The Pirate Princess

The Pirate Princess By: Destiny Pratt Dedicated to: The LGBTQIA+ community! Every single person in this amazing and beautiful community is the inspiration for this book and the others like it I plan for in the future! From your courage to your wonderful hearts. I believe you should be able to love no matter who it is; man, woman, non-binary, or whoever you are! Don’t forget, You are beautiful, You are amazing, and You are powerful! Be the change you want in this crazy world… Chapter 1 The year is 1803. Me, my Father and our crew were sailing the high seas after making it through a terrible storm. We lost a few, sadly; those that were still trying to batten down the hatches before coming below deck with the rest of us to wait it out. At the same time, my Father, Captain Thomas Blake Thatch, steered us to safety. You may be wondering about the last name. Well, you see, my Father is the son of John Thatch; many believe him to be the illegitimate son of Captain Edward Thatch, a.k.a. Captain Blackbeard himself. I never considered my family lineage, at least not on my Father’s side of the family. My mother’s, however, is a complete mystery, including her. As the storm breaks, we begin to come above deck, and I am tackled by a familiar set of arms. My best friend, Hunter Anderson. “How are you feeling, Cas?” He asked me, a strain of worry crossing his brow. I smiled at his kindness; Hunter has always been a kinder soul than the rest of the crew, or even his Father, the Captain’s first mate, Gregory Anderson. He seems to be the only man able to handle my Father, no matter his state. “I’m alright, Hunter.” I say, “Thanks.” I make my way with the rest of the crew, trying to help them get the ship back in order. It was nearing dinner when my Father found me at the front of the ship. I was staring out to sea when he touched my shoulder, taking in the salty air, “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” He asked, trying to make conversation; he had been avoiding me once I entered my teens. The crew says it’s because he’s the Captain and a very busy man, but I know it’s because of how much I remind him of my mother. Mr. Anderson would tell me stories about her. From her flowing locks of strawberry curls, so wild and free as the wind blew it around her face, to the piercing blue of her eyes that could shoot a man down with just a glance. He’s admitted on countless occasions that I am the spit of her, through and through. It was clear that my Father loved my mother dearly, but he pushed me away from loving her. “It is, Captain,” I say; I glanced over slightly to see a twinge of pain in his eye but not much else. I haven’t called him Father since I was a child; it feels like childhood was just yesterday, but it’s been so long. He speaks once more, “I have news, Caspia.” He says as we face each other, “Hunter Anderson has asked for your hand in marriage,” Shock was the first feeling I felt by this news, “and I have accepted on your behalf.” Anger was the second. “I don’t want to get married!” I announced sternly, almost loud enough that the crew could have heard. “I don’t love him nor any man on this ship.” “Caspia,” He began, “the only way for you to inherit this ship that has been in our family for two generations now, mind you, is for it to go to a male heir.” I scoff as I hear these words come from his lips. Marriage. That’s the only way I could have the ship, by marrying someone I do not love? “If mother was here, she would not stand for this,” I muttered, but my Father sighed, trying to console me, but I wasn’t going to have it. “Hunter will propose to you tonight.” He says, “In front of the crew, you will wear your best dress for the occasion and say yes to his proposal.” “And if I don’t?” I asked, but he stayed silent. I shook my head, “I’d rather swim with the sharks than agree to marry someone I do not love.” He walks away, but not before saying, “You don’t have a choice.” I breathe and lean against the ship’s side, watching as we rock against the dark blue water. Closing my eyes, I think of my mother…would she not stand for what is happening? Or would she force me into this too? Shaking the thought, I hurry back to my cabin and prepare for what will undoubtedly be the worst night of my life. As the men drank their weight in rum and other fine drinks, I stayed in the shadows, avoiding my husband-to-be and my Father. That didn’t last long when my Father stood on the steps with Hunter by his side, getting everyone’s attention, “Everyone,” his voice boomed over the cheerful chatter of the crew, “Hunter has an exciting announcement!” The crew began quieting down as my Father turned the floor over to Hunter. “Caspia, will you please join me?” Everyone started looking around for me while I wanted to jump overboard but forced my body to begin walking toward Hunter. The men watched as I walked to Hunter; he handed out his hand to me. All I wanted to do was run from this nightmare, but no matter how much I wanted to, I knew there was no escape. Hunter pulled me up beside him and turned to me, “Caspia Thatch,” he began, “it would be my honor to call you more than my friend,” Hunter kneels before her, “but my wife. Will you marry me?” I was touched, but all I wanted to say was ‘no,’ but I