As the crew kept clapping and cheering, my distress increased. Don't get me wrong, there's no higher honor than being elected captain, but I didn't trust myself very much. My entire life I'd heard from dad that I was just a silly dreamer. Hendrika told me often that my only skill was messing things up. Uncle Ruben waited eight years to allow me to participate in my first pirate attack. From where did those people take the idea that I could be their captain? God, I'd barely survived my duel with Captain Monster! How the hell would I take care of an entire ship? Although I celebrated outside, I freaked out inside. I hoped no one had seen my trembling legs or my shaky smile. Captain Van Acker... so beautiful and yet so scary. Laurens also appeared to be insecure about succeeding as the new quartermaster. He pressed his lips together when no one was looking. I frowned, feeling weird with that cocked hat on my head. It felt wrong and right at the same time. Now I could no longer say "What should we do?" or "Could you please help me?" to the captain because... Guess what? I was the captain! Besides being plagued by self-doubt, my entire body ached due to my wounds. To summarize, I was a mess.

Kenneth raised his brows, "What should we do about the bodies of Knight and Fletcher, Captain Storm?"

I bit my lower lip and crossed my arms as I thought of a solution. That would be my first official decision as captain. My nausea increased as I remembered that seventy-five people depended on me. Even though Laurens would have almost as much authority as me, I'd never had so much responsibility before.

I sighed, "Keep their weapons and throw them overboard."

The crew members shouted "Hurray!" after hearing my idea, appearing to be satisfied with my choice. A group of six people took a step forward. Three of them tossed Fletcher out of the vessel while the others did the same with Knight. A massive amount of people clapped and I gulped as the former leaders' lifeless bodies fell into the sea.

Great job, Eva! You didn't ruin everything on your first decision!

Trevor analyzed me as if he searched for signs of weakness. Although he ended up voting for me, I wasn't sure he liked that I was the new captain. Francis barked as if he approved my choice and wouldn't leave my side. I caressed his head briefly, wondering what I should do next.

"I'm looking forward to our next adventures together!" Laurens whispered to me, grinning widely.

"Me too!" I returned the smile as my sweating increased. "It's going to be one hell of an experience."

My real wish was to hug Laurens and do a victory dance, but I couldn't. The crew had just elected me and I needed to show them I was worth their vote. Besides, I was twenty-one years old, so I had to start acting like an adult. Was that even possible? Being mature sounded so boring...

The crew members looked at me expectantly. Ashton was the only one working since he needed to do it full time. Some people tilted their heads, seemingly interested in hearing me speak. Others had their arms crossed. God, I hated pressure!

I took a step forward for everyone to hear me, "Unfortunately, the boatswain and master gunner decided to join the sharks instead of staying with us."

A significant amount of people laughed. Some yelled "Such cowards!" and seemed to be supportive. Francis cocked his head as if he paid attention to me.

"I'll now choose people for both positions before anything else," I walked to the right while raising my brows. "Organization is the key to our success."

Excellent job, Captain Van Acker! You managed to make a fancy phrase!

The crew nodded in agreement and I bit my lower lip. To show that I was not insecure, I straightened up and looked as many people in the eye as possible.

"Maartje de Vries assisted the boatswain for five years on the vessel we worked at, so she'll take the boatswain position," I kept a stern expression. "Sven Van Hout will be the master gunner due to his vast experience with cannons."

Don't look at me like that, I hadn't chosen them just because we were friends! Maartje indeed had done what I said in The Revenger before I became the new assistant in Sea Urchin. Also, Sven helped uncle Ruben's master gunner with the cannons several times. Because I'd observed both working for eight years, I was sure they could handle the jobs I gave them. Besides, since most of the crew was fond of Sven and Maartje, I didn't think appointing them to those positions would be a problem.

The crew clapped, seeming to be happy for my cousin and Sven. A few people glowered at me, appearing to be jealous, but what could I do? Even if I'd chosen others for those jobs, someone would end up unsatisfied.

Maartje's eyes gleamed, "Thank you for trusting me to be your boatswain, Captain."

"I'm looking forward to being your master gunner, Captain," Sven smiled widely and sighed. "I'm honored."

