Save the Sea (Saved by Pirates #3)(13)

“My mother died, and her last request of me was to get this box to you. We all believe in you, and when we go to war, I will fight at your side. Keep this safe, please,” she says in an emotion-filled voice. I know from the look in her eyes she means every single word, and I give her a sharp nod. I will keep this safe for her and for everyone else. Let’s pray the mermaids want the stick badly enough to give up the crown. She doesn’t say anything more, just walks away with her husbands following her. I look down at the stick in my hand. It doesn't look like much, but it could be everything to the mermaids.

“The deal I made said we had to find the crown where life lives in the sea. I guess we know where we need to go, and now we have something to actually give them,” I muse.

“But, can we go? The mountain needs us, and the army isn’t ready yet,” Ryland asks.

“I need to speak to the masters, and devise a plan. If we can plan it right, so we would be on our way back from the mermaids as they took their army across the seas . . . it could work,” I say, thinking over the plan I will have to give them. The army will need to go around the Storm Sea, so we will have a few weeks I think.

“Master Cassandra, your dragon is causing a big fuss outside. We need you to come and calm her.” Master Pirate says, coming over the bridge and catching a glimpse of the map on the floor before Hunter picks it up. I hand the stick to Ryland behind my back, trusting him to hide it. It’s not that I don’t trust Master Pirate. I’ve just learnt not to trust strangers, and I’m not stupid enough to tell him everything.

“Let’s go then, I don’t know the way to my dragon. Would you show me, Master Pirate?” I ask, hopefully distracting him. He looks between us all, his eyes focusing on the old box on the floor, before he smiles at me.

“I didn’t expect to find you out here. Having a little chat? Is there anything you need to tell the other masters about?” Master Pirate asks, and Hunter walks closer to me, standing at my side.

“Nothing, we have just missed each other and were planning a night in our rooms together,” I say, making Master Pirate chuckle.

“You are not very good at distractions, but I will let it go for now, Master Cassandra,” he says.

“I want to see this dragon I bought you so long ago,” Hunter interrupts, and wraps a possessive arm around my waist, leading me away. Master Pirate follows, but Zack and Ryland stay behind. Zack holds the map in his hand, and winks at me when he catches my eye.

“Does your dragon have a name?” Master Pirate asks me as he steps up to my side, and Hunter pulls me even closer to him.

“Vivo,” I say.

“A good, strong name,” Master Pirate comments as we walk around a corner and past a massive group of people in cloaks. They all stop to stare, and then they bow their heads low.

“Before you ask, people will treat you this way from now on,” Master Pirate informs me.

“They bow to someone they do not know, someone who has done nothing for them,” I say, and Hunter squeezes me tightly to him.

“Yet,” he whispers, and I look up at him as we walk. There is so much respect in his eyes, so much of something I don’t know how to adequately return. His love is so much, so full of passion and desire that swirl in the darkness of him. It’s everything in one emotionally charged look, and it’s so hard to show him how I feel in return. A loud roar makes me sharply turn away to the three archways we are approaching, and towards Vivo, who is roaring at the people in front of her. They are trying to calm her down on the ledge outside. It looks like a landing bay, not too much different from where I initially landed, but it’s not the same one. Vivo looks more and more distressed as the people hold their hands out, shouting for her to calm. Ice is all under her feet, melting slowly, yet more ice spreads over it every time she roars.

“Vivo,” I shout, and her eyes turn towards me, locking onto me as I walk over. Master Pirate stays at the door, but Hunter stays at my side. When we get to her, I reach out and place my hand on her nose.

“I’m safe, but thank you for checking up on me,” I say, and she huffs in response. "This is Hunter,” I introduce him, and he slowly holds a hand out to her. She doesn’t move, letting him place his hand next to mine.

“You like him, too? He is a little grumpy at times, but I think he just uses that to hide his sweet, loveable side,” I say, and Hunter laughs.

“That’s the first time anyone has called me sweet before, little bird,” he responds, and I grin at him.

“Vivo, how about we show Hunter how this little bird can fly?” I ask her, and she roars her approval, while, for the first time ever, Hunter appears nervous.

“Woah now, I don’t think flying is the best idea,” Hunter says, stepping back, and I laugh.

“I’m shocked, is the big, bad Hunter scared of flying?” I ask, and he narrows his eyes at me.

“I’m not scared of flying,” he snaps, but he doesn’t frighten me like he would most people.

“Sure,” I tease, grinning as I walk to the side of Vivo and start climbing. When I get to her spikes, I slide myself in between and stroke a hand down her back as I look down at Hunter.

“Come on. Don’t let fear dictate what you do, and don't let it control you," I say gently. I’m surprised he is acting like this, I didn’t expect it.