The royal guards around the castle had moved in close, but they recognized the Adair crest on the carriage. Still cautious, they watched as Duke himself stepped out. It was easy to confirm the identity of the scarred man, and they eased back again.
The Duchess stepped out, and then Ian did the same, turning and helping Ilona down. It was all she could do to keep herself from running away.
She glanced up at her brother though, and saw him standing tall; every hint of worry washed from his expression. Despite being in the clothes of a noble, at that moment, he looked every bit the pirate.
Ilona took a deep breath, remembering she was a pirate too. These guards were nothing to be afraid of. She could cut them down in her sleep. There wasn't anyone in the castle that she needed to be scared of honestly. She was Ilona Black, Captain of The Black Tide, and she needed to remember that.
