People in colourful robes and dresses flashed before her eyes as she danced to the flittering tunes of the flutes. Her heart beat along with drums, the notes orchestrating a push-and-pull game that neither she nor Pan could win. There was laughter, singing, and peach wine—so much wine that she had long stopped counting the glasses that passed her lips. One moment, the world around her spun. Then, she felt the urgent need to take a nap in the grass and embrace the darkness that overwhelmed her.

Half panicking, she tried stretching her arms and legs, but couldn't. She was stuck, or confined, or imprisoned.

What bet had she lost?

Then the thirst hit her. She scratched her throat, but it felt so dry she might as well have drunk sand straight from the Suhrian desert.

What had she done?

She gasped.

Had Pan... had she...?

Where was she? She wiggled and writhed, then rolled over. Her stomach roiled. Then, for less than a heartbeat, she was weightless. 

Thud.

Ouch, that had been the ground.

The fall still rang in her ears as she finally freed herself from her confinement. She blinked as she stared at the mural of horses galloping through the desert, then at the canopy bed she had rolled off from. 

What a Porktail she had been. She was still in the Queen's Palace, in a bedroom. Her prison had been but the crimson satin blanket that had wrapped itself around her body.

She looked down. Whoever had aided her to her bed hadn't tried anything funny. She was still wearing her corseted dress. Her earlobes stung from having lain on them all night. She removed the dangles and threw them onto the nightstand where they clunked against her belts. At least, they had removed that.

Slowly, the events from last night returned to her. No, she hadn't kissed Pan and embarrassed herself for all of Alburkhan to see. But, Gods, she had promised him to convince King Siga to invest in their quest for unknown lands. Why did she? As though the audience with the new Jade Islander King wouldn't already be precarious enough. She had to seek Lana's council, or at least warn her of Pan's plans. Damn the wine and her loose tongue.

A dull pain thumped in her temples.

First, she had to find water.

The palace was quiet. She scrunched her eyes as sunshine seeped in through the tall windows. The sun rose so quickly in Scoria that she couldn't tell just how early in the morning it was. 

After taking a much-needed stop at the privy, she padded along the spiralling descent that led towards an indoor pond. There was something soothing about the cool marble beneath her feet, about the sound of rippling water, and the occasional screeching of a gull flying over the palace. She sat down at the edge of the pond. With her eyes closed, she could fool herself into thinking she was at sea, but she was too thirsty to enjoy the daydream.

She had all the water she had ever needed at her disposal, but could she risk it? Standing water was dangerous, but this pond had waterfalls to circulate and aerate the flow. Then again, the pink and white lilies were losing their petals, and the leaves had coloured an eerie yellow.

When footsteps resounded above her, she jerked towards the noise. That had been too sudden—her head stung, and for a flash, black dots clouded her vision. Then, the spindly boy in red robes on the floor above her cleared up. 

"Hey, you there." She hated how her voice echoed. "Can I drink this water?"

"Sayida?" The boy darted a look over the edge. His gasp sounded a dozen times louder than it actually was. "Sayida Alex," he said with his scratchy voice. "I'll fetch you some water. Just you wait right there—don't go anywhere. I'll be right back."

She was thirsty now. "No need, I was just wondering if the pond was safe."

"No, Sayida Alex, only the tigers drink from it," the boy said.

She didn't wait for him to say anything else and plunged her head in the pond. If the quality of the water was good enough for the tigers, it was good enough for her too. She opened her mouth. This was exactly what she needed: an endless supply of cool, refreshing water. 

She drank until she could drink no more. Her belly roiled as she flicked back, her wet hair splashing on the tiles behind her. She let out a burp that bounced against the walls, then reverberated through the hall.

Oops. She smacked her hand against her lips, then sniggered. It was a shame none of her fellow Krakens were here. There were more from where this burp had come—they could have had a competition, and she would have won too.

She shifted her position and dipped her feet into the pond. Though gurgling noises still grumbled in her stomach, the burping helped her to slowly start feeling better. Hydrated. 

By the time the headache had faded, the serving boy had turned up with a towel, a glass and a translucent jug on a ceramic platter.

"Here you go, Sayida." 

As the boy leant forward to place the towel on the pond's wall, Alex took the jug with both hands. Green mint leaves and sprinkles of ginger root floated to the top. "Exactly what my stomach needs—you know your herbs, Khadim."

He stopped abruptly. His voice rose as he said, "I'm no khadim, Sayida Alex. My name is Bahri bin Usayd. My family was invited to Princess Jhara and Prince Sebastian's wedding. We danced last night."

"Oh." Her blood flowed to her burning cheeks. While his robe had a similar colour to the servants' uniform, his chest pocket featured an embroidered lotus flower. He was from Nilafwari, the biggest town in West-Scoria. His parents must be significant enough to warrant sleeping quarters in the palace. "I apologise... I must have mistaken you for a servant. Why didn't you tell me?"

"Who could refuse the Queen of the Pirates?" he said. He refused to look straight at her.