I nodded. Although my real desire was to hug my friends and say that we were going to be the best pirate family ever, I had to look like a serious person. I didn't intend to be rigid all the time since it wasn't in my nature, but I wouldn't give the crew reasons to doubt me if I could help it. My top priority at the moment was making sure everyone relied on me. Also, I couldn't afford to be excessively aggressive and incompetent like Captain Monster. Besides being violent whenever he had the chance, Mr. Bloodshed lost numerous opportunities of plundering ships due to slowness. I didn't want to be remembered the way he was.

"We're all set with the organization then," I cleared my throat, even more anxious, and walked closer to the quarterdeck. "Everybody else will keep their previous jobs for now."

I think I'm going to throw up... Can I do this?

Francis barked as if he felt excited. Sven crossed his arms and tilted his head, appearing to be curious about what would happen next. Kenneth smiled as he paid attention to me. The fact that he supported me that much was a huge surprise. Although the carpenter was a good man, I never imagined he would've contributed to my election as captain.

"Now we shall vote again. Where do you want to sail?" I gazed at the ocean for an instant while frowning slightly. "I suggest Nassau since we deserve some rest after what Fletcher and Knight put us through, but it's up to you."

Besides, maybe Miguel is still in Nassau...

Laurens nodded and rubbed his chin, "Nassau's a great idea! We could even plunder a ship on the way if we find one with good booty..."

I smiled once I thought of seeing Miguel again. I really wanted to kiss him, look into his fantastic eyes and hear his incredible voice at least one more time... Don't judge me! You know he was irresistibly handsome and sweet... Anyway, most crew members appeared satisfied that I showed not to be a captain who wouldn't let them choose anything. Uncle Ruben always consulted the crew before making most decisions and never had any mutinies. Using that same strategy would probably help me win the people's favor. Although nobody seemed to want to throw me overboard, my nausea wouldn't go away. I started feeling a little dizzy, but I couldn't tell if the cause was my distress or the blood I lost during the duel.

Trevor sighed and smiled, "I agree with Captain Van Acker and Quartermaster Dixon in this one. I could use some relaxation, so I vote Nassau."

"Me too. Let's go to Nassau!" a woman said, appearing to be excited with the idea.

A couple of minutes later, everyone finished voting. Even though I couldn't believe it at first, the majority supported my suggestion. Uncle Ruben's crew usually supported his opinion as well, I just never imagined the same would happen to me. When no one was looking, I pinched myself to make sure I wasn't dreaming. I'd become the leader and no one tried to kick me out? What a miracle!

My eyes widened in relief, "Great! I can't wait to have a few drinks..."

A significant amount of people nodded in agreement. Some laughed, seeming to relate to me. I frowned, wondering why Sven was so quiet.

"Right back at you, Captain!" a man said, laughing softly.

"I think we're going to have a lot of fun with our new leader!" a woman whispered to another while giggling.

Francis smelled my feet, apparently sensing how nervous I felt. Maartje smiled, seeming to be proud of me. I hoped no one had noticed my sweaty neck. Suddenly my injuries started to hurt and burn, making me want to lay down.

"There's an important rule to follow once we dock..." I took a step forward and grinned. "You must try the rum cake. It's heavenly and not eating it would be a crime!"

The people let out a hearty laugh. Some crew members whispered and I turned my attention away since I didn't want to hear what they said about me. I wondered if I should've kept my "strictly business" mask on.

Why did I have to come up with this stupid joke? Damn it!

"All joking aside, we must continue our duties," I pressed my lips together and glanced briefly at the blood on the floor. "Lenny, I need you to clean the blood here. Ashton, set course to Nassau."

After I gave everybody something to do, the main deck emptied. I walked to the forecastle deck since that always calmed me down. When I almost reached the bowsprit, I puked. Cleaning my mouth, I looked from side to side. The last thing I needed was someone seeing me like that.

Kenneth knit his brows, "Can I take a look at your wounds, Captain? Some of them are severe and I think you need treatment."

I'd forgotten he's carpenter and surgeon...

I bit my lower lip and tripped after hearing his voice. Had he seen me throwing up? Kenneth was one of my supporters, so I couldn't lose him.

I cleared my throat, "I'm not in pain, but you may take a look at my injuries. A little help wouldn't hurt."

Who am I kidding? My entire body burns!

