Save the Sea (Saved by Pirates #3)(27)

“You have no idea how glad it makes me to learn she is the heir. I always felt . . . protective of her. Like she was my sister in a way. I know Hunter noticed it, too. Hunter and I never wanted the throne, and we would never have been good kings. Our father scarred us too much, and we want to be free more than we want to rule,” he tells me as we walk through the cave, coming out to the bay full of ships. They are being moved, and now our ship is right at the edge of the waterfall, with people carrying boxes onto the ship.

“The sea god set a lot of this up, I know he did. He likely made you want to protect her. Everyone seems to want to protect Everly, but no one ever questioned why they felt that way. It’s because she is the true queen,” I say, looking up to see Dante and Everly talking on the ship. Dante grins when he sees me, walking away and to the edge of the plank of wood that leads to the ship. Ryland lets me go, so I can run up to Dante and wrap my arms around him.

“I haven’t seen you much, I’ve missed you,” I mumble.

“I had to train and every time I came to find you, you were busy,” he complains. Before I can reply, he kisses me, sweeping me up into his arms with the passionate kiss.

“I won’t go, I’m sorry. I won't do it . . . I just can't!" I hear Roger exclaim. Breaking away from the kiss, I turn to see him standing in the middle of the ship, shouting at Jacob.

“That’s why I told you where we are going, Roger. You don't have to come," Jacob placates, holding his hands up. I'd forgotten that my pirates had rescued Roger from the mermaids. He must have such horrible memories and lingering fears of them. It would explain why he's so adamant in his refusal to come with us.

“The mermaids will kill you all, you fools!” Roger shouts, and storms over to me. Dante keeps me in his arms, and moves me slightly to the side, so he can defend me if needed.

“Please don’t go, Miss Cassandra. They will kill you and everyone on this ship,” Roger begs me, grabbing my hands.

“I have to, but I’m not a weak child, nor defenceless. Do not worry about me,” I tell him and move away from Dante to pull Roger into a hug. I whisper quietly, so only he can hear me. “Don’t fear your past, for you are better than that. Now go, have a good future, and we shall see you again one day." I pull away from the embrace, and he gives me a sharp nod before walking around me and Dante, heading off the ship.

“It was the right thing to tell him where we are headed. He doesn’t deserve the see the past he is still tormented by," I say to Jacob as he comes over to me.

“But you have to do just that, how is that fair?”

“It’s life,” I say sadly, leaning up and kissing his scarred cheek. I walk away from them and head to the very front of the ship. I climb up on the edge, seeing the mermaid statue underneath me and the waterfall right in front of me. I hear my pirates shouting orders, getting the ship ready to go, but I just keep my eyes on the water. Suddenly, I feel two hands slide around my waist.

“Ready, little bird?” Hunter asks me, resting his chin on my shoulder, and the ship moves, heading straight for open water. As we break through the waterfall, it splashes down on us, and I keep my eyes open as we move through to the other side. The ship turns sharply to the right, down a long passage of caves, and then we see finally see the first rays of sunlight from outside.

“This is it, isn’t it? We have to fight and win,” I whisper as the daylight hits my face and warms my skin. The contrast of the cold sea winds with the warm light is soothing. It almost makes me feel free, like I can make my own choices and have the future I’ve always wanted.

“First, we need to convince one of the deadliest races in this world to help us. A race known for killing first and never asking questions later,” Hunter comments and turns my head, keeping his hand on my cheek. “But before any of that, I want my girl to kiss me.” I smirk, before doing just as he asks.





14





Chapter Fourteen





Dante





“Cassandra?” I walk up to where she is sitting on the deck, staring up at the stars. The sea is quiet, and half the ship is sleeping while the other half keeps watch. I expected her to be sleeping, but here she is. She turns to look at me, the moonlight lighting up her beautiful face and framing every stunning feature. Her long brown hair moves around her in the wind as she stands up and walks over to me. I can't help myself; when she is close enough, I grab her hips and pull her to me, pressing my lips to hers. She lets out a little moan, and her small, soft hands dive into my hair.

“Dante,” she whispers against my lips, pulling back a little but not going far. “Why are you awake at this time of night?”

“I’m on watch tonight,” I explain to her. “But why are you awake, pretty girl?” I ask.

“I couldn’t sleep,” she replies.

“The sea god?” I ask, knowing he used to invade her dreams a lot.

“Something like that,” she says, putting on a brave face.

“Tell me, Cassandra. You don’t need to hide anything from me,” I say, rubbing circles on her back.

“It’s a selfish thing, and I know we have bigger problems . . . so don’t worry,” she mumbles.

“What is it?”