The Snake Princess sat restlessly in the solitude of her cabin, her faithful sisters guarding her door.
A week had now passed since the meeting with the Navy and, although she was aware of the impregnability of her Island, she couldn't push away the thought that something could go wrong. It was like a premonition... and the memory of the voice of that young man on the slughorn, who had so insolently chosen Amazon Lily as her first target, made her even more agitated...
Men... all of one kind... Rough, proud and misogynistic, they think they can lay their hands on my territory!
The woman boiled with anger, throwing the glass of wine she was enjoying against the wooden wall to try to calm down, shattering it. The image of glass shards scattered across the floor gave her some satisfaction; that would have been the end she would have reserved for the Government spy: she would have turned him to stone and then torn him to pieces!
- It's a real shame to waste good wine like this, don't you think Princess? -.
Hearing that unknown, but above all male voice, made the woman immediately alert, her beautiful ocean-colored eyes darting frantically across the room; it was now sunset, the sunlight illuminated the interior of the four walls very little, allowing the shadows to slowly take possession of the environment. Hancock pressed her back against the wall so as not to receive attacks from behind, while her gaze darted left and right to spot the intruder.
- This way Your Highness ~ -, the voice was heard again, too close, reflexively forcing the woman to slide along the wall to move back, while her eyes focused on the elegant mahogany mirror, identifying with the last moments of light , a hand resting on dark wood; she followed the outline of it along the line of the exposed arm, shoulder and thin neck until he reached the face.
He's just a boy..., the Princess realized, observing his cheeky grin and his youthful features framed by long black hair; his eyes were the only detail that Hancock could not see because they were hidden by thick sunglasses with mirrored lenses, in which the woman could see her own reflection and her expression contracted by nervousness.
He was calmly leaning against the mirror, relaxed and evidently unaware of the fact that he was facing one of the members of the Sea Warlord, as well as Empress of Amazon Lily Island.
- Who are you? How did you get into my rooms? -, the Princess questioned him, while she called her trusted snake Salome; her reptile wrapped itself protectively around his owner's legs, standing proudly at its full length in an elegant and intimidating move, hissing menacingly.
Instead of being worried, the young man raised his head in the direction of the animal, observing it from behind his thick glasses with a pleased smile. - It is truly a magnificent specimen Princess, worthy of a woman of your lineage -, he commented flatteringly, before bending his face towards the woman again, moving away from the mirror and taking a step forward, bowing his head respectfully, - You must not fear me Your Highness, I am not here to harm you. My name is Wasp and I am here at the request of the Navy. I guess you remember the conversation between me and Sengoku a week ago, after all it was on speakerphone right? -.
Could he be the government spy? Hancock was surprised and perplexed, but she didn't let any emotion other than contempt show, looking the young man up and down with superiority.
- So you would be Sengoku's new lackey...-, commented the woman, leaning elegantly on her snake, purposely assuming a captivating pose; Boa Hancock knew the power of her charm, which she used to bend anyone to his will before using her powers to subdue her enemies. A few movements and a few sweet words would have been enough for her to get rid of that unpleasant presence.
Wasp's smile didn't change at being called that unflattering name.
- Technically I would be a mercenary, Princess. The lackeys are usually devoted to their master, while I only serve the God of Money and sometimes I rely on the Goddess Fortune, if she wants to grant me her graces -, he commented calmly, - And so far I must say that the Government has never failed in paying their debts to me, so I still offer them my services. After all, they don't hesitate to pay whatever amount I want just to have me on their side -.
Such a young mercenary? Hancock looked at him for a long time, wondering if he was making fun of her; he couldn't have been more than 17 or 18 years old, how could a boy like him boast of being such an important and reliable mercenary to be able to talk so calmly about his connection to the Navy?
In the end what does it matter? I'll tear him to pieces in less than a minute..., the woman finally resolved, starting to advance with a languid step towards the young man.
- You seem really sure of your potential... it's admirable at your age -, she said bewitchingly, deliberately tucking a lock of hair behind her ear, positioning herself strategically in front of one of the portholes, so that the moonlight made her beauty shine throughout the entire room; she noticed with satisfaction the young man's face turning in her direction, evidently following her with his gaze from behind his thick dark glasses.
- But I'm afraid you made a mistake in choosing Amazon Lily as your first target... and an even bigger mistake in showing up here, in my cabin -, stated Hancock, still in a sweet and persuasive tone, - It doesn't matter how powerful you are , or what influence you have with the Navy, because neither they nor you will ever be able to do anything to me -.
Wasp watched her intently from behind his glasses, his smile replaced by an attentive expression, eager to hear the end of the speech and understand where the Princess was going with this. - And why is that? -.
Hancock smiled predatory, before showing off his most sensual and intriguing expression, her magnificent blue eyes focused on the boy shining with a superb and bewitching light.
- Everything is forgiven me, everything is granted to me... Because I am the most beautiful woman in the world! -, she concluded, bringing her hands forward, positioning them in the shape of a heart, now certain that she has the boy at the mercy of her charm.
Now he's done for...
- Mero Mero Mellow! -.