We all sat on the deck in a circle around the fire. If we were going to do this, we might as well do it right. “Are we sure we should read this story?” Posy asked. “I mean what if the book is cursed?”“This whole journey has been cursed.” Penn pointed out. “He’s right and we clearly were supposed to find this. Might as well see what it’s all about.” I sighed, sure I would end up regretting this. “Go ahead and read, Hunter.”He cleared his throat. “There was once a ship called The Ghastly Cutlass run by Captain Rowell ‘The Cruel’ Swale. He was ruthless and hard and the reason for this tale-”“God is it all going to rhyme?” Cedric groaned. “Shut up!” I snapped. “Continue Hunter.”“Thank you Empress Zelda.” He shot Cedric a dirty look before continuing. “Rowell took no pri

When I opened my eyes, the world around me was different than I’d ever seen it before. It was green and dark. It was incredibly forest-like and yet didn’t feel anything like the real world. It almost seemed like it was an unfinished place. Like someone had started creating it, but got stopped halfway through. It was eerie and creepy and if I could feel, I think it would be quite cold. “Well this is horrifying.” Penn whispered. I turned to look at him. He was a ghost. The most handsome damn ghost I’d ever seen in my life, but still a ghost. “We’ve gotta start looking for the others.” I said. “Who knows how long it’ll be until sunrise?”I tried to pull him but my hand went right through his. Right, we’re not solid anymore.We floated through the strange world. For being dead and having nothing to do, ghosts sure were scrambling around l

When my eyes snapped open I couldn’t exactly figure out where I was at first. It took a moment to realize I was under the deck on a cot. “You were right.” Penn’s voice stated next to me. He was shirtless and I’m pretty sure naked under the cover. “They were having sex.”“Lucky ghosts.” I grinned, leaning over to kiss him. “Maybe we should finish what they started.”“I could be tempted.”“Empress Zelda where are you?” Hunter called.I rolled my eyes. “Another time, darling.”Penn groaned as we started getting dressed. We hurried above deck. The sky was orangish-purple and absolutely stunning!“Well somehow we made it out of there.” I sighed heavily. “How do we all feel?”I was met with grumbles and groans. Okay they weren’t happy. And why should they be?“Well is anyone hungry?&rd

Penn’s POVAt this point I wasn’t even surprised with Zelda getting kidnapped. It was to be expected now. How did she manage to get kidnapped so much? She was the strongest and most powerful woman I knew and yet was so easy to abduct. I understand why she was always taken. I mean she was the most beautiful person to grace this entire earth. I wanted to take her away the moment I met her too. Not only did my heart recognize her as my mate, but my mind did too.Seeing the way she had stood up to Hunter solidified that she was the woman for me. Of course she was intimidating and I was scared of telling Hunter that I loved her, but I would do anything for her. I would lay my life on the line for a second. No that I ever get the chance to. She’s usually taken before I even have a chance to do that of course.“What is with everyone taking my sister?” Zeke groaned. “Is she that appealing?”

“I’m sorry sir, but I am Empress Zelda’s future husband.” Prince Mako proclaimed. “She even knows how I like my eggs in the morning!”Penn glared at me. “He doesn’t know how I like mine though.” I said quickly. “Didn’t even bother asking.”“You can’t marry the Empress!” Hunter complained. “If you like her, get in line we’re all waiting.”“I’m a Prince, I do not wait!” Prince Mako announced. “Well I’m a King, so I rank higher!” Cedric declared. “A king?” An orange hair mermaid questioned. “You didn't mention you were a king! Princess Ria can marry  you and rule over the Slumbering Reef!”“Yes!” I smiled. “And then I don’t have to marry Prince Mako. It’s a win/win!”“No!” Prince Mako and Cedric chorused.&nbs