The Pirate of Fathoms Deep by Megan Derr

was he giving them the chance to change their minds. "Uh. Where is the courtyard?"
    Grinning, the guard motioned for him to follow. "I'll show you. Everyone is in quite the tizzy over you. The last time the Commander had a lover, it was some snotty jackass who was all sweetness and sunshine in front of the Commander and then turned into an evil little gremlin lord the moment he was out of sight."
    "Uh—" Shemal floundered. "Did he live after Lesto found out?"
    "Barely. I hear he hasn't left Delfaste since he ran home for protection." The guard looked over his shoulder. "Did you really punch him?"
    Shemal made a face. "Yes, and I'm regretting it more and more. I can't be the only person who's punched Lesto and lived."
    "His Majesty is the only other one that I've heard about," the guard replied. "Those two hit and shove each other all the time."
    That surprised Shemal not a bit. The way they talked about each other, it was clear they were as tight as brothers. If it wasn't so obvious Sarrica was smitten with his consort, Shemal might have been afraid. Well, more afraid.
    His thoughts skittered away as they reached the courtyard and he was immediately distracted by the sight of Lesto—rather, someone who looked a lot like Lesto, though on closer look, he was prettier, younger, not nearly as interesting. There was also the fact he had both eyes. He was speaking with the same young woman who'd been standing guard outside the High King's office the previous day. They looked up at the sound of footsteps, and the man's smile was very much like Lesto's. "Good morning. You must be the pirate I've heard so much about. I'm sorry we didn't meet last night; I was out with the guards rounding up Treya Mencee officials here in the city to see what information might be gleaned."
    "Learn anything?"
    "Maybe," the man said with a shrug. "The guards are still talking to them, but they'll send word to Brimin if they learn anything. It's the ones back at Harkenesten that will more likely be of use, and by now, they should have all been arrested." He extended a hand. "Rene Arseni. You can call me Rene." He shook Shemal's hand, but there was a stiffness to the movement.  "This is Jac Denali, bodyguard to High Consort Allen."
    "Shemal shey Variago. An honor to meet you."
    "And you," Jac said with a grin. "So you punched the High Commander and the High King. Impressive." She winked when he groaned. "I'd better go, I'll see you later, Lord Rene."
    Ren lifted a hand in farewell, and Shemal looked more closely at it. "You broke your hand."
    Rene grimaced. "Yes, last year when a mission in Cartha went poorly. I'm lucky it works at all." He motioned to the waiting horses, falling into step alongside Shemal as they went to join the others. "So it is true you're the very same pirate who punched him?"
    "I'm never going to hear the end of that, am I?" Shemal asked.
    "No, probably not," Rene said with a laugh. "However, it's Lesto everyone will enjoy teasing relentlessly. He doesn't normally make it this easy for us to poke fun at him." He grinned again and turned to the others. "Good Morning, Your Majesties."
    "It will be merrier when I am back in my own bed," Sarrica groused as he swung up into the saddle. "Move your ass, let's get this over with."
    Allen rolled his eyes as he swung up into his own horse, and smiled at Jac as she rode up to settle at his side. He moved closer to Sarrica, leaned over to kiss him softly. "Try to behave. I'll see you back home in a couple of weeks."
    Sarrica grunted and stole a longer kiss before letting him go. He cast a glare toward the gathered guards who seemed to be serving as Allen's escort. When he was satisfied his glare had done whatever he wanted, he turned back to Rene and Shemal. "Mount up, let's go." After Shemal had mounted the horse a guard brought to him, Sarrica smirked and said, "So the guards have been telling me stories."
    Shemal groaned again and buried his face in his hands. "That wasn't the deal."
    "I'm