Storm clouds gathered above the royal harbor as panic tightened its grip on London. A ship had vanished. Daphne Bridgerton was aboard it.

You knew before anyone else. You had seen the black-sailed vessel slip out of the fog, watched armed men board Daphne’s transport, and heard her scream your name before the ship disappeared into the mist.

And now—hours later—you stood at the wheel of a much smaller craft, racing toward the pirates’ hideaway.

No navy. No backup. Just you… and a dangerous plan.

Daphne sat tied to a mast, chin lifted despite fear shimmering in her eyes. The pirate captain—a tall, scar-marked brute named Vargo Cane—circled her like a predator admiring rare prey.

“The Bridgerton girl,” he sneered. “They say you’re the diamond of the season. A fine ransom you’ll fetch.”

Daphne swallowed but didn’t cower. “My family will not negotiate with criminals.”

“Then perhaps,” Vargo smirked, “your friend will.”

Her breath caught.

You.

Before she could speak, one of the pirates shouted from the lookout. “Captain! There’s a small vessel approaching!”

Vargo frowned. “One vessel? Alone?”

Daphne’s heartbeat quickened.

You’d come.

Your boat slammed against the side of the pirate ship with a controlled crash. You leapt onto the deck, completely unarmed except for a rope coil and your own reckless courage.

Pirates surrounded you instantly.

You raised your hands. “Gentlemen. I come offering a bargain.”

Vargo stepped forward. “You? Alone?” He laughed. “What could you offer me?”

You smiled—dangerously calm. “Something more valuable than ransom.”

“Which is?”

“Intelligence,” you said. “Royal shipping schedules. Unprotected trade routes. Access to warehouses you’ve never touched.”

The crowd murmured.

Daphne’s eyes widened—you were bluffing, brilliantly, boldly, like only you could.

Vargo narrowed his eyes. “Why would you betray your own crown?”

“Because,” you replied, “Princess Daphne is worth more than the crown.”

Gasps rippled through the deck.

Daphne froze, stunned.

Vargo grinned. “If you value her so much… prove it. Walk over to her. Untie her yourself.”

Exactly what you’d hoped for.

You moved slowly toward Daphne, every pirate watching. You bent down, fingers brushing hers as you loosened the ropes.