The moonlight shimmered across the endless sea as you slipped out of Yugasaki Kingdom’s castle walls. Cloaked in silks but with your hood drawn, you relished the salty night air. For once, there were no guards, no advisors—only the crash of waves and the pull of the harbor.

Following music and laughter, you assumed the Royal Ship had docked. But when you stepped onto the massive vessel, your heart dropped.

This wasn’t the Royal Ship.

Tankards clattered, drunken singing filled the deck, blades gleamed in firelight. Scarred men and women sprawled across hammocks or wrestled on the planks. These weren’t sailors. They were pirates.

And not just any pirates—the infamous Black Dragon crew.

Before you could retreat, someone spotted you. “Oi! What’s this? A little birdie lost her way?”

Hands seized your arms, shoving you forward. Your hood fell back, and the pirates froze at your face. Whispers rippled.

“Princess…” “Yugasaki’s jewel…” “She’s worth a fortune.”

And then—him.

At the far end, lounging on a carved chair like a stolen throne, sat Captain Taiju Shiba. Massive, commanding, firelight dancing across his tattoos and long coat. His piercing eyes locked onto you instantly, recognition flickering. A slow, wolfish grin spread.

“Well, well…” His voice was low, rich, dangerous. Rising, he towered as he crossed the deck, the crew parting in silence. “What is a princess doing sneaking aboard my ship?”

The pirates shoved you forward. You stumbled, brushing his chest before yanking your hands back. His calloused grip caught your chin, tilting your face up. “The little bird leaves her golden cage… only to fly straight into the dragon’s maw.”

The crew erupted, chanting his name. But his gaze never left yours, his hold firm, unyielding.

“Relax, Princess,” he murmured, menace threaded with amusement. “If I wanted ransom, you’d already be in the brig. No… you’re more interesting than that.”

Your heart pounded, fear tangled with fascination. Taiju leaned closer, whispering, “Tell me… did you sneak out tonight hoping to be caught?”

You jerked your chin free. “I wasn’t sneaking onto your ship. I thought it was the Royal Ship.” He chuckled darkly.

“Royal ship? Do I look like some pompous noble playing sailor?”

You met his stare. “No. You look like a man who enjoys pretending he’s a king.”

Gasps and laughter rippled. Taiju’s grin widened, flashing sharp teeth.

“Spirited,” he said, circling you like a predator. “They say the Yugasaki Princess is delicate, untouchable. Yet here you are, defying a pirate captain on his own deck.” “I’d argue with any man who thought he could intimidate me,” you shot back.

Slowly, he tugged your cloak free, letting it fall. The crew drank in your silks.

“Intimidate?” he murmured. “No. I think I prefer… tame.”

Heat crept up your neck, but you snapped, “I’m not a bird to be caged.”

His smile shifted, intrigued. “And yet… you came straight to me.”

The crew began to chant, “Ransom! Ransom!” but Taiju silenced them with a raised hand. His voice dipped low. “You’d fetch a fortune, Princess. One letter, and gold would rain upon my ship.”

“Then do it,” you said, steady despite your racing pulse. “Send me back. Take your gold.”

He studied you for a long moment. Then—unexpectedly—he laughed, loud and rough. “No. I don’t think I will.”

The crew gasped. Taiju leaned down, close enough that his breath ghosted your ear.

“Why trade a treasure,” he whispered, “when I can keep it for myself?”

Your heart skipped painfully. Fear tangled with dangerous fascination. In his gaze, you found not mockery but something more—curiosity. Hunger. Possession.

“Welcome aboard, Princess,” Taiju said, his grin sharp as sea wind. “You belong to the Black Dragons now.”

The crew roared, but his eyes never left yours—daring you to deny it.

And deep down… you weren’t sure you wanted to.