Siren's Kiss

26: Marooned

A fire burned in the grate deep in the dungeon as Captain Hawk once again found himself bound by chains, facing Rowan Nicolaus, who was seated in a chair, staring into the glowing embers. Despite being in Rowan's company for the past few hours and enduring countless beatings from the templar guards, Hawk continued to cackle in response, refusing to succumb.

"As I thought, you and that siren king can't really work together," the pirate smirked.

Rowan did not appreciate the mocking tone and gestured to one of his men to hit Hawk again, this time on the face. Battered and bruised, Hawk continued to laugh loudly, annoying the commander even more. "You aren't afraid to die, are you?" Rowan said. "You do know how to find the siren prince, don't you?"

"Even if I do, my sorcery is useless now. Their destination is covered in fog, and I can sense his captor is safe but with no clear indication of their endpoint."

Rowan smiled. "Why are you colluding with the princess, Captain Hawk?"

Hawk simply shrugged. "I'm very attracted to female sirens."

"Lies."

There was a sudden knock, and the guard crossed to the door and opened it. Another guard entered, carrying Sage, the historian of Thalassara and companion of the siren princess. Sage was dragged inside and forced to sit beside the commander. Rowan waved his hand, dismissing the guards, leaving only one standing in the corner.

"This is such an uncanny alliance, one I never expected," Rowan continued. "If I didn't know any better, I'd suspect Prince Ciel of colluding with Captain Drake too."

Neither Hawk nor Sage spoke. Sage already knew of this possibility, which the princess had mentioned. They never shared their suspicions with the pirates, but Hawk had his own preconceived notions regarding the true relationship between Prince Ciel and Drake.

"Why don't you just let him go?" Hawk offered again. "It's my ability you want. He and the princess were just stowaways, trying their luck in the Seven Seas."

"Oh, but the king already knows his daughter escaped."

Hawk was astonished. "Don't tell me..."

"Whatever you're thinking, you're correct. He's using his daughter to track Captain Drake's ship."

Hawk's astonishment was replaced with amusement. "What a shrewd and evil king, using his own daughter as a tracker to find his son. How cold."

"She's adopted."

Another surprising revelation. "Still unreasonable. It sounds even more evil."

"But we're not here to discuss the princess. King Cyraeni has no intention of going easy on you and your friends. He plans to destroy the Deadly Trio for his political gain using his son's predicament. If you ally with me, I'll ensure your protection."

Sage was frightened when he heard this and looked at Captain Hawk. The pirate stared back at the commander, deadpan. "And you plan to take credit for finding the prince and blackmailing the king," Hawk guessed. "But what will you gain aside from prestige?"

"I can entice a king to strike a deal."

"What deal?"

Rowan rose from his chair and moved to the chimney corner, stoking the fire. "Lucius Shadowbane is planning to run for High Sentinel of the Templar Grandmasters. We aren't on good terms due to differing opinions. I'd like a higher title to secure my future in the army."

Hawk's brows drew together. "I don't think I follow---"

"Marrying the prince would be a good idea to advance my political agenda," Rowan said, looking over his shoulder. "Not to mention, I'd be closer to the siren king and his family."