The Pirate & The Porcelain Doll (WAYHAUGHT)

Chapter 6

Nicole was halfway through the first chapter, when Wynonna motioned with her hand to let her know Waverly was fast asleep. They tiptoed out, closing the door, leaving the small candle burning on the dressing table should she wake up. Edward was in the drawing room attempting to teach his mother chess much to his frustration, and hers. "Red, come play with me. Mama is not in the mood for games tonight."

"Best of three. I get to move first," she replied, turning to Wynonna. "Do you play? It's quite fun."

"We play draughts at home. Is it similar?"

"Almost. But, you will need to learn the rules first."

Wynonna watched as the first game commenced, unable to understand any of the moves. "Wait. Why did you move that piece there? And, why can't that piece do it too?"

Nicole explained all the pieces, how each moved, how to take another. "This game appears difficult," she said, moving a pawn two squares, "but it's quite simple. And remember, the queen has the most freedom. So, which piece should I move next?"

Wynonna pointed to the queen. "That piece. I think you should move the queen to that square and attack the king."

"Good. Excellent move," Edward replied. "That puts me in a very difficult position. You're good at this already."

In the midst of learning a new game, Wynonna was also learning about Nicole and how she fitted into a male-centric household. There seemed to be little concern being shown by her brother to be playing with girls, so long as the game interested him. She could imagine his face if he were ever to be asked to play dolls, or tea parties, those activities reserved for girls and girls only.

She had seen his caring side, cutting up Nicole's food, running to get help. She had also seen a side that told him he must stand shoulder to shoulder with the men pulling on the rope to save his sister. It never once occurred to her to join those men in their efforts on the beach, her role assigned to waiting helplessly, allowing others to do the strenuous work of pulling the rope to shore. Had the situation been reversed, had she been the one in that cave, she could so easily imagine Nicole not thinking twice about holding onto that rope, pulling with all her might. Like Waverly, she too had never met a girl like Nicole, someone who moved between genders so effortlessly. Not masculine as such, simply able to participate in activities usually reserved for men without giving it a second thought.

The first game over, Nicole suggested Wynonna play the next game against Edward, Wynonna looking forward to trying out her new-found knowledge of this curious game. A fast learner, Nicole only gave a few suggestions as to possible moves, nodding her head approvingly as Wynonna moved her pieces towards victory. Absorbed in the game, they lost track of time, the clock on the mantelpiece chiming nine, Nicole's mother suggesting they should retire for the evening given events. Nicole wanted to play one more game against Wynonna, her mother suggesting they should resume the next day, Nicole about to argue her case before realising she needed to be seen to be obeying, at least until the events at Merlin's cave dimmed in her mother's memory.

"You know I'll beat you," Nicole said as they made their way upstairs.

"Perhaps," Wynonna replied. "You've played more than me. I wonder why papa never taught us to play. He has a chess set in his study."

Nicole shrugged. "No idea. We should play cards too."

"Have you ever played with a doll?" Wynonna whispered, as they neared their bedrooms. "I'm guessing not."

Nicole thought for a moment, trying to remember if she had. "No, I can't recall. Wait, yes, once. I tied one to a tree and used it as target practise with my bow and arrows."