the trick is to keep breathing

There’s a gasp across the court. Queen Hilda presses her fingers to her mouth, a faint blush spreading across her cheeks, and the guard that seized her drags her back from the throne.

“Let her go,” is all the queen says, with a patient sigh.

But that’s why Leila loves her – one reason, anyway – is that even a brigand such as herself can get away with anything.

The guard hesitates, fingers digging into Leila’s arms. Undaunted, the pirate presses her tongue to her teeth.

“You sure?” she asks, flashing a rakish smile, “‘cause I’d do it again in a heartbeat.”