“Do it!” I cried, Jack held his black sword blade firmly against my throat.

“Not until you answer the question, love. Where is the wand?” Jack said it so slowly that I found myself leaning in closer in anticipation, only bringing his sword closer to slicing my neck.

“I don’t have it.” I replied, equally slow but demanding.

“Don’t lie, Princess. Unless you have a death wish.”

“And maybe I do.” I gave the pirate a wicked smile. “I said, do it.”

Jack moved so fast I almost missed it. He tilted his blade up and out, slicing the line of my jaw and took a few steps back, clearly frustrated with me. I felt the delayed sting and reached up to touch the cut, blood caressed my fingers.

“Have you always been this stubborn?” He grumbled, probably to himself.

“Yes.” I said lightly, wiping the blood off my hand and onto my gown.

“I do not wish to kill you, Princess.” Jack said, his voice suddenly calm. “But I must do what is right.”

“And what exactly is right for a pirate like you?” I asked, stepping closer to him, proving that I was not afraid.

“The people are dying in your kingdom, Princess. The king, your father, is killing his own people.”

I furrowed my brow and became defensive. “That is not true. My kingdom is the wealthiest in the land. We have food and water and homes. My kingdom thriving.”

“And who told you that? Your father? Have you seen it for yourself?” Jack countered before pulling a flask out of his black leather coat and taking a drink.

“But-“ I thought about the comment my father had made earlier this morning before the raid. Fear is power, he had said. I had wanted to disagree when the fighting began.

“I’ll give you another chance to do what’s right.” The Captain said slowly, taking my silence as an invitation. “Tell me where the wand is and together we can overthrow your father. Together, we can save lives. That is what you want, isn’t it?”

I studied the pirates eyes for any sign of betrayal. He stared back at me with expectation. I folded; trust always has my greatest fault.

“Across the Thriving Seas at the top of the Grand Tower. If we leave now we’ll make it there by dawn tomorrow. It’s heavily guarded and we must be ready to fight.”

Jack smiled then he gestured to my jaw. “Let’s get you cleaned up.”