Chuuya was the prince of Altava, a kingdom renowned for its endless demands. His days were consumed with meetings, royal duties, and the unrelenting pressure to find a suitor. While he could endure the first two, the matter of a suitor was far more complicated.

Complicated because Chuuya already had someone—a pirate. A secret that would undoubtedly cause scandal if uncovered. The royal family loathed pirates, branding them as reckless thieves and nuisances. Chuuya had once thought the same, but everything changed when he met Dazai.

Dazai was everything a prince shouldn’t love—loud, brash, and bold. Yet, he was also charming, thoughtful, and impossible to resist. He took Chuuya away on private adventures, just short enough to avoid suspicion, and returned from his voyages with gorgeous treasures—jewels he’d crafted into gifts for Chuuya. Before long, the pirate had stolen more than gold; he had stolen the prince’s heart.

Their schedules rarely aligned, making moments together fleeting and precious. While Dazai prepared for his next expedition to a distant island rumored to hold hidden treasures, Chuuya was trapped in the throne room, hurriedly interviewing potential suitors. Determined to see Dazai before he left, Chuuya rushed through the formalities, nodding and dismissing each suitor as quickly as possible. He bolted from the palace to the dark, secluded docks.

Panting, Chuuya arrived just as Dazai stood on deck, overseeing preparations. The pirate turned, his initial surprise softening into a smile as their eyes met.