The Pirate Prince (Pirate's Booty Series, Book Five) by Temple Hogan Read Free Book Online Page B

wrapped an arm around her rounded shoulders. Thus they stood, with her holding Oma and Rajak holding her, while the waves sparkled and danced before the ship and the wind sang of nautical tales they’d never known before. They stood for a long time, mesmerized and refreshed by the sight before them. Azara had never felt so safe as with Rajak’s arm around her, the feel of his strong chest at her back.
    “The ocean is so vast,” she said. “It makes me feel small and unimportant.”
    Rajak laughed, a sound deep and resonating. She realized she’d never heard him laugh before. She’d never known men to have such a quiet obvious enjoyment of simple things. She opened her mouth to say something else, something that would elicit that deep, masculine chuckle, but the flurry of her servants returning made her sigh and disengage herself from Rajak’s embrace, for such it had been. The spell was broken. She turned to look at her servants, giggling and chattering as they climbed the stairs and joined them at the rail. With a look of reluctance on his handsome face, Rajak turned to Kalari.
    “Have you shown them everything?” he asked, obviously disappointed that they’d returned so quickly.
    “There’s not a lot to see,” Kalari commented dryly.
    “We must return below deck,” Oma said gruffly.
    Azara noticed the reluctance on the old woman’s face. Oma had been as moved as she by the wind and sea.
    Rajak took Azara’s hand and bowed slightly.
    “Will you join me again for supper in my cabin, princess?”
    Her women seemed to sense the emotions between them for they fell silent, their eyes sharply attuned to the scene before them.
    “Thank you for asking, Captain,” she replied formally, knowing supper wasn’t what either of them wanted. “Oma and I will be there.”
    Oma’s face softened with relief. Being responsible for a headstrong princess must be a thankless job, Azara surmised.
    Rajak bowed to all the ladies and Kalari led them back to the stairs that would take them to their cabin. Just before she descended, Azara turned back to Rajak.
    “Can you tell me where you’re taking us, Captain?” she asked lightly, although the information was highly important. “I should like to know to which desert island I’m being exiled.”
    “Not so deserted, princess,” Rajak replied. “We’re going to Madagascar.”
    Azara gasped. “I’ve heard of that place. Is it safe?”
    “For me and all who are with me. I have a palace there, not so grand as you’re used to, but you and your women will be comfortable and safe.”
    “Will you not consider returning me to my father?” she asked for some of her women still lingered, Hestia among them. “I’m certain my father would pay a large ransom for my return.”
    Rajak’s eyes flickered with some emotion, anger or disappointment, she wasn’t certain, but now he drew himself up.
    “No ransom has been demanded for you, princess,” he said stiffly, “nor will there be.”
    Azara bit her tongue to keep from demanding why he’d taken this stand. She had no wish to discuss it further in front of her maids. Instead, she descended the stairs and found Hestia had placed herself next to her, the woman’s glance knowing, her smile insinuating.
    “Do not press so closely,” Azara snapped and hurried to her cabin. Now that she was well away from Rajak and his wicked gaze, perhaps she could think more clearly. She must plan an escape.
    She sent her servants away, even Oma, and paced her room, unable to form a plan. She knew she was too distracted by Rajak and the night they’d spent together. When, at last, she threw up her hands in despair, she heard a sound from the entrance. Hestia stood watching her.
    “How long have you been there? How dare you spy on me?”
    “I wasn’t spying, princess,” Hestia answered without one whit of concern at the accusation. “You are troubled and I thought to help you, if I may?”
    “How can you help me?” Azara answer