[Selvaria, Our Sea Mistress From The Deep!]

  Selvaria boldly stood at the boarding ladder with the captain of the boat, arms crossed and awaiting the ship that she’d sensed coming. She’d grown bored doing laps around the ship or exploring the seafloor, so she carefully scaled the ladder and met the crew.

  They were a bunch of fine folks, employed by Elizabeth’s company and not associated with any of her activities. At least, that is what she determined after a thorough investigation during the many games they played together—nothing suspicious.

  She’d lost the game of cards, but chess was an easy W. They’d done a scavenger hunt, pool contest—in her human form, of course—trivia, mini-golf, and even a singing competition that…she didn’t win. Now, a real threat was here, and she was ready with her crew, armed with extinguishers, a single ax, and flare guns!

  “You don’t know this pirate ship?” she asked, glaring at the boat waving a jolly roger; it was cute, though, having a seahorse and shells on it. “Real pirates. Cool. But not cool.”

  Captain Nemo shook his head; he didn’t have a submarine or powers. “Nope! I was just told to wait for Dracula, which…isn’t a pirate ship, since he’ll be, you know, flying out of a plane or something. Like I said, we’re kind of prisoners here.”

  “I don’t know about that,” she mumbled, thinking back on all the media around the infamous vampire. “I think he’s too noble and showy to fly himself until it’s the second phase of the battle.”

  The man creased an eye, clearly not as cultured as she’d hoped.

  “Never mind. Don’t worry, men! He won’t be making trouble with me on your side,” she boldly proclaimed. “Oh, here comes the first wave. Hold fast, men and women. We are about to be boarded. Throw them off the plank and make them smell like sardines.”

  You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

  A red-headed woman poked her head up, wearing a charming half-smile. “Welcomed, am…I not? I got goods and booty ’ta sell. Tax-free! Some amazin’ booze offloaded from ol’ Cuba—ah-hah! I see your eyes light up, my good sir. Yes, indeed, I’m carryin’ cigars! Interested, frightenin’ and pretty monster girl?”

  Unsure if it was a trap, Selvaria lifted an eyebrow. “You’re distracting me so your crew can sneak on from the side, aren’t you?”

  “Crew?” the redhead glanced down. “Aye, eh…I don’t know if ye know but mi crew vanishes the second mi ship does. I don’t really be havin’ a, eh, how should I put it…’boatless’ crew as of yet, if ye catch mi drift. Jus’ extras, really. It’s a bit of a bramble in mi pants at the moment, but, eh, I make due.

  “Uh-huh…” Selvaria mumbled as her crew cheered.

  “Oh! You wouldn’t happen ’ta be on market, mi fine dragon lass?” she chimed, flashing her teeth and jumping onto the deck, making the ragtag crew retreat a little. “I’d love ’ta have ya! Any of ya gamble? I’m lookin’ for a lil’ fun—oh, and don’t be mindin’ the ship.”

  Selvaria’s eyes widened as she snapped her fingers, and the entire boat erupted in blue flames, vanishing just as she said with her crew before the woman held out a hand like she was welcoming them onto her ship. “Name’s Cahira, Legend of Grace O’Malley! What do ya do fer fun ’round these waters, Ms…”

  “Selvaria,” she said, taking her hand to test her strength. It was very weak. “You really sail alone?” She went to the side to look for anyone trying to get onto the cruise ship. “No one. I feel like you’re tricking me somehow…”

  Cahira flexed her fingers, straining a laugh. “Oof! Quite the grip there, love. Uh…nope. I just got outta Ireland, ya know? I’m lookin’ fer a little adventure. And a random cruise ship on open seas? It sounds kind of fun, eh? Do any of ya lads or ladies gamble? I’m lookin’ for some good bets!”

  “Okay, Ms. Suspicious,” Selvaria said with a slow nod, “we’ll see how good you are. I’m suspecting sabotage, but know that I could swallow you in one bite. So don’t do anything funny.”

  Pulling up on her low-riding leather pants, her hips swayed in a seasoned sea-traveled sort of way as she plucked at her crop top and turned to grin at her. “Well, that’s gonna be a hard sell for me, sweet thing, because I’ma true red pepper troublemaker! And yer tellin’ me ya can swallow all of this,” she asked, gesturing at her curvy figure, “in one bite?! Ooh, don’t tempt me, love! Now, where’s the bar? This ass needs a drink! Hahaha!”

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