Setting off to sail was a grueling process. Once the ship was off the docks, the village became farther and farther.

Davin Pohler was captain of the Bleeding Rose. The ship was old yet clean and still as sturdy as it was when his family before him captained it.

Wind was harsh but it helped carry Davin and his crew away from the town they stopped by.

Trading was harsh and so was boat inspections.

Most of the crew loaded more on food and rum.

Davin took off his coat in the study below deck and same with his hat. His white shirt was damp. He looked more like he was a crew member than a captain.

His golden hair, not quite blonde or brown, was tussled from the wind.

Salty air and boat swaying was a lullaby. The Pohler’s were a myth to most because of the treacherous, killer waters and creatures that Davin’s family overcame which people made stories about.

Suddenly the crew started shouting. Davin’s hand left the wheel to brush over his sword.

Not many women were hired to crew the ship. Mainly because they were afraid. But somehow there was a woman aboard.

And not just any. The Princess. How the hell did she get on the ship? One of the crew members looked guilty.

“I have got to be in hell.” Davin mumbled. He was too far from the village and he didn’t want to travel with a spoiled princess. “How did you get aboard?”

He shouted as he jumped to the deck, sun shining in his almost mint colored eyes. Gold flecks hiding in the green.

“I asked how you got aboard! Answer before I slash you.” His words were a bite.

He knew he shouldn’t threaten a princess.