A Prince doesn't always get the girl

A 'tsk' of annoyance escaped my lips. "To put it succinctly, you were exiled by the queen. However, due to your inability to endure the harsh conditions of the Moonlight ice, you managed to return to her kingdom, posing as a brothel owner. That's how our paths crossed and you saw the chance to offer yourself to me, in exchange for a chance to flee from this land".

She stared at me dumbly.

I stared back at her. "Now, you fear that I might betray your secret to Queen Mavena since I am still, technically, a pirate. Am I mistaken?".

She shook her head. Her lips parted in plea "Please….".

I immediately interrupted her. "I understand your situation".

Claire's face lit up.

"And I am going to help you since you went through this much….."

Her tears dried up as a smile of appreciation graced her lips.

"Why are you happy?" I couldn't help but ask as my lips curved into a frown.

"Because of you…."