The Pirate Empress Read online

  The Pirate Empress

  K.R. Martin

  The Pirate Empress

  by Karen Martin

  Published by Clean Reads

  www.cleanreads.com

  This is a work of fiction. Names, places, characters, and events are fictitious in every regard. Any similarities to actual events and persons, living or dead, are purely coincidental. Any trademarks, service marks, product names, or named features are assumed to be the property of their respective owners, and are used only for reference. There is no implied endorsement if any of these terms are used. Except for review purposes, the reproduction of this book in whole or part, electronically or mechanically, constitutes a copyright violation.

  THE PIRATE EMPRESS

  Copyright © 2019 KAREN MARTIN

  ISBN 978-62135-850-3

  Cover Art Designed by CORA GRAPHICS

  Created with Vellum

  Contents

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  Chapter 34

  Chapter 35

  Chapter 36

  Chapter 37

  Chapter 38

  Chapter 39

  Chapter 40

  Chapter 41

  Chapter 42

  Chapter 43

  Chapter 44

  Chapter 45

  Chapter 46

  Chapter 47

  Chapter 48

  Chapter 49

  Chapter 50

  Chapter 51

  Chapter 52

  Chapter 53

  Chapter 54

  Chapter 55

  Chapter 56

  Epilogue: 10 years later

  About the Author

  Untitled

  To my dear friend and writing buddy Amalie, who helped inspire me to create Ama Lei, and is always pushing me to become a better writer.

  And all the glory goes to God, for giving me this gift, and opening the doors to share it.

  Prologue

  Terrifying screams shook the air. Ama Lei clutched Mei tighter, attempting to quiet the whimpers escaping the little girl’s lips. Why was this happening? Her father was emperor, her family was loved. Why then would the army turn on them and attack? The servant’s eyes had flowed with tears when she bundled the princesses into their rooms, pulling a blanket around them as they knelt in the corner.

  “I’m sorry. Stay here,” she had said, and then fled, leaving the girls alone.

  Now, Ama Lei sat and waited. The metal ringing had seemed to fade, as did the roar of men’s cries. Did that mean it was over? And who won? The soldiers still loyal, or those who attacked? The silence was more deafening than the battle’s roar.

  “Ama Lei,” Mei whimpered.

  “Shh,” Ama Lei said as she started rubbing her little sister’s back. The girl was only ten; she shouldn’t have to be facing this. She should be running in the garden, or playing with her dolls, not cowering in a corner waiting to see if she would die.

  Where was the servant? Sina, right? She never spoke much, but she was always kind. Ama Lei hoped she had found her own place to remain safe. And where was he? Surely he was safe, she hoped. Maybe even now he was coming to save them.

  The door flew open, banging on the walls. The scream fled her lips as she jumped, Mei crying in her arms. Men surrounded them, swords drawn.

  “Take her,” one said, motioning to Mei.

  “No, Mei!” Ama Lei cried as her sister was torn from her arms. She leapt up, reaching for her sister, but strong hands grasped her arms.

  “Ama Lei!” the girl cried as she was carried from the room.

  “Don’t worry,” one of the men said. “You’ll see her soon enough. Bring her.”

  The men pulled her forward. Ama Lei squirmed, and dug her feet in, trying to stop the men from dragging her away. All it earned her was pain in her arms. If only she had her sword... she was just too small, and the men holding her were some of the largest she’d seen. But so was he. He could defeat them, could save her. Where was he? He should have been there, unless... no, no he couldn’t be. He was far too skilled to die.

  Ama Lei’s eyes caught Sina. Relief filled her that the servant was safe, but that was quickly replaced by a new fear. Her eyes shone with apology and regret, and it was clear she was no captive. Had she betrayed them? The shock pulled all the fight from her body. Her legs moved on their own as she approached a familiar door.

  She almost froze. The Golden Throne sat in that room; her father sat in it so often as emperor. She had only been allowed in on special occasions, or sitting behind the throne, hidden by a curtain. Who would she find on the door’s other side?

  The doors opened, and she was pulled through them. Ice. Pure ice filled her veins, and she fought the urge to vomit. Blood covered the room in grisly splatters, but it pooled beneath two bodies.

  “No,” she squeaked. Her father, her brother, both lay lifeless before her. The men’s grips were far gentler as they led her closer to the throne, to a place where she didn’t have to see the grisly forms. Only then did she notice the man on the throne. He was a complete stranger, not a native of her beloved Jenha.

  “Welcome, Princess.” The accent, if she was not mistaken, was decidedly from Retanny. Had they finally succeeded in invading? But no, the soldiers around her were from her own army. Then, why? “I’m sure you have many questions,” the man continued.

  “Where’s my sister?” That was the only thought Ama Lei had. Her mother was long dead, and now her father and brother had been murdered. She couldn’t lose her baby sister too.

  “She is safe,” he replied. “Against my desires, I was persuaded to not force her to return here.” Ama Lei almost felt relief. At least Mei wouldn’t be haunted by the ghastly sight. “She is being taken to the docks, where you will soon join her, and together you will leave Jenha, never to return.”

  Exile? Ama Lei couldn’t breathe.

  “If you, or your sister, ever return, you will immediately be put to death.” The image of her family’s bodies flooded her mind before she could stop it. So, she was to leave her home, her kingdom, tossed into a world she had no idea how to manage. How would she and Mei survive?

  “This almost didn’t happen,” the man continued, his voice taking on a bragging tone. “In fact, all of this is owed to one man. Why don’t you join us?”

  Footsteps echoed in the grand room, and Ama Lei turned to see the figure enter the room.

  “No.” Her heart sank to the floor. “Jian?” She’d never seen his eyes so sad.

  The man laughed. “So you know the dear Captain? So well loved by the military, considered a genius: he made all this possible.”

  It wasn’t possible for her heart to sink further. “Tell me it’s not true?” she begged. He couldn’t have betrayed her, not after everything.

  Jian turned away.

  The Retanny man laughed. “Of course it’s true. Only he could plan and execute a p
erfect coup.”

  All her emotions channeled into one: rage. It was true; he was the only one who could have pulled this off. All those walks, talks, time spent together, meant nothing. Her body began to shake, her heart hardening to whatever feelings she once felt for him.

  “You traitor!” she cried as she lunged for him. Both arms were yanked behind her, keeping her from getting closer, but it didn’t stop his eyes from once more seeking hers out. “You will pay for this!”

  “No, he will be rewarded for it.” the man spoke. “You are hereby exiled under pain of death. Take her away.”

  The hands started dragging her backwards, further away from the man who broke her trust, and her heart.

  “This isn’t over! Do you hear me? I will return; I will take back my throne, and I will personally run you through for your crimes!”

  The doorway surrounded her as she was pulled out. “You will pay for this; I swear I will make you pay!”

  Chapter 1

  “Captain?” The call joined the pounding of her door, jarring Ama Lei from the nightmare of a memory. Four years; will she ever be free of that night? Of course, now she’d learned enough to know her father and brother were not good monarchs, and had destroyed many lives. It was, somewhat, understandable why there was a coup, but that didn’t stop the sting of betrayal. “Captain Phoenix?”

  “Yes!” Ama Lei called back, shaking the thoughts back into the dark box they belonged in.

  “Ship spotted off the bow; looks to be official.”

  “Tell the men to prepare, Taras.” she called back to her first mate. “I’ll be out soon.”

  “Aye, Captain.”

  Captain. It still felt odd to hear that. For two years she’d sailed this ship as its first mate under her dear friend Renee’s captainship. She missed her friend, since the day two months before when she became the new captain and Renee remained in her kingdom of Espan.

  Ama Lei shook the thoughts. She had a battle to prepare for. Rolling off the bed, she strode to her chest, pulling out then putting on her black trousers and tunic. Her body moved on its own, wrapping the jacket around, and strapping her sword to her side. It had finally stopped feeling awkward preparing alone, or even sleeping alone in this room. She and Mei had been together since that day, even sharing a room. That had been the hardest part of returning to Jenha, leaving Mei behind in Espan with Renee. There was nothing that could convince Ama Lei to willingly drag her sister into danger. After all, both still had death warrants on their heads. Besides, Mei’s eyes practically glowed when she looked at Little Wolf. That boy was so sweet, and Ama Lei didn’t think she could have left her sister in better hands than Renee and Renee’s adopted little brother. Although, given how he was older than Mei, and extremely tall, ‘little’ didn’t quite fit him anymore.

  Looking at her reflection, Ama Lei realized she missed something. Turning, she found the final item: her mask. It was such a simple black piece of fabric, but putting it on turned her into something else. As she tied the mask into place, she couldn’t deny the confidence boost it gave her. The woman standing alone was an exiled princess, but the woman in the mirror was a warrior, a creature of fire, risen from ashes.

  She spun on her heels, and marched from the room, enjoying the warmth of the sun as it hit her face. Her footsteps were soft in her boots as she stepped up onto the deck.

  “Captain.” Taras nodded to her as he handed her the spyglass.

  “What do we have?” she asked as she looked through the glass.

  “Looks like a Retanny vessel. Military possibly, but it also appears to be a merchant vessel.”

  “So, exactly what we’ve wanted,” she replied. “Let’s have them welcome us back.”

  “Aye, aye!” he spun and barked orders to the crew. Around her, men ran, each knowing where they belonged. She had taken a lesson from Renee, and had everyone do bi-weekly drills, becoming well-rehearsed for such an event, but she never felt such a hum before. The men were excited. She was excited. The time had come to test her steel against Retanny’s men. She would take back her kingdom, and force those men out of what was hers.

