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The crew was confused when I made my goodbyes, but then Teng announced that I had only returned to make sure we were safe and now I was going home to my lover, the King of Morilren, where I'd live in luxury's lap—and the King's—for as long as I could milk it. The crew cheered. There's nothing a pirate loves more than sex and treasure. Combine them and they just about come in their pants.

I shed a few tears on my way to the railing. Everything I owned was packed in a waterproof satchel, and not a very big one at that. I had my blades strapped to my body, so they weren't taking up room in the bag, but other than weapons, my treasures were small. A pirate generally values experiences more than trinkets. Don't get me wrong, we love shiny, expensive things, but that's because we know how much they're worth. We sell them and buy what we really want—good food, strong liquor, nice clothes, fine blades, and sex. I would hopefully get most of those things for free from King Vaxarion.

After one last look at my family, I grinned at Teng, then I dove overboard. I had worn skin-tight shorts and a slim tank top without shoes. My boots were in my bag along with the rest of my clothes. I knew the journey was far, and I didn't want leather or heavy fabric hindering me. Nerakies are fast swimmers, very agile both in and out of the water. But we weren't as fast as Sea Dragons. Where it had only taken hours for that guard to swim me to Vix, it would take me a couple of days to get back.

But I faced the journey with a smile, my hearts lightened by the thought that I was returning to him. Vax. My king. I would make him forgive me. Teng's advice rang through my head, and I knew I would take it. I would do anything to get Vax back. Anything. I might even tell him I loved him.

I put on speed and headed for the center of the Morilren Sea, where I'd find the city of Shasenai and the Sea Dragon King who now ruled my hearts.