I was so tired. I didn’t know why, but I suddenly felt like sleeping for ages, even as I allowed Amber to pull me down the hallway. I didn’t know what she had heard, but even so, I felt my cheeks begin to flush as I thought of our conversation. We were such children. I quickly forced down the knot in my throat and straightened up as we approached the living room where everyone was still snacking. But instead of stopping, Amber marched past the door, where Tanner stood to his feet in suspicion and followed us. Behind him, Rachel scrambled to catch up.

We headed out to the garden, where Amber pushed me into a bench. She stood in front of me, arms crossed.

Behind her, peeking out of the bushes, was Tanner. Rachel suddenly sped past in excitement. Tanner lunged at her quickly, grabbed her waist and dragged her into the bushes with him. Even from a few yards away, I could see the blush on her cheeks as she shifted in his grip. Tanner didn’t seem to notice, his eyes dead set on Amber suspiciously.

I wasn’t afraid however, Amber didn’t scare me.

“You are pirates.” She said.

“Yes. I am aware of that fact.” I replied, training my eyes on hers.

“We are royals.”

Yes, I am also aware of that. We took you hostage…remember?”

“Of course I do!” Amber snapped, “The point that I’m getting at is that pirates and royalty don’t mix. You’re helping us get home. We may be friends. But none…” She leaned into my face, “none of us can be more.”

The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

I stood and she took a step back. I was a few inches taller than her, which I bet she hated.

“And who are you to stop me?” I asked, a wicked grin on my face.

She blinked, then quickly tore her gaze away from me, “Just don’t…ruin my life…”

I shook my head, “You’re a jerk, Amber.” Then I shoved past her and made my way towards Tanner. I spared a glance over my shoulder and saw Amber was sitting on the bench, deep in thought.

Tanner still sat in the bushes, Rachel was nearly on his lap with how tight he was holding her and her face was flushed pink.

“Tanner, you’re going to give Rachel a heart attack. Let her go.” I ordered.

Tanner seemed to blink out of his daze before he gave Rachel a sheepish apology and let her go. She stumbled out of the bushes and still flushed, she turned to walk over to Amber.

Tanner stood to his feet and looked me over, “You okay?” He asked.

“What do you think?” I asked, rolling my eyes.

“Why didn’t you just tell her to let you go?” Tanner asked.

“I wanted to see what she wanted to tell me.” I replied, starting back to the house.

He followed quietly, with a single glance back at Amber and Rachel, who seemed be in deep discussion.

I sighed as we entered the house and everyone came thundering towards us.

“Did you kill Amber?” Philip demanded.

“Where’s Rachel?” Kate asked.

“Did you hide the bodies?”

I glanced up as Elizabeth stepped slowly down the staircase, watching me, amused.

“Not yet.” I replied, “Elizabeth, you need to bury the bodies. We’ll be sure to have a grand funeral in the pirate style.”

“Let’s not.” Kate said quietly.

The door behind us flew open and Rachel and Amber entered, blinking at everyone crowding around us.

“The dead are alive.” William noted.

“What?” Amber demanded.

“We just thought that since you had physically touched Serah, that she would physically kill you.” Kate replied.

“Serah doesn’t scare me.” Amber replied sharply.

Instantly, all eyes turned to me.