“She is. I promise you.” Knifey’s fists clenched. “She’s covered in more pearls than you can count and scales made of opal.”
“She’s not a damn golden-plated Siren, is she?” The captain slammed his fist onto the table.
Toothless and Knifey exchanged a glance.
“No, sir,” Toothless pouted before gathering the phlegm at the back of his throat.
“Spit in my quarters, and I’ll draw and quarteryou,” The captain snarled, placing his hands on his desk and rearing over the desk. “Leave us.”
Knifey and Toothless couldn’t escape the captain’s room fast enough.
I stood in place; the only part of my body to move were my eyes as I tracked the captain. He stood up from his chair and sauntered closer to me. Bypassing the desk that was acting as a barrier between us.
“What’s your name, lass?” the captain asked, painting a smile on his face that didn’t quite fit—like a too-tight mask.
My eyes narrowed, but I said nothing.
“My name is Captain Hallow,” he jabbed a thumb against his chest, drawing attention to his battered jacket. “I can only apologize if my men hurt you.”
I waited for the unspoken bargain that his words would have given me—an apology was a debt between two Fae—but when nothing happened, my confusion must have shown on my face.
He perched his bum on the edge of his desk and crossed his arms over his chest. “I’m a red cap, lass.” His eyes sparkled cruelly. “The Lower Fae don’t hold to the same standards as your kind.”
I gave him a look. “My kind?”
The captain waved a hand. “The like of which has not been seen in these waters in an age or two. I would say that my boys brought me a treasure far more valuable than they know.”
“But not a gold-plated Siren,” I quirked a brow, throwing his earlier words back at him.
“Aw, lass.” The captain winked. “Did I hurt your feelings?”
I said nothing.
“This here is Siren Cove,” the captain continued. “We can take your pearls now and throw you overboard to die… or you can stay on deck until we reach the ports of Everfall on the other side of the sea. It’s a week-long journey without choosy waters. You can join the cooks in the kitchen or warm some beds if you prefer.”
“The catch?” I placed my hand on my hip. It took everything in me to stand up without slumping over.
“The minute we set down in Everfall, you’re off to auction. I have a contact for the theatre; they love exotic Fae for the stage. He specializes in rare pieces, and you’ll fetch a high price.”
I swallowed the lump in my throat. “Kitchens,” my voice croaked.
The captain held my eyes for the longest time.
“Suit yourself.”
The moment I walked into the kitchen, accompanied by Knifey—my unwilling escort—my skin beaded with sweat, and my filthy hair clung to my neck.
My skin was streaked with dirt; my small sojourn into the sea had not made a dent in the filth.
Steam curled up, filling the room and collecting on the ceiling. Several places were stained black with mold.
In the middle of it all, a grizzled Fae barked orders to the kitchen workers as they cooked for the crew.
The chef took one look at me and sniffed. “She needs a wash and a good meal. I’ve been around long enough to know when someone’s half-starved and dead on their feet. I can’t use her like this. Send her back in the morning.”
“It's midday,” Knifey crossed his arms over his chest.
“You got too much wax in those pointy ears, boy?” the chef groused.