"You're King Cobra?"
Cobra nodded, then coughed violently several times.
"The pirates outside..."
"All taken care of."
Lorne's tone was calm, as though he were saying the weather was nice today.
Cobra took in the lingering reek of blood on Lorne, then the dark red stains still marking his hands, and fell silent for a few seconds.
"You're the one from the papers... Rear Admiral Sett, who defeated Jack the Drought?"
"Yes."
Cobra braced himself against the wall and stood.
His left arm hung limply, and his right hand pressed against the wound by his ribs, but he still straightened his back and solemnly bowed his head to Lorne.
"Thank you for saving my life, Rear Admiral Lorne."
"Your Majesty Cobra!"
The guards cried out in alarm.
"You're the king of a nation. You can't bow to-"
"Quiet."
Cobra stopped the guards from speaking.
He raised his head and looked at Lorne.
"You saved my life and the lives of my people."
"Whether you're a marine or a pirate, that kindness deserves this bow."
Lorne studied the king before him.
Unlike Stelly, who groveled before the Celestial Dragons in the Holy Land, Cobra had not a trace of flattery or servility in his eyes, though his back was bent with injury.
This was a true king.
"No need to thank me."
Lorne looked away, turned, and headed out.
"Protecting the kings of affiliated nations on their way to the Reverie was our mission in the first place."
He paused at the cabin door.
"Your ship's about to sink."
"Have your people transfer to my warship. I'll take you to Red Port."
Cobra watched Lorne's retreating figure, a complicated look flashing through his eyes.
The corridor leading to the deck was spattered with blood everywhere.
Some blood dripped from the ceiling