The physician took me to his office near the crew's rooms. My eyes widened as we went down the stairs. I wondered if he really wanted to treat me or just say nasty things. What if Kenneth was leading me to a trap? God, I couldn't stop thinking of the possibilities. Was I too paranoid? Maybe...

After he took care of my bruises, I returned to the forecastle deck. My head was spinning. I still couldn't believe the crew had chosen me from all people. Laurens had been living in the Sea Urchin for a long time, so it made sense for him to be selected as quartermaster, but I didn't understand how I ended up as the captain. Had I impressed the people with my fighting skills? Was I the least bad option? My mind wouldn't stop driving me crazy with questions.

Suddenly, Francis showed up by my side. He licked my boots, appearing to be wanting to help me somehow.

"Care to share any hints, Francis? Anything is welcome!" I caressed him slowly and pressed my lips together. "Because uncle Ruben forgot to give me lessons on captaining..."

Yeah, the dog can't help me.

"God, I can't believe I'm the boss now. This is incredible!" I took a deep breath while wondering if Francis could understand me. "I'm terrified because I know nothing about leadership, but I'm also excited about the new adventures ahead."

Francis cocked his head. Gradually, my fear became excitement. Although my hands still trembled, my eyes gleamed with joy. I removed my cocked hat and examined it for a while. I had never thought I would ever earn the right to wear one. The only time I'd put on a cocked hat before that day was when I sneaked into uncle Ruben's room and stole his for a couple of minutes. When I looked at myself in the mirror, I didn't even think I had the chance of being like him someday.

I smiled as I put my hat back on, "You know what? I think I'll have a lot of fun as a captain! I can't wait to see what the future has in store for me."

As my desperation decreased, I laughed in excitement. Who knew what great wonders the ocean would bring me? Thrusting my jaw forward, I closed my eyes to imagine the various ships my crew and I would loot. Until that moment, I hadn't realized how honored I was to be the first female pirate captain in history.

Laurens chuckled, "Now we'll command a ship together! Isn't that amazing?"

I wondered how long my oldest friend had been standing on my right. He was wearing Knight's dark blue cocked hat. Although I didn't see him coming, I was glad to finally talk to someone. Don't get me wrong, speaking with Francis made me happy, but it wasn't the same as talking with a person.

"It's wonderful! We've come a long way since the days we were Hendrika's victims..." I bit my lower lip while remembering how I was flogged daily by that terrible woman. "Who would've guessed we'd end up as leaders of a pirate ship?"

He raised his brows, "Exactly! I'm so thrilled that I want to loot the first vessel I see."

I laughed, "Let's not get ahead of ourselves, but I must admit I feel the same. Besides, that gives me an idea."

A quizzical smile formed on Laurens' face and he frowned. I wasn't sure if what I'd envisioned was feasible, but I had to at least try. That could be everybody's chance to have a true new beginning.

"Fletcher and Knight have caused too much damage in the Sea Urchin. It's filled with bad memories," I narrowed my eyes as I thought of the blood the two monsters had spilled since my arrival. "We should move to the next ship we plunder and give it a new name."

Laurens' eyes gleamed, "I'm all in. We could build our legacy in a new place! You're a genius..."

I shook my head and chuckled, "I just want to get us out of this cursed schooner."

"I feel the same," Laurens looked downward and bit his lower lip. "A new beginning would be great, but the important question remains: do you think we can do this?"

I sighed and reflected on the subject. Francis approached me, appearing to be worried. Honestly, I wasn't sure at all. The only thing keeping me from jumping off that ship was my curiosity to discover if I would do well as captain... and fear of sharks, of course! Despite considerable uncertainty, I was still excited about my new life. The fact that Laurens and I were the new leaders delighted me.

Laurens raised his brows, "What's the verdict, Captain?"

"You're my big brother, remember?" I grinned broadly and gave him a pat on the back. "Together we can do anything."

He nodded and smiled, seeming to agree with me. Laurens turned to the sea and so did I. We stayed there for a few minutes, just feeling the peaceful ocean breeze on our faces.

Although I feared failure, my heart warmed up every time I thought of the new experiences that awaited me. Having so many responsibilities terrified me, but it also brought me joy. I really wanted to find out what kind of captain I would be. My soul seemed to glow every time I remembered I wore that cocked hat because I'd earned it. Despite my worry, I couldn't wait to lead my crew on new adventures.

****

Author's note: