The Pirate's Princess

by Bethany Wicker

  “I never realized just how much I really missed being on the water.” I took a deep breath and savored it. “It’s completely different from living under the surface.”

  “It never gets old to me,” Steel said. “Gregor says we’ll be at the island in a couple of days. The crew isn’t too happy about it, but they’ll get over it.”

  “I don’t want to upset them, but at least they won’t have to come on the island this time. What happened to the others? Why have so few joined you this time? There’s not even half the amount as there was before.”

  “Not many pirates are into actively searching for sirens. They feared for their lives and didn’t want to have any part of it. I had to set some of them straight when they attempted to fight me for the captain position, but it all worked out in the end. Some pirates are loyal, not all, and it seems I’ve discovered which ones are dependable. Most of the guys know I’ll get them some gold, but some of them missed you too. Like Bastian, Gregor, and Felix for example. You left an impression on these men after fighting the Kraken and chasing it away like you did.”

  “How do you think they feel about me being friends with the Kraken now?”

  “I know Bastian doesn’t like it. He’s still very upset about Barty’s death. He doesn’t like to talk about it, but you can see it in his haunted expressions with every glance.”

  My gut twisted with guilt. Barty had been killed when the Kraken attacked The Sea Nymph’s Revenge. Bastian was the type of guy who was always smiling, but when he lost his brother Barty, it left a hole inside of him. Barty was a sweet and easy-going guy. He and Bastian would often be found laughing together at some inside joke. Since I’ve been on this ship, the only time I’d seen Bastian smile was after I first arrived. Since then, his mouth had permanently been twisted into a frown.

  “I hate that Barty is no longer with us,” I whispered.

  “I do too. He was a good pirate and a good man. Always did whatever you asked of him. He was someone I could count on.” Steel let out a breath. “It’s definitely a lot quieter without him, but I’m not sure if that’s a good thing. You could always expect a good laugh with Barty around. We could use more of those around here these days.”

  We fell into a comfortable silence as we both recalled our memories with Barty. I wasn’t sure who else had been lost during that battle, but I knew Barty’s death was the hardest for everyone to swallow.

  I could see why other people from his former crew didn’t want to join Steel on his search for me. They'd just lost their home and some of their friends. I wouldn’t want to go on what seemed to be a hopeless quest either. It made me wonder what they were all doing right now. Had they found another crew to join? Either way I hoped they were happy.

  “I’m going to go check in with the men at their stations before they break off to eat,” Steel said. “Meet you in the dining room?”

  I simply nodded and he stole a kiss before leaving. Those words sent me back to my father, but there was enough on my mind without him plaguing it. I would make it up to him once I found the necklace.

  It was almost lunchtime but I didn’t have much of an appetite. Even though I was back with Steel, my heart felt like it crumbling all over again at the fear of what was going to happen next. I didn’t know how things would turn out. I didn’t know if I would survive the island, but I had to try. All of the sirens were counting on me, especially my dad.

  I didn’t realize how long I’d been standing there until Steel returned to my side.

  “Here, I brought you some junk,” he said as he handed me the dried piece of meat.

  I took it from him even though my stomach turned at the thought of food.

  “What’s wrong?” he asked when I didn’t say anything.

  “Nothing, my stomach just feels a little queasy.” I replied.

  “Is it still because of the cannibals on the island?”

  I nodded with a grimace.

  “You’re going to be fine, Sera. Nothing’s going to happen to you.”

  “How can you know that for sure, especially when I feel like I’m walking to my death?”

  “The gods wouldn’t have returned you to me just to take you away again.”

  “Wouldn’t they though? Aren’t they twisted like that? This could all just be some sick joke and I’m in the center of it.”

  “Weren’t you saying last night that you’re destined to find this necklace?”

  “Yes, if it’s true that I’m the so-called Fated Princess, but I don’t feel much like a princess.”

  “Instead of sitting here worrying about everything you can’t control, how about you show Bastian some of the powers you discovered. He still brags about your glowing fingers to the other men who didn’t get to see it.”

  “Sounds good and hopefully it’ll cheer him up.”

  And that was how I spent the remainder of the day. Entertaining pirates with my glowing ability. You would’ve thought they were children watching some magic show with how bright their eyes lit up.

  Chapter Ten

  There it was. The island that I’d hoped I would never have to see again. The beautiful green trees were misleading. Instead of holding peace, they hid death behind their leaves.

  I could feel Steel’s anxiety as he stood next to me. He didn’t want to be here either, but I was happy he’d given me the ride without complaint. I could see people waiting on the edge of the island and they had to be the cannibals. My stomach lurched at of the memory of their sharp teeth. The ship slowed to stop and Steel ordered for the anchor to be dropped.

  “Are you sure you want to do this?” Steel asked in a shaky voice.

  “It’s not really like I have a choice.” I sighed.

  “And you’re certain you don’t want me to go with you?”

  “They can’t kill me because I’m protected by Poseidon’s blood that flows through me. You on the other hand are fair game.”

  “I still don’t like the idea of you going in there without me.”

