Page 139 of Pirate Witch

The one thing I insist on is collecting the records. Without telling anyone, I sneak back to the place where the Alchemist died and collect a piece of her ash. Then I break into the vault where Catherine’s remains are interred and take a tiny sample of her blood. Both are sealed in the magical glass envelopes, which are the tools of a Shadow. Proof of the first true Goddess-sanctioned kills I’ve made.

I’ll deliver them to Danika as soon as we land in Coveton again.

Given my recent brush with death, I expected that I’d never want to go near the ocean again. Now, as I stand to one side of the throne beside Reva and Elsie, all I can do is pray for this coronation to be over so that I can return to the ship with my men.

The room is packed, but my pirates, Cirio, Athena, Lexi, Cassie, and Sade all have spaces in the front row for the event. I would happily have stayed with them, but the new mortal queeninsistedI be front and centre as the ‘hero’ who ‘saved’ the isles.

It’s all politics. A show of approval I’m not sure I really want to give.

In a few years’ time, the Goddess could call for Amelia’s death. I hope that it’s unlikely, given that she’s thrown herself into rebuilding the witches’ presence in her city.

But I can never know for certain.

That’s part of what makes a Shadow’s life so lonely.

From my lauded position, I have a grand view of the entire room, which is decked with an inordinate amount of flowers. Their perfume hangs heavy in the air, coating my tongue and making my nose twitch.

Opal sits by my feet, licking her paws as she surveys the crowd with her trademark distinctly unimpressed expression. She’s wearing a glittering platinum collar which Amelia gifted to her. It’s studded with diamonds and ostentatious, but Opal took one look at it and declared it the only collar worthy of such an important familiar.

My dress was also a gift from the grieving princess. A swishy black number made of the softest velvet. It’s completely free of lace, jewels, or other adornments, but dips so low in the back that my sigils are on full display.

“Such a big, comfy, warm looking seat over there,”Opal says, looking pointedly at the throne.“Wouldn’t it be a shame if someone decided to nap on it?”

“Don’t even think about it,” I growl through the corner of my mouth.

“But it’s right in the sun andeverything.”I can feel her pouting.“It’d be a quick nap, I promise. Barely a cat nap.”

I roll my eyes at her. “Keep going, and I’ll put you outside.”

“You wouldn’t dare,”she purrs.“I’m a guest of the royal family.”

“You’re a pest.”

“Try to remove me and I’ll spit up a hairball on that pretty red cushion,”she threatens.

She’ll do it, too. Wisely, I give up, but thankfully Opal is now too deep into her grooming to want to move.

Unfortunately, I have enough experience with her habits to know that she’s about to start grooming in a far less appropriate place.

“You missed a spot by your ears,” I hiss, urgently.

“Oh my Goddess, I didnot.”With a mew of agitation, she scrambles behind my legs.“Stay right there until I’ve sorted this out. The fancy hat ceremony will be starting soon and I’m not groomed.”

I smirk and catch eyes with Rysen, who’s also grinning. He must have heard half of the conversation and guessed the rest.

Trumpets cut off our silent conversation, and the roar of the gathered people echoes from outside as Amelia’s carriage arrives. My ears ache as the noise grows unbearable, and I’m not surprised when my men wince.

First through the door is Adella. The siren warrioress strides through with her trident drawn and her golden armour gleaming. She stares down the room with the confidence and disinterest of a woman used to being the centre of attention and the keen eyes of a soldier aware that a crowd is a great place for assassins to hide.

Her eyes meet mine, and I give her a small nod as she takes her place behind the throne.

The young prince and princess follow her, their golden hair glinting in the sunlight. Prince Kyle has been dressed in a small version of the new black military uniform which has replaced the Eagle’s red guard. His sister, Ruby, beside him, is wearing a flowing gold dress with an adorable puffy skirt.

They’re carrying a basket of white petals between them and pause every few steps to sprinkle them across the carpet.

“Ugh, did they need more flowers? Really?”Opal comments, butting her head against my leg.

I ignore her. My attention—along with everyone else’s—is caught completely by the new queen gliding through the door.