Page 8 of Vengeance of the Pirate Queen

Alosa loves Riden Allemos more than anything else in the world. Unfortunately, he has the most despicable human being for a brother.

“That was fast,” I say. She’d only just gotten the man tied to the firing dummy to admit who sent him.

“I dispatched her before this little temper tantrum of Draxen’s today. I’ve always known he contests my rule and wishes to set himself up as the king of pirates.”

“Boy doesn’t know when to quit.”

“Indeed not.”

“Why not send me after Draxen and Niridia after the missing girls?”

Alosa sighs wistfully. “I’m not allowed to kill Draxen. For some unfathomable reason, Riden still has a fondness for him. Since I care about Riden, I’m forced to allow that scum of a man to walk the world. Hence, I sent Niridia.”

“Mandsy?” I ask.

“Is with Niridia. I thought he might be a two-woman job.”

“Wise,” I say.

“Thank you.”

Silence fills the room.

“Sorinda, you’re the only other person I can trust with something this important. I know it’s outside your usual duties, but would you please consider it? For me?”

I cannot believe she even has to ask. I would do anything for Alosa. She found me when I was at my darkest. She gave me a purpose. Gave me a family again. There is nothing I wouldn’t do for her.

“I’ll do it.”

She must hear me clearly, but she doesn’t relax yet. In fact, she looks even more on edge now.

“What is it?” I ask.

“You will be sailing into uncharted waters.”

“I gathered that. I’m not afraid.”

“I know you’re not. But for that kind of voyage, you’ll need a seasoned helmsman….”

She lets her words trail off, allowing me to come to my own conclusions.

And, oh, do I. I know exactly who she means.

My blood heats, the desire to kill seems to prod at my very skin, and I can’t help the frown that takes over my face.

“I know, I know,” Alosa says, holding her hands up defensively. “I really do know how much you hate him, but he’s the best I’ve got. I can’t give those girls anything less than that. If there’s any hope of finding them at all, Kearan will manage it.”

“He stares at me.”

“You’re lovely,” she says, as though it’s meant to be some sort of compliment.

“He tries to speak to me.”

“You’re a fine conversationalist.”

“Hewantsme, Alosa.”

She taps her foot on the ground twice, but she doesn’t back down from my stare. “Yeah, probably.”

---