“How did you get past the guards?”
The Pirate King shrugs, drifting toward a concrete sculpture and trailing a finger along the surface. “They looked a bit tired, so we offered them a nap.”
“Get. Your hands. Off of that.” Alix glowers at her.
The Pirate King stops, cocking one hip and resting her elbows on the hilt of her sword. “I’ll be brief. Your little brother and his sidesquad ran into some trouble on the road. I ensured his safe passage back here.”
“Great. You want a medal?”
“I want compensation.”
Alix barks a laugh. “You’ve got some balls, barging in here, ransoming a prince of Hyrax and making demands in my home.”
“It’s only fair. Hand over the gold, and we can all walk away happy.”
“Alix, just do it,” Eaton says. “I promised her.”
“You promised to pay your kidnapper? Where is your backbone, Eaton?”
“I had to, Alix. Just do it, we had a deal.”
“Look at that. Your brother is a man of honor after all.”
If looks could kill, Eaton would be a pile of ash.
“Well. How much?” Alix bites.
Bronyn reaches into his pocket and hands her the wrinkled wanted flyer.
The Pirate King inspects her nails with indifference. “Triple that sum should do it.”
“Triple? We agreed on double!” Eaton bursts.
She shrugs a lean shoulder. “I’m running a business here.”
“Wait here,” Alix growls, before disappearing around the corner.
The Pirate King scuffs her heels as she meanders through the foyer. “This place is hideous,” she says appreciatively.
Alix returns with another guard holding two large sacks. He dumps them at the pirates’ feet, a few coins spilling out onto the cold stone floor.
“There’s your ransom. Take it and get out before I change my mind.”
“Gladly.” The Pirate King removes her hat, crosses it over her chest, and bends to her outstretched leg in a low, graceful bow. “Pleasure working with you. Let’s do it again sometime.”
With a snap of her fingers, we’re released. She’s almost to the door when Kai slides in front of her.
“Princeling. You’re in my way.”
“I’ll see you again.”
“Not if I can help it.”
Kai breaks into an elusive smile, lifting her hand to his lips. She takes a step closer.
“Move.”
“Oh, yes.” He nods, a glint in his ocean eyes. “I’ll most definitely see you again.”