"I'm no Queen." Alex laughed.

The boy dropped his shoulders, then lifted them again. "But you are the leader of the pirates, aren't you?"

"You could say that," Alex said.

"Your tales have inspired me, Sayida. I've learnt all the knots, and I've helped my Abbah's men on the ship since I was old enough to reach the rudder. I know all the parts of the ship, from the bowsprit to the rudder, and as the first son of a wealthy trader family, the sea holds no more secrets. I was born with sealegs. Now, I want to become a Kraken."

She curled up her toes, not sure what to do with the boy's request. "I'm afraid you'll have to ask Captain Pan," she said.

He bent his neck forwards. "But you lead the pirates."

"Yeah, in a way."

"And you're a member of the legendary Kraken's Kiss."

Alex nodded. "That too."

"Then why can't you hire me, Sayida?"

"Because... it's complicated," she said, offering him a weak smile. "I apologise, Bahri bin Usayd, but I cannot help you. Captain Pan is the one you seek."

The boy looked as though she had told him the elves and goblins from the tales of old didn't exist. He gazed up the spiral as soft footsteps pattered down. It was Seb; he couldn't have arrived at a better hour to save her from further awkwardness.

"I'll take my leave now, Sayida," he said.

"Thanks for the water, and the towel. I'll ask Captain Pan to consider your application."

He lowered his head, taking a bow. "That won't be necessary, Sayida."

Alex sighed through her nose as the boy bowed to Sebastian before running up to the next floor. She wished she didn't have to disappoint him. Sure, she had the power to summon the pirates to the Cove of Elo to discuss their next mission, but aboard the Kraken, the belts and the seasons at sea determined the pecking order. Many came before her.

"The lad's another illusion richer," Seb said.

"It's what it is. Only one-belters and foreigners are awed by my title until they too realise what a hollow shell it is." She wiggled her toes and stared at them.

In the corner of her eye, she saw Seb sitting down next to the platter. "Well, it works for diplomatic purposes, and to keep the pirates in line, even if it's mostly a ceremonial function." When she didn't respond, he said. "You look like you've fallen out of bed too."

Alex let out a soft chuckle. "Scorian bedsheets are treacherous things."

Seb raised an eyebrow. "What?"

"Never mind." She poured some water into the glass and handed it to him. "Here, have some of this. Scorian hangovers are the mother of all hangovers, aren't they?"

Seb turned the glass but didn't drink it. He set it aside. "When you and Lana left Sundale, did the city seem normal?"

That was an odd question. She shot him a glance. "Yeah, given the skirmishes in the north and the east. You know what the capital is like—busy, well-guarded, and with a heat that radiates from the buildings and seems to linger in the streets."

"Alright, and my aunt and uncle were well?"

"Er...  lately, your uncle always looks like he'll snap if another issue arises. And your aunt is too focused on matters that no one cares about. But, yeah, they were fine—I guess." She had paid little attention to the royal couple. The focus had been on planning out the safest way to escort Lana to Scoria.

"And no news since your departure?"

Alex shook her head. The Princess had sent a pigeon to King Siga as the Kraken passed Socota, but she could only guess if the Jade Islandic traders had passed the message on. "It's a pirate's life, Seb. You can go moons without hearing what happens on the other side of the Jade Sea. Are you homesick?"

"No, I'm fine. I'm—"

With dark circles around his eyes and worry lines creasing his face, he didn't seem fine. "I've known you long enough to see something's eating at you. You can tell me everything."

"If only that were true," he murmured. He took the glass and drank it.

So typical. The Gods of Virtue would leave the Heavenly Halls before a Greenlander man talked about his feelings. Better to be tough and suffer, motionlessly and in silence—so pathetic.

Alex dipped her hand into the pond and splashed Seb.

He spluttered and coughed as water dripped off his chin. "What was that for?"

"Because you were being a Muttonhead." She flashed him a grin.

He reached for the towel to pat his face dry. Grumbling, he mumbled, "Fine, I had a dream... I.... this is stupid... but I can't stop thinking about it."

"A nightmare—you've had those before?"

"But not like this, not this... real. I was there but stood by helplessly as Fox... as he incinerated the city and killed my uncle. Even now that I'm awake, I can still see the flames, the crumbled walls, the ashes. And the smell, Alex. The place smelled like Laneby, but a hundred times worse."

A sour taste formed at the back of her throat. She had spent long enough trying to suppress the worst memories of that day.

"You miss home, and you're worried," she reasoned with him, also to put herself at ease. "I bet three copecks your uncle is already up and about, reading boring documents before signing them and complaining that the kitchen ran out of Scorian brew. Sundale is swarming with soldiers—the Silvermarkers don't stand a chance."

"I know that, but still... what if they do find a way to kill Uncle Tom?"

"Then there is still you." Alex put the platter on the ground and edged closer to Seb. "That day will be devastating for you, but Sundale will still be protected—The Greenlands will still have a King."

"I'm not ready," he whispered.

"That's alright. You still have time."

