect yourself.”

  “Dad, I made it this far on my own. I’m pretty sure I can handle finding a necklace.”

  “Please, Sera. For once, don’t argue. I’m not going to risk losing you. Never again.”

  I bit the inside of my cheek to keep from saying something else. If I really wanted, I could argue until both of our faces were blue, but I understood where he was coming from. He’d just lost Mom and thought he’d lost me too. I would do as he said. For now.

  “Okay, Dad. Eleanor, should we pick our lessons back up?”

  She shook her head. “No, I think it’s best you work alone for the remainder of the day. You seem to have more control when others aren’t looking. I also think you should continue working in the Healing Pool. Guards, can you see to it that it’s vacated for our princess?”

  The guards who were still lingering behind me collectively said, “Yes, ma’am.”

  “I’ll see you at dinner?” Dad asked.

  “Of course,” I replied. “Will it be here or in the main dining room?”

  “It’s customary for us to eat dinner with everyone. We’re free to do as we please for breakfast and lunch, but dinner is to be shared with everyone.”

  I nodded to let him know I understood and left quickly to escape everyone’s analyzing stares. I figured outside might not be much better, but I was pleasantly surprised. Instead of being upset about being kept out of the enchanted garden for the second time, the sirens smiled at me and wished me luck. It was confusing at first, but then I realized that they were cheering me on because they wanted
me to get stronger. That way, I could find the necklace and restore their power.

  There was always a selfish reason behind good intentions.

  Chapter Six

  I’d just finished practicing and had been walking with Eleanor when Thames cut us off. “Hello, My Lady. I have come to ask if you would walk with me in the gardens after dinner tonight. I’ve already booked the time slot, so it would just be me and you.” He flashed his white teeth in a charming grin.

  I was about to tell him no, when Eleanor jumped in and answered before I could, “Of course, she’d be delighted.”

  “Excellent, I will see you after dinner then. I look forward to it.”

  “Me too,” I said with a fake smile.

  Thames bowed low and left us alone again. When he was out of sight, I turned to Eleanor. “What did you do that for? I don’t really want to walk with him.”

  “I told you that you need to make friends, and the only way to start is by saying yes when they ask you to do something.” She cackled.

  “Well, I’m also the princess and you said I get to do whatever I want.”

  “You’ll be thanking me for this one day. One friend in the court can make a world of a difference during your reign. Thames’s family holds a lot of power and are seen as nobles. They’re of the old blood too, but not Poseidon’s like yours. He would be a powerful ally to have on your side. Now, go on and get ready for dinner. I’ll send for Alda to come assist you.”

  “Thank you. That’s perfect because I could use a bath with how sore my muscles are. I think I’m pushing them too far.”

  “Nonsense, you’re just building up their stamina too.”

  “I guess that’s true.”

  She smiled at me one last time before leaving to get ready in her quarters.

  ***

  Dinner that night flew by unusually fast. It was probably because I wasn’t looking forward to spending time with Thames. I was just going to make a fool of myself. Dad was happy to hear that I would be hanging out with a siren. He thought I spent too much time alone and that it was unhealthy. I, on the other hand, didn’t mind the quiet after a day of training.