The pirate froze as the cold edge of the dagger pressed against his throat, his breath hitching in surprise. A tense silence fell over the deck, the other pirates halting their tasks, their eyes snapping toward the scene unfolding before them. The only sound that could cut through the rain and ocean was the crackling of the burning ship in the distance, its flames licking the sky, reflected in the dark waters around them.
 
Before anyone could move a steady voice made a presence known from the higher deck. "Lower the weapon, Your Highness." The crowd parted, and Captain Church stepped forward, his expression calm and almost indifferent. He moved with the normal confidence of a man who had put more steps to a boat than land.
 
The captain then saw the woman tighten her grip on the blade. The captain’s eyes narrowed, but he remained unfazed. "You think because you’ve managed to capture one man, you hold some sort of leverage? That this,"—he gestured towards the dagger at his man's throat—"gives you power to negotiate?"
 
Oliver Church shook his head, a slight smirk playing on his lips. "You’re wrong, princess. Killing him won’t change anything. In fact, it will in theory save one of your two companions. We packed enough for one extra passenger and that seat already has your name on it.”
 
He took a deliberate step closer, his gaze never leaving hers. "You see, you’re not the first noble to think a blade in hand makes them invincible, though you are the first princess. But out here, in the dark, far from your kingdom’s walls, you’ll find that strength isn’t measured by how many lives you can take. It’s in how you keep yours, and those who depend on you, safe."
 
Captain Church's voice softened, though it lost none of its authority. "Now, you have a choice. You can go down this path and lose what little support you have around you. Or you can put down the dagger, and we can talk. Perhaps there’s another way for you to survive this night. But it starts with you realizing that you’re not in control here no matter what blade you bare."