  The ship drew closer. She watched men scrambling to prepare from the new onslaught. It thrilled her. Her hand clenched her katana. The weapon hadn’t seen true combat in a few months, and it ached to be used.

  “Prepare the grappling lines!” Taras called and Ama Lei made her way to his side. Thankfully, Retanny hadn’t filled this ship with cannons, yet. She hated those. Fireworks were created to bring joy, colors to brighten the night sky, not the weapons of destruction they were turned into.

  She shook the thoughts. No, right now, she had a fight to win. Shouts drifted on the wind, and her body tensed, nerves jumping in anticipation. Oh, she was ready.

  The deck jolted beneath her feet, crashing into the other vessel with the loud bang of wood clashing. “Rah!” The rally cry sounded and her men rushed past her, leaping onto the other deck. Her lip quirked up. Time to make her name memorable.

  She bounded over the rail, pulling her sword out in one fluid motion. Landing as softly as a feline, she pounced onto the first assailant. Blades rang as her sword swept his aside, spinning to kick his chest, pushing him back. Dashing forward, she leapt on him, fist swinging to render him unconscious. Without pause, she pushed back to her feet, seeking her next opponent.

  Feet propelled her further into the fray. Her sword swung, constantly moving, fluid as she fought a man back. Panic etched on his face as his sword swung wildly, barely blocking her attacks. Adrenaline surged through her limbs, giving them a life of their own. Ducking beneath his blow, she punched forward, her palm hitting his shoulder. Howls of pain escaped his lips as he twisted from her. Her leg swept his knees, forcing him down. Just as with the first, a swift punch rendered him unconscious as well.

  Her body spun, barely ducking beneath a blow meant for her head. Metal rang as she parried her attacker’s strikes. He was unschooled, but what he lacked in finesse, he made up for in brute strength. Her arms strained against the blows, pain radiating from the force.

  Each blow jarred her body, the attacks relentless as he bore down on her. Her grip loosened, barely able to hold onto the weapon. If she continued, she would lose; her strength was no match for his. However, her eyes narrowed, she knew how to use her strength, or lack of it. The next blow was deflected and she ducked beneath his arm, twisting to his back. She whirled, her heel slamming into his head. The roar almost filled her with fear, but before he could swing at her, her hand sliced down, hitting his neck. His body froze beneath her blow, before he crumpled onto the deck, unconscious.

  Courage and accomplishment surged through her veins, mixing with the adrenaline. She leapt onto her feet, sword swinging against those that dared cross her path. All fell before her, creating a path behind her. Metal rang in her ears, her body moving on its own. Thrusting, parrying, sword mixed with fist and foot, felling many on the villainous ship.

  There! Finally, there was the captain. She surged towards him, dancing around the fights surrounding her. The sword swung of its own accord, ringing as the captain managed to block. They began their dance, the swords meeting, dancing apart before meeting again, ringing with the deadly music. He was good, very good, but she was better. The blade looped around, pushing his aside. Her leg swung up, knocking the blade from his grasp. Instantly, her blade was pressed against his neck.

  “Tell your men to surrender.” She spoke loud enough to be heard over the din.

  The man’s eyes narrowed. Her eyebrow rose. Did he truly still want to fight her? His shoulders fell. “Enough!” he yelled. It only took moments for the ringing and cries to be silenced. “Surrender your weapons.” Clattering hit the ground as the weapons were tossed down.

  Taras approached. “Have the men rounded up, and send some of ours to clear the hold.” Ama Lei ordered.

  “You can’t do that!” the captain yelled.

  “Oh? And why not?’ Ama Lei asked.

  �
�We are an official envoy of Retanny, and we bear tax revenue from Jenha.”

  “Oh! So you admit that the money on this ship was taken from the people of Jenha.” Ama Lei’s voice rang sweetly as she smiled. “See that the hold is cleared out.” she told Taras.

  “Aye, aye, Captain Phoenix.” He saluted before grabbing a few men and disappearing into the hold. Another of her men relieved her of guarding the captain.

  Stepping back, she moved to survey her men. Though some were new, they did work well together, rounding the enemy men into one section while piling the weapons in another. Men, her men, emerged from the hold, many with arms full of chests. Taras had his arms empty as he approached her.

  “There is a bit of a situation,” he told her quietly. “Apparently, their cargo also contains the human sort.”

  Ama Lei closed her eyes. Most of the world had outlawed the abhorrent practice of slavery. Her grandfather almost passed that edict himself, but died before he could. Her father, cruel man that he was, continued the practice to fill his coffers. Now Retanny, the only other kingdom yet to end the barbaric practice, exploited her people. The moment she gained the throne that would end.