"But what if I don't?" The desperation resounded in his voice. "I hate not knowing what's going on there."

Had Seb not been married to Jhara, she would have wrapped her arms around him. She would caress his back and tell him everything would be alright. She softly tapped his arm. "The wine has gone to your head. But, if it eases your mind, you can always send a pigeon to King Siga."

"It's no use. By the time the message has arrived in Socota, you and Lana will be there too. Perhaps, I should come with you. Communication to the Port of Diligence is easier from the Jade Islands than from Alburkhan. I wouldn't have to wait for weeks until I have an answer. I could—"

"No," she said firmly, "your place is here with Jhara. I'll ask King Siga if he has heard any news from the mainland. You'll be the first to learn if there is any."

"But I can't wait that long, Alex. God of Patience, be damned—I'm stuck here at the edge of the world."

A debatable statement, but not the opportune moment to discuss the matter. "It's what your uncle wanted for you, isn't it? In the unlikely event that he would... that something would happen to him, at least you'll be safe. You'll have an army of Scorians and Jade Islandic pirates to back you up when you return home to claim your birthright."

Sebastian hummed. He was no longer listening, his eyes staring into oblivion. Suddenly, he looked around, took the towel off his lap, and went up the spiral. He came back down moments later, panting.

"There's someone I should see," he announced.

"Your wife is over there." Alex pointed towards the eastern wing.

"Not Jhara. I can't explain—the less you know, the better, but can you vouch for me in case questions arise?"

"Not unless I know where you are, Seb."

"You wouldn't understand."

She put her hands on her hips. Queen Rainah's palace was freer than Sunstone Castle. Nobody would bat an eye if Seb went to the harbour to watch the incoming ships dock, or if he took a couple of spears to hunt down snakes and scorpions. Wherever his plan led him, it was out of bounds for the Scorians, which meant danger.

"Try me," Alex said, "or I'm coming with you."

Seb pushed his hands together. "Please, Alex, as my oldest and closest friend, trust me."

No, he had to be honest—that was the foundation of their friendship. "I do trust you, but I shouldn't tolerate any secrets between us. Seb, I'll travel to the deepest part of the Seven Hells for you, if only you tell me what I'll find there."

He tapped his side, darting a few looks around, after which he cupped his hands around his mouth. "There's a woman," he whispered, "she has certain... powers."

A magician.

Alex couldn't help but laugh. "You're not serious about this, are you?"

"I am." His expression was sincere. "She could help me figure out what my dream means."

She didn't believe him. "No, she cannot be trusted. It's the whole point of why we're at war with Silvermark, why Queen Rainah has agreed to send troops and ships up north. The magicians are our enemies."

"That's propaganda," Seb said. She had no idea what that word meant. "The war with Silvermark revolved around power—it's largely a family affair that could have been avoided if magic hadn't been... If Fox had been..."

He didn't need to finish his sentences—she had heard enough. "But, he hasn't. I've seen what he's capable of in Whitecliff Bay when he sank the first Kraken's Kiss and killed both Silvermarkers and Krakens alike. A dozen trained soldiers were needed to chain him, and that was five years ago—I can only imagine how much more vicious he has grown. He's no longer your best friend, Seb. He hasn't been in a long while. If you ever cross paths, you will have to kill him. There's no other way. Magicians must die."

"But it's wrong," Seb hissed. "They're not so different from you and I, Alex. They're capable of heeding the call of Kindness and Charity. Perhaps not Fox, or not anymore, but not everyone who can control the elements is a son or daughter of Sin. You looked up to my father as much as I did—he was a great Lord, wasn't he? Fox too once knew how to be virtuous, and I... I would not be standing here today if it weren't for a magician's mercy. The Silvermarkers would reign over our country in all but name."

A tightness settled in her chest. She swallowed a burp, then prolonged her next exhale. "I too would not be standing here today had a magician not crossed my path. For years, I thought he was a misunderstood hero, but as the seasons passed, and I grew up, I realised he had only saved me because the Goddess of Lust had ordered him to do so. He begged me to kiss him, told me it was either that or sink to the bottom of the Jade Sea." She shuddered at the thought. "He violated me, for his own pleasure, to feed his sins. And your father lied to me, to you, to all of Laneby. I will never trust a magician."

"Then your experience differs from mine," Seb said without blinking.

Though not on her watch. 

"You're the Crown Prince of The Greenlands, and a responsible adult—I can't stop you from seeking her council, but know that I disapprove of your actions if you do."

"Will you vouch for me?"

"I'll tell anyone who asks that I have no idea where you went. But, Seb, if value our friendship as much as you proclaimed during your wedding, you won't go looking for her."

Before she could see his reaction, she stood up and left. The decision was his to take; she didn't need to stay to see him disappointing her. She had other matters to attend to, other worries that needed her attention. Dealing with a stubborn Mulefoot was not one of them.

"Where are you going?" he asked.

She darted a look over his shoulder. "Find Pan, Liene, and Lana. We have a voyage to Socota to prepare."