“As do I,” King Delphi said. With a sweep of his hand, he moved the trailing tails of his surcoat out of the way as he seated himself on the throne. He interlaced his fingers in his lap, a gesture that always marked the start of war meetings.

Edgar took the seat to the right hand of the king, not the queen’s throne but rather a smaller chair across from Lou. “As you know, the sirens have increased their aggressions as well as their numbers. Just this morning, two more ships fell into the arms of our enemy, treasures and men both gone. We are afraid if something isn’t done soon, we will be left bare, not only of our country’s wealth, but as a society. The gods are very unhappy.” Edgar frowned.

“Then the gods should do something about it. The sirens were their creation,” Lou countered.

King Delphi smirked, unfazed by Lou’s abrupt tone. “Yes, well, the gods do work in mysterious ways. I’m sure they are doing what they can.” The king’s gaze shifted toward me—a knowing glint in his blue eyes. “Your grandfather’s idea to form an all-female crew has proven wise beyond measure. It’s about time we let that chinwag about women as bad luck charms at sea die. You and your crew are far from what I would term a distraction that incites Poseidon’s wrath and treacherous conditions. On the contrary, the master of the sea seems to favor you.”

My lips tipped upward into a half smirk. “I wouldn’t doubt the captain’s ability to anger, Your Majesty. I’ve known her for less than twenty-four hours, and I’ve already fallen to her treacherous conditions several times.” I chuckled.

Lou glared. “Tsk, tsk, Rylander. I’ve been told women calm the sea. Isn’t that why The Sea Singer’s figureheads are bare-breasted women? Amid the perils of an ocean voyage, figureheads embody the spirit of the vessel, do they not? Offering the crew protection from harsh seas and safeguarding their homeward journeys. I’d say we are more important to your cause than your own life.” Her cunning grin returned to the throne.

“A life you almost took yesterday when you shot at me,” I mumbled.

Lou’s head swung toward me. Her cheeks flamed. “You shot at me first.”

“You held a sword to an unarmed man’s neck,” I argued.

“You tried to commandeer my ship,” she shot back.

I rolled my eyes. “I would have sent a proper letter announcing our arrival, but I suspect I would have tasted your cannon fire.”

“That’s quite enough, you two,” Edgar said, looking a little green between the gills.

King Delphi’s salt and pepper mustache twitched. “I’m glad to see you both already working together so nicely. It appears you are evenly matched. This shall be a beneficial union.”