Page 34 of Voice of the Ocean

“It’smyship now,” Raiden said with an icy grin.

“You dare steal from the Queen of Pirates?”

An uncomfortable silence fell, not just on their table but over anyone within earshot.

“Commandeered. And she’s no queen,” the prince said, his voice as sharp as a blade.

From across the table, Kiyami’s eyes locked with Celeste’s. Her expression was as clear as day:What exactly have we signed up for?

“Like I said”—Raiden took a drink—“I’m not sure an old-timer like you would be up for it.”

“You bastard,” Torben said, sticking out his hand. “I’m in.”

Celeste’s mouth fell open as the two men shook hands, laughing.

“Good, I hope you have some men you can bring along. We still need plenty of bodies for our ship.” Raiden removed his hand, stretching it as though pained.

Torben’s eyes lit up. “What about my husband? He’s an excellent chef, and he once trained as a surgeon.”

Bastian’s expression lifted. “A surgeon?”

Nasir, who had been watching the exchange, frowned. “I haven’t practiced in years. Not since I’ve lived in Ethoria.”

“Still,” Bastian pressed, “a rare find.”

Torben looked upon Nasir, beaming with pride. “He certainly is.”

“It is true we are in need of a cook, and having a surgeon on board would certainly be an asset,” Raiden said.

“I—would have to consider it,” Nasir hesitated. “Who would run the Compass?”

“Viktoria can handle things,” Torben insisted, taking up his husband’s hands. “Come with me, my heart. This way we won’t need to be separated for so long.”

Nasir looked at Torben’s face and softened. “All right,” he said, then looked to Raiden. “I’ll join your crew.”

The captain clapped his hands. “Excellent. Now, what shall you both require?”

Once they finished discussing, Torben agreed to bring his men and meet them at the docks in the morning. He kissed his husband goodbye and left.

Nasir turned and smiled warmly at Raiden. “Thank you,” he said, before disappearing into the kitchen.

As soon as the cook was gone, Bastian whirled on his prince.

“What wasthat?”

“Whatever do you mean, Baz?” Raiden drew his dagger and began picking at his nails with its blade.

“I thought we were agreed! We weren’t going to bring on Trigger Finger Torben!”

Raiden shrugged. “We had already promised Nasir. And now we have a surgeon.”

A creeping unease settled into Celeste’s stomach. She knew humans died on voyages like these all the time, even without siren interference. A competent crew could mean the difference between survival and death. Yet the prince was still accepting just about anyone. She was about to be stuck on a ship with the worst that Port Romsey had to offer.

What was making the prince so desperate? Was someone else after this treasure? Or was he running from this Valencia, the Pirate Queen? Celeste had never heard of her, but her very name had shaken every human at the table. Or was Raiden hiding something else? Perhaps there was something he needed this treasure for. A debt he owed?

A familiar itch rose up Celeste’s neck, and she turned to see the prince’s eyes on her.

“Don’t worry,” he said, with a wink. “I’ll whip this crew into shape.”

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