Aylin stalked the docks for the hundredth time. How long did it take for her father to threaten some peasant? 

She held her head high as she passed the low rabble of the land. Sparing them not a glance,she mentally scoffed. Commoners-if they knew who she was,they would be scrambling to make way for the princess of pirates. Her reputation,she knew,was nearly as feared as her own fathers,painting her to be a ruthless queen of the seas.

Not all the rumors were true-the cowards that got away made sure of that. But it still helped to keep the more rowdy men away.

Reaching the end of the docks,she pivoted on her heel to walk to the other end,only to nearly run into a boy.

“My apologies,miss.” His voice was deep,but not enough to sound condescending. Aylin erased the emotion on her face,staring at him. “May I ask for your name?”

She snorted. “Please,stay away from me. A princess should not fall in love;” She glanced at him up and down-his dirty wool tunic and trousers,and his pale,muddied skin. “With a commoner,and most likely a thief.” Mockingly,she shooed him out of her way with a hand,confidently,ignoring the man that rushed by her.

That is,until she heard what he had to say.

“There you are,Your Grace!” The man cried,his warbling voice carrying itself down the short distance she had made down the dock. “We must get you back to the castle before your father finds out you sneaked out.”

Aylin froze,her insides wobbling a little.

She just spoke to the Crown Prince. 

It was a good thing she hadn’t told him her name-he would have her killed on the spot,disguised or not.

She looked over her shoulder to make sure they weren’t following her,only to see them staring after her like dead fish at the market. Never mind-the prince’s man probably knew who she was. She picked up her pace,headed to the tavern. She would have to stay close to her father,and prepare for any trouble headed their way.