The Pirate Empress

by K R Martin

  “And I thought coming to the Dawn Chaser would be a good place to be alone,” Renee spoke back, even though her eyes remained focused on the sea before her.

  “I’m sorry, I can go...”

  “No, it’s alright. Want to join me?”

  Rustling sounds answered as Caleb moved to her side, also leaning on the railing. Silence covered the ship, and she appreciated it. The sea remained her focus, the waves rolling before her. Though the moon was still fairly new, the stars shone brightly against the dark blue. She might love the sea, but there really was something beautiful about it at night.

  “You ready for tomorrow?” Caleb finally asked.

  “You mean am I ready to travel into enemy territory to watch my husband marry another?” Bitterness seeped into her voice before she could stop it. “I’m scared. I’m scared of being found out, of failing. I can’t shake this terror that I’m forgetting something, that something is going to go wrong.”

  “Renee,” his hand squeezed her shoulder. “It will be alright. We might be up against a powerful man, admittedly one with a somewhat large army, but you have a lot of allies who have your back. The empire’s princess is on your side. We can do this. You can do this.”

  “Thank you. I don’t know why I’m so afraid. I can’t reason it out, and it’s making me angry. I want to hit something.”

  “Well, I have my sword. And I still owe you a sound thrashing.”

  “Oh, you think you can best me?”

  “One of these days I will,” he joked as he danced back.

  “You can dream.” she retorted as she pulled her sword out.

  “Hey, sometimes dreams do come true.” he pulled his own sword out and Renee couldn’t help but chuckle in response. “Come on. Let’s relieve some tension and hone some skills.”

  “Prepare yourself for a sound thrashing.”

  “Funny, I was about to say the same to you.”

  Renee released the laugh and prepared to lunge, giving her sword and heart free reign. She was going to enjoy this.

  Chapter 35

  Cheers reached the ship from the shore as it pulled away from the docks. Will, of course stood at the railing, waving farewell. Willy and Rosa took their places on either side, waving with lots of enthusiasm. Near Will stood Desiree, smiling politely, but Renee could see the tension from where she stood near Caleb. Not that she blamed the girl; all their futures rested at the end of this trip.

  “Well, here we are again,” Caleb said.

  “Brings back memories?” Renee asked.

  “Not so much the cheering, but you and me sailing off on another adventure. Granted, we haven’t quite had this much at stake.”

  “True. The cheers do bring back some memories, though...”

  “I’m sorry, I kind of forgot.”

  “It’s alright.” Renee wished she didn’t have those memories. The people did cheer for them once, when they sailed for the new world just after they defeated Andre. Then, she and Will stood together, bidding their people farewell. Being attacked right before they returned still made Renee apprehensive. Those memories haunted her, and she wondered if she’d ever be free of nearly dying.

  “At least you’ll be free of the Retanny imbeciles during the journey,” Caleb spoke brightly.

  “Oh, yes! I still don’t know how Desiree pulled it off, but I am so glad she insisted they all return on their vessels. Not that I don’t doubt they’re keeping their eye on what they can see, but I don’t have to worry about running into one of them. That was probably the worst part of helping Desiree plan the event. I mean, being with her was fun, but someone from Retanny was always there with a scoff, a smirk, and a condescending look.”

  “I don’t envy you. But hey, for however long we’re here, Retanny doesn’t exist, and Captain Espan Rose is back.”

  “You better not use that name,” she elbowed him playfully.

  “Aye, aye, Captain.” he winked.

  “Captain?”

  “Oh, we forgot to tell you, we all decided that this ship has always been yours. You have the command.”

  “I don’t really deserve it.”

  “Captain. You do. Even he agrees,” Caleb said as he motioned to the falcon soaring towards them. Renee had planned to leave Arrow at home, but apparently he had other ideas as he lowered onto her shoulder. She couldn’t help but grin as she nuzzled her friend. “Now, orders?”

  “Make sure my ship runs smoothly, and I don’t want to see slacking.”

  “Aye, aye, Captain.”

