Chapter 13: Getting to Work

Evie Stanton

I cursed Thane with every fiber of my being.

I must've been scrubbing the deck for an hour. My knees hurt from shuffling around, stomach parallel to the wood. Ever so often, I would glance at the cabin boys next to me to make sure I was doing it right.

Thane's eyes were on me, and I knew he looked smug.

The bastard.

Was this a punishment from last night? For using him?

My cheeks burned, but I put it into the back of my head, pretending it was a fever dream and it never happened.

"Careful, princess, your privilege is showing," he remarked, watching with several of his men.

"Yeah, you missed a spot," another one jested. Tears welled in my eyes, but I would wipe them away, refusing to let them see how humiliated I felt. Men laughing at me.

Laughing about how I knew nothing. How I was a brat who never lifted a finger in my life.

And I hated they were right.

"Shut your mouth or you'll be joining her," Thane's voice dropped, losing any smugness he