I glared at the back of his head as I followed him to the crew’s table, too far behind now to voice my denial. And the last thing I wanted to do in this crowd was draw attention to myself.

The cabin boy I’d pierced with my blade’s edge nodded in acknowledgement of my arrival. The young man and I might not have a friendship, but we were now on even ground. I’d threatened his life, then I saved it. Clean slate in my mind.

“Look who’s here. Where’s your frills, Captain?” Bernard laughed, throwing his head back and clinking his tankard with Lanard’s. His large belly jiggled like Hannah’s pudding.

I lifted my legs over the bench and slid in next to Krinny. “Keep one eye open while you sleep on The Freedom.” I leaned toward Bernard and scowled.

“I could always poison his broth. A slow, painful death,” Hannah said from across the table. She smiled wide, scrunching the freckles on her nose and cheeks. “It’s good to see you, Lou. I feared the castle had turned you into an aristocrat by the way Rye here’s been muttering on and on about your dress.” She tucked back a stray strand of red hair that had escaped her carefully pinned braids.

The dress again? Did they think I enjoyed all that fabric, and the bodice putting my breasts on display for all to see? The strings tied so tightly my breathing labored.

I unsheathed my dagger and stabbed the table. “Next person who brings up my clothes sleeps in the brig our first night at sea.”

Bernard’s laughter ebbed as his gaze volleyed between Hannah and me. The piercing above his brow twitched as the skin between his eyes puckered. “Was all just for a little fun, Captain. Didn’t mean to ruffle any feathers.”

Rylander chuckled. The crackling flames reflected in his dazzling diamond eyes.

A rumble of unwanted desire returned, dropping to the center of my chest. I glared at him. “Do you want to get stabbed?”

His dimple winked at me. “Always threatening me. You do know we’re partners now?”

I rolled my eyes. “Please stop reminding me.” I looked around the room. “Anyone gonna give me some brew?”

Viennafer poured me a mug of ale from the pitcher and slid it toward me. The movement caused her thick black plait to flop over her right shoulder. “Good to see you, Lou.”

I smiled on seeing one of my bravest crewmembers. “You too, Via.”

She winked, flashing her amethyst eyes rimmed with kohl, a color only known to the people of Eloqua. She had light brown skin, high cheekbones, and a beautiful full pout tinted in rouge. A dangerous combination, beauty and wit, but a perfect ally for The Freedom.