  The cheers faded behind them, and Renee hoped they’d be as joyous on their return, more specifically, her return from the dead. She could only hope. Just as she hoped that Ama Lei was successful in her venture.

  Chapter 36

  Ama Lei couldn’t help but enjoy the evening air. Mei currently played her instrument, lanterns circled the group and illuminated them. It was simply relaxing. Jian’s arm slipped around her shoulders, pulling her into his chest. Laying her head on his shoulder, she closed her eyes and breathed in the night air.

  The journey had been quiet so far, surprising all of them. Not that anyone complained. It was nice being with Jian especially. They read together a lot, and truly caught up on the time they spent apart. Though, if she was honest with herself, she couldn’t help but be grateful that they reconnected when they did. The girl who first loved him was too naïve to truly appreciate him. And now, now they were both ready to make their kingdom better.

  Mei’s song ended and applause surrounding them. She stood and bowed, almost getting knocked over by Nya.

  “You are amazing!” Nya said as she stepped back.

  “Thank you.” Mei beamed at her. “You know, the offer still stands.”

  “Oh, no. I don’t have the patience to practice,” Nya replied laughing. It had become a familiar sound, Mei and Nya teasing each other. They’d grown so close on the journey. It was nice seeing her baby sister still be a girl, to see her laugh and joke.

  “If I catch you, I get to teach you.” Mei lunged for Nya, the young girl leaping out of the way just in time.

  “If you can catch me,” Nya sang before dashing away.

  “Oh, I will!” Mei called as she gave chase. Everyone else laughed as the girls dashed around the ship. Nya ran through the group, but just then, Little Wolf stood, blocking her path. She skidded, and Mei’s hand reached out, landing on Little Wolf’s chest.

  “I suppose I am it now?” he asked, a glint of mischief in his eyes. Both girls shrieked and dashed away, Little Wolf giving chase.

  Nya seemed to always duck just out of reach, though everyone knew his intended target was Mei. Ama Lei was surprised he hadn’t come to her asking permission to court Mei. Granted, he was probably waiting until things calmed down, or he was terrified of asking her. Both were plausible.

  Mei ran behind them, Little Wolf following. His foot got caught, and he lurched forward, grasping Jian for stability. Almost immediately he leapt back, apologies spewing from his lips. Jian raised a hand, slowly standing and turning to face the boy.

  His glare filled the space between them with silence. “I assume you did not do that on purpose?” Little Wolf nodded. “Well, regardless, this does make me it.” Jian’s lips quirked up, and Little Wolf grinned before whirling and running away.

  Jian pursued, almost catching Little Wolf. The boy slipped by, but Nya ran close. Jian’s hand caught her arm.

  “Ah, nuts,” she said, but ran off quickly, her eyes set on Mei. It didn’t take long for her to catch her target. Somehow, the four of them traded who was doing the chasing until it landed back on Jian.

  This time, he strode with purpose, straight for Ama Lei.

  “Jian, what are you...” before she could finish that thought, she was lifted into the air, settled securely in her husband’s arms.

  “I believe I just won,” he called over the group, eliciting lots of giggles. “And I will bid you all good night.”

  He carried her to their c
abin, and she could feel her face enflamed with the calls following them. But she didn’t have the heart to tell Jian to put her down. Instead, she closed her eyes and laid her head on his chest, savoring his strength and warmth. The click of the door closing told her they’d entered the cabin.

  “Can this night keep going?” she managed to ask.

  “I wish it could,” he replied as he lowered onto the bed, sitting with her in his lap.

  “It’s been so nice watching Mei smile so much. She hasn’t done that since the coup.”

  “Something tells me you haven’t smiled much either.”

  “You’re right, I haven’t. It feels good to laugh again, to not worry or fear the past.”

  “I’m sorry you had to go through that.” He hugged her tighter.

  “It’s made me a better person, and a ruler my people need. And it brought me back to you.” She gazed up at him and smiled. “I can’t be too mad at the past if you’re my future.”

  “I suppose you have a point,” his own gaze was soft and adoring, it made all the pain and worry melt away. “I do wish we had more than just a few days left before our true mission begins.”

  “You are not alone. I already miss Master Deshi, even if it’s only been a couple of weeks.”

  “I would probably miss him more if he hadn’t spent the trip ‘instructing’ us again. I still have bruises from some of his strikes.” Ama Lei chuckled and snuggled closer. “But, even so, it is nice being around friends again.”

  “I agree. Hopefully soon we’ll find even more.”

  “I have faith we will. However, we still have a few days before we have to worry about any of that, and I, for one, would love to focus on other things.” There was no mistaking the desirous glint in his eyes.

  “I suppose a few more days of bliss wouldn’t hurt,” she teased.

  His arms pulled her in even as her head lifted, her lips accepting his kiss so full of gentle passion. They seemed made for each other and she lost herself in the perfectness of his kiss.

  The sun was far too warm for the day’s events. Ama Lei stood above deck, her arms wrapped around Mei in a tight embrace.

  “You be sure to be careful, you hear?” Ama Lei admonished her younger sister.

  “How many times have I told you, I will be fine,” Mei chuckled. “I’m with good people, and we’ll see you very soon.”

  “I know, I just... it will still be dangerous.”

  “Ama Lei, stop worrying.” Mei stepped back. “I’ll be fine.”

  “I know.” Ama Lei couldn’t explain why this farewell was harder than the last. It would only be a couple short weeks, rather than the months they spent apart. Perhaps it was due to that separation. Or perhaps it was due to the task looming before them. Either way, Ama Lei loathed to part ways.

  “You know, the next time I see you, you won’t be just my sister. You’ll be an empress.”

  “I know.” And all the gravity descended even heavier on her.

  “You’ll be great.” At least one of them had faith in Ama Lei’s abilities. A strong arm wrapped around her shoulders, helping ease some of the worry.

  “I suppose we will see you soon enough.” Ama Lei smiled before allowing Jian to lead her towards the waiting row-boat. Near the edge stood Little Wolf, standing tall. “And you better watch over my sister.”

  “I promise to protect her with my life,” he spoke solemnly. Yes, he was a good man, and she felt lighter and more confident in her sister’s safety.

  “Good.” She moved to the last man waiting. “Taras.”

  “Captain,” he nodded at her.

  “I trust you with my ship, and I look forward to you joining up with us.”

  “We’ll be there on time, after meeting with Deshi.”

  “Good. Take care until then.”

  “Aye, aye, Captain.”

  With a sigh, Ama Lei knew she was stalling. She nodded at Jian and allowed him to assist her over the edge. She scrambled down the rope ladder and settled in the craft. Jian jumped in, taking his place beside her.

  They shoved off, the four men around them rowing to the other ship. It clunked at the side, and they left the oars, grasping the ropes to secure the small boat. Jian was the first to climb up the ladder, and Ama Lei scrambled after him taking his hand as she leapt over the railing. Luca immediately greeted her.

  “Welcome aboard,” he said.

  “Thank you,” she replied before turning to watch as the Crimson Thorne broke off. She already missed her home, and the comfort. The future would not be easy, even if she was victorious.

  “We probably should go below,” Jian said softly. She sighed knowing he was right. Taking his offered hand, she allowed him to lead her down the companionway. The room they entered was about the size of the one she shared with Mei when they sailed under Renee. Cramped, but it could have been worse. At least the bed was large enough to accommodate both of them.

  Jian’s arms wrapped around from behind her. She closed her eyes and leaned back into his chest. “It will be alright,” he spoke softly in her ear. “We will prevail.”

  “I’m just not looking forward to when we dock,” she replied. “And the fact that I have to stay here until we do dock.”

  “I’m sorry you have to be my prisoner.” The tone was anything but apologetic.

  “Oh, right, I can hear how sorry you are,” she quipped back, but allowed herself to enjoy the moment.

  “Hey, I cannot help it if I like having you to myself,” he nuzzled into her head, giving her a chuckle. “I promise, you won’t be out of my sight, and I won’t let anyone else touch you, I promise.”

