𝐁𝛐𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐎𝐜𝐞𝐚𝐧 | Nikolai Lantsov

14 | 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐳𝐨𝐧

𝐀𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐚

Sunlight filtered through the heavy iron grates of the tavern, casting checkerboard shadows across the table strewn with papers, maps, and half-finished mugs of ale. Ketterdam was always alive, filled with the scent of spice and the sound of laughter. But here in this dim corner, with the sea raging outside and danger lurking in every half-lit alley, we immersed ourselves in a far more serious undertaking.

I leaned over the table, tracing a finger across a map of our enemy’s territory. “If we split into two teams, we can flank them from the north and—”

“No,” Nikolai interjected, his voice dripping with authority even as his ocean-blue eyes glimmered with mischief. He ran a hand through his tousled blond hair, and I could feel irritation bubbling beneath my skin as he decisively pushed the map back toward me.

I shot him an incredulous look. “Are you serious? You can’t just dismiss my plan! It’s far better than your last absurd notion that we should sail right into the middle of the enemy camp, waving a flag!”

A smirk crept onto his lips, and I hated that it only deepened my annoyance. “Amora, I’m the captain here. I should die first,” he said, chest puffed out as if that would make his statement any more palatable.

A low laugh escaped Toyla, startling both of us. He sat back, arms crossed, a gleam of amusement dancing in his dark eyes. “Nikolai, defending your title as if you could handle an enemy ship without stubbing your toe first. Let the lady speak, I say.”

Tamar, ever the fierce protector, nodded. “Please! Let’s not dive headlong into a calamity because you think you’re the hero here. Amora has a good point.”

“Point or not, I know you think you’re invincible, but I have to keep my crew safe,” Nikolai insisted, his voice rising.

I glared at him, the very embodiment of infuriating arrogance. “Safe? Is that what you think this is about? Because it isn’t!”

We both stood there, each word fired like ammunition in a battle. I was ready to hurl something—anything—at him, but just then, Toyla nudged Tamar, and with a subtle nod, they slipped quietly out of the room, dodging the skirmish like seasoned warriors while I was engaged in my own personal war.

“Nikolai,” I said, but he held up a hand, signaling for me to halt my argument.

His grip suddenly tightened around my wrist, preventing me from leaving. My heart jolted, caught off-guard by the jolt of electricity emanating from his touch. “Grow the fuck up, Amora,” he said, his voice losing its lightness, but still reminiscent of the teasing undertone that made me want to grind my teeth. “You can’t just pretend the world revolves around your ideas. Responsibility matters in leadership.”

The air crackled between us, the confrontation thickening like storm clouds ready to burst. I leaned closer, to punctuate my words with passionate conviction. “Responsibility isn’t just laying down and letting some prince—” I paused, the caustic bite of my words losing strength as I noticed his intense gaze focusing on my lips.

“Amora,” he whispered, cutting through the tension, but I was lost in the depths of his ocean-blue eyes, the waves crashing within them like the wild sea behind him. I knew I should have said more, unleashed the venom of words that belonged to our feud,

but the moment pulled me in. He pressed forward, connecting our lips, a whirlwind of heat, defiance, and something deeper than I cared to admit.

My initial surprise melted away, as I slowly lean into the kiss, the taste of ale and adventure lingering. My heart raced as I pulled back slightly, catching my breath and staring at him. “What in the damned hell was that?” I whispered, using the precise level of sarcasm and humor I thought could cover my embarrassment.

He arching one eyebrow, a playful grin breaking through the tension. “Just testing a theory, you know.”

I blinked, both bewildered and annoyed. “What theory? That it’s great to kiss a stubborn prince in the middle of a heated argument?”

He brushed a thumb against my cheek, the gentleness of his touch extinguishing my biting sarcasm. “No, that there’s more to your fire than just words. You’re full of surprises, Amora Sovic, and I am starting to like them. The thrill you bring to danger intrigues me.”

Before I could formulate a retort, he leaned closer, his breath warm against my ear. “But for now, we need to focus on defeating our enemies. You’re valuable, and I won’t risk your life foolishly.”

“Fine.” I pulled away, glaring at him half-heartedly, simmering irritation blending with a strange thrill. “Let’s get back to planning this attack. But remember, when it’s time, I’m leading the charge.”

“I’d expect nothing less, Firecracker,” he chuckled and emphasis on that affectionate name dripped with warmth.

As the two of us began to lay out plans—this time more evenly divided—I couldn’t shake the exhilaration that coursed through me. Caught in the whirlwind of arguments, reckless adventure, and this new flickering flame between us, I realized how easily it could ignite into something magnificent—if only we could weather the storms of rivalry and mischief together.

And as moments passed, lost in his gaze once more, I found myself secretly hoping that just maybe, our storm was only just beginning.

⎯⎯ ୨•୧ ⎯⎯