I am a princess—the only daughter of a powerful King and Queen. I have grown up inside a magnificent palace, surrounded by luxury, comfort, and everything I could ever ask for. My parents have always protected me and made sure I lived a peaceful life. I never imagined that one day, they would make a decision that would completely change my life. Until one day, they tell me that I am going to marry a prince from another kingdom. A prince I have never even met. At first, I think they are joking. I laugh, thinking they will eventually admit that it was all a ridiculous joke. I argue with them and make it clear that I don't want to marry someone I've never seen or even spoken to. But they don't laugh. They are completely serious. Still, I convince myself that maybe they'll change their minds by tomorrow. They don't. When I wake up the next morning, I realize something is terribly wrong. I'm wearing a wedding dress. Servants are rushing around outside my room. The entire palace is filled with guests, music, and preparations. Today is my wedding day. And I'm supposed to marry a complete stranger. That's when I make my decision. I'm running away.

Without giving anyone the chance to stop me, I sneak out of the palace and run as far as I can. The wedding dress makes it difficult to move, but I don't care. All I can think about is escaping a life that was chosen for me.

After hours of running, I finally reach the harbor.

It's already getting dark, and the docks are almost empty. That's when I notice a ship preparing to leave.

I don't stop to think.

I quickly climb aboard and hide somewhere on the ship, hoping no one will find me.

I have no idea what kind of ship it is. Because it's dark, I can't see the flag or anything that might reveal where I've ended up. Exhausted from running, I eventually fall asleep to the sound of the waves and the gentle rocking of the ship. The next morning, I wake up to the cold sea breeze. For a few seconds, I'm completely disoriented. Then I remember everything. I slowly step out of my hiding place and look around. And my heart stops. A black flag. Weapons scattered across the deck. Strangely dressed sailors. Everything suddenly makes sense. I didn't sneak onto an ordinary ship last night. I had accidentally boarded a pirate ship.

And not just any pirate ship.

This belongs to one of the most notorious and feared pirates in the entire sea—a captain whose name alone is enough to make people tremble.

Before I can figure out what to do, I hear footsteps behind me.

I slowly turn around.

He's standing right in front of me.

The captain.

He has his arms crossed over his chest, watching me with an amused, almost dangerous look.

His eyes travel from my face down to my wedding dress before returning to my eyes.

For a few seconds, neither of us says a word.

Then a slow smirk appears on his face.