"Your highness, it is quite brass of you to ask help from a pirate when it was pirates who raided your clan."
XueYa shifted his weight, subtly wriggling around his robes, growing itchier by the moment. He no longer was wet, but the dried salt of the sea clung to his skin like sticky sand - and stripping mid negotiation was not an option.
"We aren't asking for help. It is a simple exchange."
The sapphire eyes gleamed in the darkness, perfect for mesmerizing any unsuspecting sailor. But only one set of eyes mesmerized XueYa, although those usually shot daggers his way instead of love or seduction.
"Help us get back what is ours, and we will pay you for your efforts."
"I don't even know who stole from you, to begin with."
Not to mention, XueYa could easily keep the treasures stolen from these slimy fishes to himself. Why would he be willing to do any deals with anyone?