I cleared my throat, taken aback. “My father’s first mate found him dead here on the Isle of Cava. She couldn’t tell me much.” In truth, Lianna hadn’t said a single word, only turned green and burst into tears. “By the time I arrived for his body, your royal guard had him. I later heard through word of mouth that the captain of The Sea Singer had stolen my father’s last breath.” And I’d vowed then he would die at my hands.

The king sighed. “I’ll make you a deal. Escort Rylander to the shores of Anthemusa and help win this war. If you succeed…” He held up his finger. “…and Rylander kills the Siren Queen, then I will bestow you Rylander’s life, as well as all the treasures you’ve lost to the sirens over the years.”

My mouth popped open. I’d expected a lengthier fight. Now he was sweetening the deal with stolen treasure?

He wagged his pointer finger. “Do not mistake what I have said. I will give you Rylander’s life. But never his death.”

My brows pinched. “What does that mean exactly?”

“You may have him as an indentured servant to do with what you please. He can serve The Freedom, serve you, or you can let him go. Whatever you choose. But should he die by your hand, you will be hunted by my navy and hanged. Do you understand?”

A slow smile spread across my face. “Is that wise? There are worse things one can do to a man than kill him.”

The king paused outside two large gilt doors. “I don’t know you, Elouise, and you do not know me. But I see goodness in your eyes—a kindness, a fairness, and a capacity to love. I believe those three traits will win out against the anger and hatred you feel in this moment and sway your decision by the end of this voyage. I have faith.”

I opened my mouth, but the king silenced me with a finger pressing on my lips, startling me again with his immense heat. “I, unlike Rylander, do not need to hear your combative retort. I believe in you. That is all. Nothing you say will change that.” His hand dropped. “Do we have a deal?”

Anger inflamed my cheeks, but I couldn’t unleash it, for I could not choose a target. Why would this king hold such conviction in my character after knowing me for the course of one contentious meeting? If by reputation alone, my name and my ship carried connotations of scornful women who believed in violence and theft, who took without request, who brawled first and asked questions last. I was known for my transgressions, not my integrity.

“And all we have to do is escort him to the perimeter of Anthemusa, and the treasure and Rylander are ours?”