Siren's Kiss

16: Bartering

"The Isle o' Eldoria?" Drake echoed; his voice laced with genuine confusion. "I've sailed these seas since I been but a lad, but I've ne'er heard tell o' such a place." He scratched his head, pondering the siren prince's words.

The crew had gathered on the deck, hanging on every word as Ciel recounted his dream and the divine message he had received. "This is where we must go," Ciel insisted. "The Phoenix God guides us there. There's something on that island that he wants us to discover."

"An' whatever's on this here island leads to the path o' the Lost Isle?" Drake questioned, trying to piece together the puzzle.

"Yes, it does," Ciel confirmed.

Toby, the first mate, raised his hand hesitantly. "Beggin' yer pardon, Prince, but didn't ye say yer the map to the Lost Isle? That the god showed ye the way to the Forgotten Isle?"

Ciel nodded. "The god revealed that the island exists somewhere in the Seven Seas. It's not a myth like most folks believe. The path to the island will be unveiled as I travel these waters. That's why the god suggested a pirate as my companion." His gaze turned to Drake. "You were chosen to be my companion."

The way Ciel spoke of him being his chosen companion made Drake's cheeks flush. Suddenly, he sensed the crew's eyes were on him, questioning their captain's demeanor. Though Drake had a reputation as a fearsome leader, known across the Seven Seas, he had little experience with romance. The stories of his dalliance with Grandmaster Isadora were exaggerated; he had only flirted with her to access the templars' treasure vault, and nothing came out of that supposed relationship.

Clearing his throat, Drake tried to shake off the crew's teasing looks and focused on Ciel, adopting a more serious tone. "We've ne'er set foot on this here isle, dear prince. Ori, our navigator, hasn't charted it. This here place could be dangerous, an' we might not be prepared fer what lies ahead. Did yer god mention anythin' else? Or be we to expect the unexpected?"

The crew collectively burst into laughter at the last part, making Ciel scowl. "I thought pirates traversed the Seven Seas with that mentality? Expect the unexpected. Or are you backing down because you fear the unknown?"

The crew hooted and gasped, but Ciel met Drake's gaze with his chin held high. No one dared accuse Captain Drake of cowardice, except for Ladyqueen or Hawk King, who believed Drake often chose flight over fight.

Drake had learned that fighting like a man wasn't always the best strategy. As a survivalist, his priority was staying alive. He knew there would always be foes bigger than him and didn't see the point in unnecessary risks.

Taking a deep breath, Drake softened his stance. "Perhaps we need to talk and devise a plan privately before spreadin' it to the rest of the crew. We can't be rushin' into unknown waters without a proper strategy."

Ciel nodded with understanding, but looking into his sea-gray eyes the captain already knew that he had no plans to alter their course. "Agreed, Captain. Let's find a quiet spot to discuss our next move."

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As soon as Drake led Ciel to his quarters, leaving the crew to their speculations and whispered conversations, he heard the door lock behind him. He turned just in time to see Ciel pulling him close---shockingly, fiercely---leaning forward and crushing his lips against his.

One of Drake's arms automatically wound around the prince's slender waist, trying to maintain balance and at the same time deciding if he wanted to pull back or just go with the flow. Ciel's heat had been erratic, reacting only when Drake was around but remaining cold and aloof with others. Drake had his own suspicions about why the prince acted this way towards him, but he'd rather not dwell on the matter further. The truth was, he didn't want to take advantage of Ciel. Also, as mentioned before, he had no experience in romance, let alone the art of mating.