Once a Pirate (Mystical Realm Series Book 1) Read Online Free PDF Page A

mass of curls clipped back. Made worse from the previous night’s rain and the morning’s humidity, Anna was unable to do anything with the mess without access to her industrial strength straightener; regretfully still in the Mortal Realm. She forced a smile to her lips as Char greeted her, his eyes following the lines of the simple, blue sundress Friga insisted she wear.
    “You look lovely, but it’s still a bit chilled outside,” Char hinted.
    “I’ll fetch you a cloak, Anna.” Friga offered, bustling off to return moments later with a soft, black cape.
    Char took the cape from the small woman’s fingers, dismissing her with a nod as he draped it across Anna’s shoulders. “There, much better.”
    “Thank you,” Anna murmured as they stepped out into the daylight. “Where are we going?” This would be the fourth morning in a row Char insisted on taking Anna to the village below the castle grounds. Anna didn’t mind the treks for the most part, but she was becoming frustrated at having no say in when or where they travelled.
    “Unfortunately, I have some duties to attend this morning before I may leave. However, Friga has offered to show you the fresh food stands near the docks.” Char’s tone was light. “Perhaps, you can find something to your liking.”
    “I see,” Anna knew Char worried over the very little she ate during meals, but each bite was a tasteless, leaden weight on her tongue. There was nothing wrong with the food prepared in the castle kitchen, but Anna couldn’t bring herself to appreciate anything.
    “Guards will travel with you,” Char assured as he sent Anna and Friga on their way. “I will join you soon as I’m free.”
    Anna and Friga walked silently in front of the two Guards sent with them. As they neared their destination, Anna could smell the salty tang of the sea. The fresh food stands did not disappoint, hosting fruits, vegetables, fish, fowl and an assortment of foods Anna never saw before. Anna watched a woman haggle for a dozen eggs and a live chicken-like creature, offering a handful of coins as the shopkeeper argued for her wage.
    Most of the villagers were human, dressed in anything from slacks and shirts to long flowing dresses and suits, but there were other creatures as well. Gray figures, much like Friga, wandered through the crowds. Their energy was at odds with the somber nature of their appearance. Alternately, wildly dressed giants with tuffs of brilliant red and gold hair, each a good head taller than most other patrons, meandered slowly around the stands. Much smaller impish creatures threaded through the legs of the giants, their purple eyes glowing with alertness. There was a small group of winged, charcoal-colored creatures towering menacingly nearby, their skin looking to be made of stone.
    The press of people was overwhelming and Anna grew claustrophobic. She ached for the safety and solitude of her window. Anna didn’t want to be there; she didn’t want to see the market. With a determined lift of her head, Anna turned around, running into the large, barreled chest of one of her Guards. “I’d like to go back to the castle,” Anna informed him.
    “No,” his tone was firm, leaving no room for argument.
    “Why not?” Anna asked, rankled at the man’s refusal of her request. “I want to leave.”
    “His Highness’s orders,” the Guard informed. “We are to see you through the market.”
    “I don’t want to go to the market,” Anna fought an irrational surge of tears at being left with so little control over her actions. Memories of her childhood when she was forced to obey the will of her overbearing family crowded her mind, bringing her both anger and misery. Anna was twenty-three years old; she didn’t need to obey anyone’s commands but her own. “Take me back or get out of my way.”
    “I cannot do that, Miss Blake,” the Guard reached out to grab her arm, but Anna spun away from him quickly.
    Anna used the surprise her