  “Don’t worry, it’ll all turn out okay. This is what I’m supposed to be doing. This is what I was born for.”

  “No, you were born to be my woman.”

  “Oh yeah, who says that?”

  “I do, and that’s all that matters.”

  He planted a kiss on my lips, but someone cleared their throat behind us.

  “Sorry to interrupt,” I twisted my neck to see Gregor scratching the back of his head. “We sighted a mermaid and wanted to check with you Sera before attacking it.”

  “Oh, thank you. That must be Serena. She was probably following the ship looking for me. Where is she?” I asked.

  “She was spotted on the back right side of the ship. I don’t know if she realizes we spotted her or not, but Bastian saw her poke her head up.”

  “Okay, I’ll go check and see what she wants before I head to the island. She’s a friend so you guys don’t have to worry about her. She won’t do anything.”

  “Since when are you friends with a mermaid?” Steel asked as he stopped me from leaving.

  “Since a few days ago. They aren’t as bad as you think just like pirates aren’t either. I’m glad to have the real you back.”

  “I still can’t believe I did all of those things to the sirens and have no recollection of it.”

  “That would be because you’re cursed.”

  “Why can’t I remember any of it? Being cursed or anything that I do while it’s active?”

  “I have no explanation for that but I’m going to do my best to find out. For now, I have some cannibals to face.”

  Steel grabbed my waist to stop me from walking away. “Be careful, Sera. Promise me you won’t take any unnecessary risks.”

  I smiled at him. “I promise.”

  He kissed me on the lips again, but this time more passionately, and Gregor didn’t interrupt. This kiss wasn’t a kiss of goodbye though. It was a kiss of promise. A promise that everything would be okay because I knew the demons on that
island wouldn’t hurt me.

  The rest of the crew were lined up to see me off and nodded at me in farewell. Fear was etched onto their faces. Bastian pulled me in for a quick hug and wished me luck. I dove into the cold water head first and found Serena waiting for me.

  “Took you long enough.” She quirked an eyebrow. “Found your pirate I suppose?”

  “What are you doing here? I figured you would wait for me in your cave. How’s that siren doing? Was I correct on my assumption that it was my dad’s guy Eon?” I stared at her expectantly.

  “I came to make sure you found your pirate and the location of the necklace. You were correct about that guy being your dad’s look out, and he wasn’t too happy about waking up to a mermaid.”

  “I’m sure he wasn’t, but hopefully that’ll all change soon. We start with the necklace today and then bring peace to the others.”

  “I don’t see how you have so much hope in something as preposterous as mermaids and sirens becoming friends.”

  “Look at us. We’re getting along.”

  “While that’s true, I’m also not like other mermaids Being alone for so long doesn’t really make me picky about who I make friends with.”

  "Is that why I’m the same way? Is it because we’ve tasted what being alone feels like?”

  Serena shrugged. “I think so. Aren’t those who are lonely seek out companionship?”

  “Maybe, but I guess we’ll find out if everyone can get along when this is all over with. I’m not really looking forward to facing these cannibals again.”

  “Can I eat one of them if they get close enough?”

  “I’m a little leery of your diet, but go ahead and feel free to eat one of them if you’d like. I don’t think they’ll taste very good though.”

  “Never know until you try.”

  “Yuck. I’m going to pretend I didn’t hear that. Wish me luck.”

  “Good luck.” Serena smiled encouragingly.

  I swam closer to the island thinking of how much quicker I would be if I had a tail. Once again, I also found myself wondering what it would feel like in that form, but I would be finding out soon enough. If everything went like it was supposed to at least.

  The water was becoming shallower and I found myself able to stand with my head above water. I recognized the leader as soon as he pushed forward and flashed his sharp teeth. I grimaced and willed myself to stay strong as I got within hearing range.

  “Daughter of Poseidon, you have returned even though you are unwanted. We were trying to help you and yet, you denied us a meal,” he growled.

  “I denied you my friends, yes, but I’ve come for the necklace. That is what you have for me, isn’t it?” I asked

  He clicked his tongue. “It may or may not be, but unfortunately you are the only one who will know what you seek. We were only told to protect it until the Fated Princess comes to claim it. I have a feeling that person is you, yet you do not deserve the title.”

  "Doesn’t matter if I deserve it or not, it is what it is. Look, I don’t want to be here as much as you don’t want me here, but we’re both doing our jobs. Now, are you going to escort me to the pool or not? I’d like to get this over with as quickly as possible.”

  “Our fate is tied to yours princess, so yes, I’ll show you to the enchanted pool. Right this way.”

  He started walking away without waiting for me to follow, so I quickly scrambled after him.

  The people mumbled incoherent words as I passed, and all of them bared their teeth at me. My muscles were tensed and at the ready if one of them decided to attack, but no one did. Instead, they allowed me to pass and even left an open path that led to their leader. He didn’t say anything to me after I caught up to him, so I followed him in silence.

  We didn’t stop—not even when I stumbled over roots and rocks—until we reached the familiar pool. It called to me as it had the previous time I was here. The crystal clear water beckoned me like a waving hand or the smell of a freshly cooked meal.

