In Wake of the Sea

"Do I think you're beautiful?" Faulte repeated, letting the question hang in the air as he toyed with a piece of bread, breaking it apart slowly. His eyes flicked to Lietz, studying him with an almost lazy curiosity. "Attractive? That's a funny word coming from you."

Lietz clenched his jaw, trying to keep his expression neutral. He had expected Faulte's answer to be dismissive, but it stung nonetheless. Still, he pushed forward, determined to know what Faulte truly thought of him, beyond the superficial acts of cruelty or control.

"That's not what I asked." Lietz leaned in slightly, his voice quiet but firm. "Do you think I'm-" he struggled for the right word, trying to frame it in a way Faulte might actually understand, "-desirable? Or just... a means to an end?"

For a moment, Faulte didn't answer, his gaze narrowing a little. He set down the bread, his expression shifting, perhaps taking Lietz's words more seriously than expected. The pirate took a slow breath, meeting Lietz's eyes with something less teasing now, more guarded.

"Do I think you're desirable?" he echoed. "It's hard to say. You're not... like the women I'm used to, and you don't exactly seem to want to be either."

•≋≋≋≋≋≋≋≋≋≋≋≋≋≋≋≋𓊝≋≋≋≋≋≋≋≋≋≋≋≋≋≋≋≋•

This low fantasy romance follows the story of M. Liets, a transmasc sailor who is primarily perceived as a woman in his life. When his ship is boarded by pirates, and his captain is killed, Lietz surrenders to them, and the pirates abduct him. He assumes he is to work as a slave for the captain, Ryles Faulte, but Liets soon finds out that is not why he was taken. Captain, Faulte isn't as horrific as he lets on.

This story is for all the trans people who are living pretending to be cis and hiding their light. My purpose in writing it is to bring you joy and hope when reading it.