Sofia woke up to the sound of waves crashing against the ship's hull. She was in Ryker's quarters, the bed soft beneath her. Ryker lay beside her, his chest rising and falling with his breath.
She remembered the night before, the wedding, the kiss. Her heart skipped a beat. What had she done?
Ryker stirred, his eyes opening. He smiled, his scar twitching. "Good morning, wife," he whispered, pulling her close.
Sofia's heart pounded. She was trapped, wasn't she? Trapped in a life she didn't choose.
But as Ryker's lips met hers, she felt a spark of...excitement? Fear? She wasn't sure.
The door creaked open, one of Ryker's men standing in the doorway. "Captain, we've spotted a ship on the horizon."
Ryker's eyes narrowed. "What flag does she fly?"
The pirate's face was grim. "The flag of the Royal Navy, Captain."
Sofia's heart skipped a beat. The Royal Navy? Her father's men?
Ryker's grin was back. "Perfect. Time to test our new alliance, wife."
Sofia's heart was racing as Ryker's eyes gleamed with excitement. "Prepare for battle!" he shouted, his voice echoing across the deck.
The pirates sprang into action, their movements swift and efficient. Sofia watched, a mix of fear and fascination on her face. This was it. This was what she'd signed up for.
Ryker grabbed her hand, pulling her up onto the deck. "Stay close, wife," he whispered, his eyes scanning the horizon.
The Royal Navy ship was closing in, its cannons blazing. The pirates returned fire, their own cannons booming. Sofia's ears rang, her heart pounding in her chest.
The ships clashed, the sound of wood crashing, men shouting, and swords clinging filling the air.
Sofia's eyes were fixed on Ryker, his sword flashing in the sunlight.
A Royal Navy officer leapt onto their ship, his sword raised. "Sofia, Princess of Azura, you are under arrest for treason!"
Sofia's heart skipped a beat. Treason? She was a princess, wasn't she? But Ryker was already moving, his sword slicing through the air. The officer went down, and Ryker pulled her close.
"You're not going back, wife," he growled.
The battle raged on, the pirates fighting fiercely.
Sofia's heart was pounding, her mind numb. What was happening? Was she really a pirate now?
I'm
As the sun began to set, the Royal Navy ship retreated, its sails torn, its crew defeated. Ryker turned to her, a grin on his face. "Well, wife, looks like we're in this together now."
Sofia's heart skipped a beat. She was a pirate, wasn't she? And pirates didn't back down.