Page 7 of Vengeance of the Pirate Queen

“I know. I just miss you when you’re gone.”

My lips twitch, but I can’t find the words to reciprocate her sincerity. I’m not one for sharing feelings or making lengthy statements when a few words will do the job. Besides, Alosa already knows how much I value our friendship. And Mandsy is usually around to express enough love for five people.

Alosa says, “If you’re sure …” She pauses, as though thinking something over. “Do you know what I hate the most?”

“Men who don’t do what they’re told?”

“Yes, but after that?”

I shake my head once.

“Delegating.”

“Delegating,” I deadpan.

“I like being in charge, but I also like seeing things done myself. But now? I don’t have time to do everything, so I have to delegate.”

“Isn’t that the purpose of having lackeys?”

“Is that how you think of yourself?”

“Hardly. Lackeys are replaceable.”

“You certainly are not.”

“What do you not want to delegate?” I ask, getting us back on track.

She rises, as though she can’t stand sitting a second longer. Her boots clip on the floor as she begins to pace. They look new, not a scuff on them, but that could just be because Alosa takes excellent care of her things. “I have a situation.”

“Tell me.”

“You know how I like to keep eyes on the land king?”

“Of course.” He’s been wanting to dismantle the pirate monarchy since he took his throne.

“I had six girls undercover on one of his excavating vessels.”

“Why? I thought you only bothered to have someone in his court?”

“This voyage was different. Ladell sent out a larger crew than usual. There was lots of fighting power aboard the ship, too. Harpoons, enough muskets and pistols to outfit an entire army, cannons that could be transported onto land. He anticipated finding something dangerous. I wanted to know what it was.”

“And?”

“They’ve been gone over three months. I’ve heard no word for the last two. The ship seems to have vanished into thin air.”

“You need someone to find it.”

“I do.” She looks at me pointedly.

At first, I assume she’s joking. Alosa is prone to sarcasm (something I’ve picked up from her). I’m not who you send to save people. I’m the complete opposite of that—an assassin among pirates. But Alosa keeps staring at me, and I realize she genuinely means to ask me to do this.

“Why me? Why not send Niridia?”

“Niridia is already on a mission for me.”

I raise a brow.

Alosa growls one word. “Draxen.”

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