“I went to check on The Freedom before we disembark tomorrow, and wouldn’t you know, there were hundreds of men on my ship, giving it a complete rehaul. I only allowed the king’s men entrance because I thought they were filling the kitchen with food and rum. Instead, I find them making you a captain’s room, lining every wall with our sound-proofing material even though my crew doesn’t need it, and removing our treasure for ‘safe keeping,’ as that twit Edgar put it. He claims it’ll make us faster, but we never had trouble outrunning those singing bloodsuckers before. This is outrageous, and I demand it stop now.”

I had a feeling her tirade only ended because she’d run out of breath.

“Well…” I paused, rethinking my aunt’s words. What if it were my ship? How would I react? How would a pirate feel about that type of invasion? “I agree. I’d be infuriated if someone boarded The Sea Singer without my full knowledge of their intentions and my permission.”

Lou stepped backward. Her hands crossed her heart. “What?”

“I said, I agree with you. I would feel the same way.”

Savina snuck around me but clung to my leg.

“I’ll ask the king to withdraw his men immediately.”

Lou blinked. “Thank you,” she stuttered.

“Is there anything else I can do for you?”

“Actually, there is.” She gripped her hips. “A question I’d like answered.”

“Only one?” I cocked my brow.

The side of her lip twitched. “Well, I’m sure I’ll have more, but one for now.”

Considering her feelings of mistrust first, I said, “I’ll offer you up three honest answers to whatever you should like to know.”

“Ok then. My first, why were you born on Siren Island?”

Savina giggled. “That’s an easy one.”

I flicked her nose. “Show off.”

Savina playfully swatted my fingers.

“Well, Captain Lou, because my mother went to Anthemusa, having no idea she was pregnant or that she’d be forced to stay against her will.”

Lou scrunched her face in confusion. “I don’t understand.”

“My mother is Calliope, the mother of sirens.”

Chapter sixteen

Lou

Once again, Rylander had me at a loss for words. The son of the divine muse Calliope? He’d grown up on the siren island, Anthemusa, as a captive just like her. It answered so many of my questions but prompted dozens more. With only two gifted inquiries left, I decided to hold off my curiosity. I’d watch and study him first.

“Well then, I guess that answers that,” I said, trying to appear unfazed.

Rylander fought a smile as Savina took my hand and swung our arms. “Will you walk with us back to the main house?” Her smooth little fingers, nestled in my abraded ones, gave off heat like a grown man. She squeezed, and sweat clammed my palm.