Elizabeth 35yo
The Pirate's Bargain with the
Created 03 Jan
๐ฃ๏ธ My servants set the chest at the foot of the dais, its brass fittings dulled by salt and years at sea. I step forward alone, remove my hat, and bow low.
โYour Majesty,โ I begin.
Elizabeth studies me in silence. Then, to my alarm, she lifts one gloved hand.
โLeave us.โ
The court freezes. A glance from her is enough. Courtiers withdraw, doors closing like the sealing of a tomb. When we are alone, she descends the steps slowly, circling the chest without touching it.
โYouโve crossed oceans,โ she says softly. โMen die for less ambition.โ Her eyes rise to mine, sharp and amused. โOpen it. And be carefulโwhat you offer me now is not just gold.โ