AllFreeNovel
Share Us
He must come to some conclusion as he says, “You said you would be a willing prisoner. I can see your word does not mean much to you.”
“Hardly,” I retort. “If you had given me a chance to walk to the brig without your help instead of bruising my arm, your knees wouldn’t be smarting.”
He says nothing while amusement lights up his eyes. Finally, he extends his arm in the direction of the brig, as if he is a potential partner presenting me with the dance floor.
I step on without him, but from behind me he says, “Lass, you’ve the face of an angel but the tongue of a snake.”
I’m tempted to turn around and kick him, but I manage to hold myself in check. There will be plenty of time for me to beat him soundly once I’ve gotten what I came for.
I stand tall and walk the rest of the way to the brig. I observe the different cells quickly, selecting the cleanest one. Really, it looks just like the others. But I try to convince myself the dark substance in the corner is dirt.
At least the cell has a chair and a table. I will have a place to put my belongings. I don’t doubt for a moment that the captain will keep his word. It is mutually beneficial for all pirate captains to be honest with one another, even if we’re likely to kill one another in their sleep. No deals and negotiations would be possible between rivaling lords without some semblance of trust. It’s a new way of life for every pirate. My father introduced the concept of honesty into the pirate repertoire. All the pirates who wanted to survive under the new regime had to adopt it. For anyone found being dishonest in their dealings is quickly disposed of by the pirate king.
I inspect the seat of the chair. Everything is too dirty for my liking, but it will have to do. I remove the large brown leather coat from my shoulders and cover the seat and back of the chair with it. Only then do I sit.
Riden smirks, probably at my clear unease in these quarters. He locks me in the cell and pockets the key. Then he pulls out a chair for himself and sits down, just on the other side of the bars.
“What now?” I ask.
“Now we talk.”
I make a show of sighing dramatically. “You already have me prisoner. Go claim your ransom and leave me to sulk in peace.”
“I’m afraid your father’s money is not all we want from you.”
I clutch the neckline of my cotton shirt as though I’m worried the pirates intend to undress me. This is part of the act. It would takea lotof men to restrain me; I have no trouble handling three at a time. And no more than that would fit in this cell.
“No one is going to touch you now that you’re down here. I will see to that.”
“And who will see to it thatyoudo not touch me?”
“Let me assure you, I have never had need to force myself upon a woman. They come willingly.”
“I find that hard to believe.”
“That’s because I haven’t worked my charms on you yet.”
I laugh scornfully. “As a female pirate raised by other pirates, I’ve had to fend off the most despicable and persistent of men. I’m not too worried.”
“And what would you do, Alosa, if you had to fend off a man who wasn’t despicable and persistent?”
“I’ll let you know when I meet one.”
He laughs. The sound is deep and rich. “Fair enough. But now to business. You are here because I want information.”
“That’s nice. I want a clean cell.”
He leans back in his chair, getting comfortable. Perhaps he realizes this will take a while. “Where does Kalligan make port?”
I snort. “You’re a terrible questioner. You think I’m going to hand over the location to my father’s hideaway? Shouldn’t you ease into the big questions? And since he is your king, you would do well to address him with his proper title.”
“Since I have his daughter locked up, I think I have the liberty to call him whatever I wish.”
“He will kill you and everyone else on this ship. And he will not make it quick.” I felt it was about time I threw out a threat or two. That’s what a real prisoner would do.
Riden doesn’t look worried. Not at all. He wears his confidence as if it is merely another article of clothing upon his person.
“It will be difficult for us to return you if we do not know your father’s location.”