  “As you know, what you seek is in there. The water is infused with Poseidon’s powers.” The leader pointed to the pool. “Follow the water and it will lead you to a cave. Only the true child of Poseidon will be able to touch the item you seek. Any other who dares will be punished by death.”

  I raised my eyebrows at him. “I get that you’re doing this for Poseidon, but what do you get out of helping me? I thank you for bringing me here and all, but you don’t seem like the most helpful people by nature.”

  “We do not have to share our story with you, young one, but I will so you may learn from it. We have been stuck in this state for centuries. We grew up during the darkest of ages where there was little water and even less food, so we turned to eating other humans. It destroyed our souls, but we were willing to pay the price at the time. However, when the gods learned of what we’d done, they cursed us to this ever-hungry, never satisfied state. We are stuck like this until we are pardoned by the gods. Helping you will make Poseidon happy, and in return will grant us eternal peace.

  “All we want is to move on to the underworld because no one should be alive for as long as we have. Young princess, nobody should feast on the flesh of their brothers and sisters. We deserve what we got, but are looking to rectify what we’ve done. It is said that the Fated Princess may be the only one to restore peace, but I don’t want to wait around to see it. Now, reclaim what was taken and become who you’re supposed to be. Set us free from this torture.”

  I had no words to say to him after he spoke his truth, so I just nodded and stepped closer to the pool. The waterfall trickled down into it and created ripples and bubbles as fish swim underneath it. Without allowing myself any more time to think about what I was doing, I jumped right in.

  It felt like I had entered the enchanted pool back at Siren’s Call. It was pure ecstasy. Clarity filled my mind and all darkness within me was cast away. I swam deeper and found a tunnel waiting for me. It took a few minutes before I came out on the other side and found a hidden cavern, just like the leader had said I would. Crystals dangled from the roof and piles of gold littered the floor. How was I supposed to find a necklace in this mess? Certainly not by standing around with my mouth hanging open.

  I began my search with the nearest pile of gold and figured I would work my way around the room, so I wouldn’t miss anything. I didn’t think I would have to look hard because I assumed it should’ve been something easy to see. It was something of great importance after all and shouldn’t be hidden beneath a pile of trinkets.

  It wasn’t until I was halfway across the room that my eyes landed on the silver necklace that rested on top of a blue velvet pillow. It was exactly how Eleanor had described. The pendant was “P” with an upside down trident. There were no jewels, but that didn’t take away from its beauty.

  I gingerly lifted it up and discovered the pendant felt warm. As soon as my fingers came in contact with the metal, a surge of power shot through me. It felt the same as it did the last time I was here on this island except stronger and wilder. The blue glow was starting to return to my skin. My fingertips were the first to become illuminated and it worked its way up my arms.

  “Put it on, my child,” a male voice said out of nowhere.

  The suddenness of it caused me to nearly jump out of my skin. I looked around but didn’t see anyone.

  “Don’t be frightened,” the voice added. “The necklace will allow you to see me once it’s hanging from your neck.”

  The voice echoed with power and I felt myself obeying its commands. I unclasped the necklace, put it on, and fiddled with it until the two ends were latched together again.

  Once the necklace was around my neck, the cavern morphed into a room full of bright white decorations. There were no windows and the ocean could be seen no matter which way you looked.

  A man stood in front of me. He was tall and had golden-like tanned skin and short dark brown hair. He was so good looking that it was hard to keep my gaze on him. It
was painful to the eyes if I stared too long. Dark stubble was on his face and he had crystal clear blue eyes. He radiated power and I knew who this was without having to ask. The name reverberated all the way to my bones. Poseidon.

  “I knew you’d have the strength and courage to wear this necklace,” he said in a booming voice that shook the room.

  “Is it really you? Are you Poseidon?” I asked without fully looking at him.

  He chuckled and it was musical. “Yes, it’s really me. I’ve been eager to meet you in person. I’ve watched you grow from birth, my Fated Princess.”

  “But y-you’re Poseidon,” I stuttered. “Why would you be worried about someone like me?”

  “I’m sure you already realize that you’re not just simply you. There’s nothing ordinary about you. Being part-siren and part-human with my blood in your veins opens up your power to new levels that others cannot access. You are called the Fated Princess for a reason.”

  “What am I destined for besides finding a necklace? Is it possible for me to restore peace?”

  He shrugged his broad shoulders. “It’s a possibility, but not a guarantee. It depends on what happens after you leave here. There is someone among you who is going to betray you. I don’t know who. The fates will not tell me a name.”

  “The fates? You mean the three old ladies that share one eye? They’re real?”

  “We’re all real. Not just a bedtime story for you to fall asleep to.”

  “I didn’t mean any disrespect. This is just so overwhelming and confusing and I’m still not sure I understand what’s going on.”

  “Your mind has been transported here, but your body is still back in the cavern. When we are finished with our conversation, you will awaken there. Where you go from there is up to you.”

  “Where should I go?”

  “That is entirely up to you. You have restored the power to the sirens as it should be, but your path still isn’t clear. There are so many changes you can bring to the sea and land. It all depends on where you go from here.”