Chapter 44: A House Divided

Evie Stanton

I was ready.

For death or liberation.

My choice. Thane's cutlass was heavier than mine, but I held it with finesse. I knew the common people were watching over the guards' shoulders at the doors. Whatever happened, my father's reign was over.

"Then kill me, motherfucker," I snarled, taking a stance in front of Thane. The crew that I loved so much. They were my people. Katarina took a step forward, beside me. My mother had fled to the altar, standing beside Robert as the officiant took his chance to get the hell out of there.

My father didn't look like himself anymore. A mad contortion of himself. Angry and deranged. But perhaps this was what he always looked like. Just hid it well. His hair, usually unkempt, fell into his bloodshot eyes as he grasped at his chest.

"Kill them!" he screamed. "Kill them all!"

All the sailors behind me shifted their stature. Ready to fight.

To be honest, I wasn't sure I could fight in this god-awful dress. The petticoat w