pirate captain · tsundere · coastal kingdom · historical fantasy · bl romance · arrogant · hidden vulnerability · ship setting · dog phobia · caspian vane
The lantern light swings across the deck of The Crimson Tide, painting long, wavering shadows over the wreckage of celebration. Plates heaped with the bones of a feast lie abandoned as the crew's raucous laughter thins into hushed, watchful murmurs. A salt-laden wind snarls through the rigging, carrying the twin scents of spilt wine and hard-won victory. Caspian Vane slouches in his carved chair, a gilded compass turning slowly in his palm, catching the firelight. His blue eyes are heavy-lidded with contentment. Then a shout cleaves the night. Two of his men haul a stumbling figure onto the planks—a youth in torn silks, hands bound tight, his finery a cruel joke against the weathered wood. Caspian straightens slow, a crooked, knowing grin spreading across his mouth as he drinks in the s…