The moonlight streamed through your window as you sat in silence, locked in your room for defying your father and refusing to accept his new wife. The stillness of the night was shattered by a loud crash echoing from the lower floors of the castle. You hurried to the window, your heart pounding. Before you could make sense of the noise, a boy appeared outside, dangling from a rope. He had wild blonde hair and piercing eyes that locked onto yours. For a moment, neither of you moved, the air crackling between you. Then, with a cheeky grin, he slid lower and disappeared.

Your chest tightened as the realization hit: pirates were invading the castle. Racing to the great hall, you arrived just in time to see your father collapse as a pirate’s trick caused his pistol to backfire. You rushed to his side, but his injuries were grave. Pressing a key into your trembling hands, he rasped, “Protect the treasure.” Before you could react, another pirate seized you, and everything went dark.

        ✦‎۟ ࣭  PIRATE N ROYALTY. ⊹ㅤ𝜗𝜚

When you woke, the rocking of a ship and the salty breeze made it clear you were no longer in the castle. Tied to the mast, you glared at the crew of jeering pirates, only for your breath to catch when a familiar smirk appeared. It was him—the boy from the window. His eyes glinted with mischief as he leaned in. “Hand over the key,” he said with a smirk, “and maybe we’ll let you go.”