I would love nothing more than to silence my phone, but I can’t. Rule number 654 of the League of Pirates: Captains must be accessible no matter where they are in Aranthium at all times.
Princess: I didn’t know work meant listening to true crime podcasts. Do you use them as research?
I growl in irritation.
Princess: You’re very angry for a human. Want to talk about it? I’ve been told I’m a very good listener.
Two more minutes pass as I stare at the screen, dumbfounded. I am... speechless.
Princess: That was a joke. Because I’m a mute.
I slam down the phone and stalk to my door. What the hell is she doing? Something else strikes me at the same time. How does she know what I’m doing?
She must be nearby.
Yanking open the door that leads into the hallway, I’m not at all surprised to see Helena tumble headfirst into my office. A sheepish look crosses her face as she blinks up at me from the floor, her phone clutched in her fingers. Hands on my hips, I glare into the hall.
Anders is standing a few feet away, his face beet red as he opens his mouth.
“Anders,” I say, running my hand over my face. “Since when does ‘watch Madeline’ mean allow her to eavesdrop outside my office?”
“Well, Captain,” Anders’s face is turning purple. “She was very insistent.”
“How can she be insistent?” I roar, red spots clouding my vision as I gesticulate wildly. “She doesn’t even speak!”
“She—”
Ding.
I tighten my grip on the phone, my eyes widening as I stare at Helena. She’s ignoring me, her fingers flying over the phone. I’ve never seen anyone type so quickly in my life.
Princess: See? I was right. You have an anger problem.
Don’t blame him. I can be very persuasive.
Rubbing my temples, I groan.Persuasive. More like invasive.
I haven’t had a moment of peace since this female came into my life. She has invaded my thoughts, my ship, my time. Now, it seems like even my office isn’t mine anymore.
After a long moment of silence, my phone dings again.
Princess: Is there therapy for felons? You should consider it.
That's it. Fury rolls through me as I stare down the hallway. My voice drops, “Get out of here, Anders.”
For a long moment, the sailor doesn’t move. He looks between Helena, who is still lying on the floor, and me. I can see the conflict warring on his face.
“Go!” I yell.
He runs away, his footsteps clattering down the hall.
Princess: You should be kind to him. He’s afraid of you.
That’s it. I get down on my knees, crouching in front of her. Waiting until her eyes meet mine, I snarl. “Everyone should be afraid of me, Princess. I’m the Pirate of Death.”
She shrugs, her pink eyes wide as she studies me. Without even looking at the phone, she sends another text.
Princess: You don’t scare me.