  “I know,” she twisted in his arms, wrapping her own arms around and burying her head in his chest. “I trust you.”

  The arms around her squeezed a bit tighter. There was nowhere else she wanted to be but here, safe and secure in the arms of her love. “I will protect you, and you will be victorious. I promise.”

  “I’m so glad you came back to me.” She looked back up at him. “I know together we will win.”

  “Yes, we will.” He leaned down and kissed her soundly. At least they had a few more days together, and she planned on enjoying every one.

  Chapter 37

  “Does that hurt?” Jian asked? Ama Lei tried not to wince as he tied the bonds around her wrist.

  “It will be alright,” she replied as she tested its grip. Yep, secure enough should anyone test it, but she could feel the point it would break once she put her strength into it. Thankfully, she’d have Jian at her side.

  “We can’t forget this,” he gave a half-grin as he took her mask, tying it securely behind her head. “There. And last,” he draped a cape over her shoulders, fastening it in front, before pulling the hood over her head, obscuring her features. He paused for a moment, his hands gentle on her shoulders. “I promise, I’ll protect you.”

  “I know,” she gazed up at him, allowing their eyes to meet. “I couldn’t imagine facing what’s next without you at my side. Besides,” she nodded at the sword now laying on her bed, “I need someone to carry that for me.”

  Jian chuckled, but he secured the sword and sheath to his right hip, the left spouting his own weapon. She had to admit, he did look rather dashing in his captain’s uniform. And, it had the added bonus of making people think twice before questioning his orders.

  The familiar calls of docking had faded, and new calls now rang through the air. The native tongue jolted Ama Lei, and all her muscles tensed. Jian squeezed her shoulders, reassuring her. She nodded in response, and he pulled the hood further over her face.

  Her sight of vision only allowed her to see a small area around her feet. At least she shouldn’t trip. His hand rested on her back; she could feel the authority radiating off him, but in his hand was comforting reassurance. She allowed him to lead her from their room and up the steps. What little sun entered her vision was bright, and she was grateful for the limited vision.

  “Your papers allow full tr
ade privileges, but I still must inquire what brings you to Jenha’s capital?” a man asked.

  “Actually, I am the reason,” Jian announced.

  “Captain Jian!” The man gasped. “We heard you had been taken...”

  “Yes, I was captured, but I managed to find an opportunity and escaped. I’ve also brought a very special guest I must bring to his lordship. Immediately.”

  Even Ama Lei almost jolted at the imperious tone. Being a captain had given her some backbone, but she could learn a thing or two about a commanding tone from her husband.

  “Yes, sir.” Footsteps faded, rather quickly, and Jian began to slowly lead her to the gangway. He grasped her elbow, firmly and gently, helping her down the slanted wood. Once her feet hit solid ground, Jian’s hand moved once more to her back, gently guiding her through the streets. They finally stopped, and she felt the nerves building once again.

  The hand behind her squeezed ever so slightly, and she forced her breathing to slow, focusing as the air went in and out. Rumbling reached her ears, along with hoof beats, and she could almost feel the carriage stopping before them.

  Jian prodded her forward as the door opened for them. Thankfully, the step appeared in her vision, but his hand once more cusped her elbow, helping her to step inside. Her legs felt unsteady as the carriage swayed with her weight, but his hold was strong as he helped her to sit.

  “Shall I send some men to escort you, sir?” the man’s voice was back.

  “That will not be necessary,” Jian spoke succinctly, and she felt the carriage shift before hearing the thud of the door close. A rapping sound followed, and the carriage lurched forward. They were on their way. “Hang in there,” he whispered in her ear. “It will be over soon.”

  “I know,” she barely mouthed the words. The jostling only jolted her nerves even more. His hand squeezed her leg, and she tried to focus on the comfort. He was here, at her side, and together they would prevail.

  The ride seemed to last forever, and yet they arrived far too soon. The carriage stopped, and Jian’s arm caught her before she lurched forward. Having her arms tied behind her was throwing off her balance and she was more than ready for the bindings to be gone.