A fight for dominance and nobility

Chapter twenty- eight: 'aye, aye captain.'

'We are here miss.' The chauffeur reported and I smiled. He opened the door for me, and I stepped out. The fresh smell of the sea filled my nostrils as I picked up my dress to prepare to find the man I am supposed to meet.

I turned to face the chauffeur and gave him a small kiss on his cheek before taking off my second bracelet and putting it on his hand. 'Thank you, please leave before they find you here. '

He blushed before dutifully walking back to the car and driving off. I looked around the port. Ships setting to leave were being prepared.

I glanced around the port; ships loaded with cargo with soon to set off. The wind blew wildly at me, my cloak flowing effortlessly behind me as I ran towards the ship, I suspected had been waiting for me. My heels never bothered me as I stepped hard on the concrete ground. The glimpse of freedom I feel is euphoric. It is the embodiment of a personal drug I crave but always has its way of slipping through my fingers. A different kind of hunger for something exotic, the taste might be bittersweet, but it is worth suffering.

Upon realising that I will never make it in time, I quickly take off my heels and try speeding up to the ship. I am battling with the force of nature, pushing me back but with all my might I push through the invisible barrier nature has put. One might say it is a signal for me to stop, turn back and focus on those who saved me, but I refuse to feel trapped. I have a mission to accomplish. No one can hold me back.

I am running barefoot, determination rooted in my mind with the euphoric feeling intensifying with each step I take towards freedom.

'Halt!' I shout. I am inaudible with all the loud noise most of the ships are making as they prepare to set off. I grab my cloak along with my dress, pushing both a little higher exposing my legs to make it easier running. I can already feel the hard concrete scraping my delicate legs. That is going to leave a few bruises.

'Please, Halt.' I shout at the top of my lungs and luckily one man turns to stare at me before raising his hand. He is signalling everyone to stop. All eyes are on me. I can sense judgement in their eyes. Not because of the dress but because of who I am. A lady at the docks, it must be a shock. More like a black female at the docks.

I am too livid and clearly on the highest cloud with my lightheaded head. Too tired to argue and reason. No one is going to snatch my freedom away from me.

'Aye, no females allowed.'

I stomped towards whom I think might be the captain of the ship.' I am allowed to gallivant anywhere I like. I do what pleases me and no man is allowed to rule me.' I pointed at his chest. 'Now, I am ought to meet with someone here on port and I assume he is inside your ship.'

They all laughed at me which riled up my anger. 'Aye is she not the girl that raided Lord Alexander Blanchet's carriage?' one bloke spoke up.

They all stopped laughing and took a few steps back. 'The name is Zadie.'

The captain gasped. 'Ludwig sent you here is that correct?' he asked.

'Indeed. '

I watched as they whispered to each other. They are wasting my time and my patience is running thin. The captain took his hat off and approached me. 'Miss, I happen to be the man you ought to meet.' His tone was softer than earlier. He looked down at his feet I am shame which pleased me more than he can ever know.

'First impressions say a lot, Captain...?

'Nathaniel. '

I smiled 'nice to meet you, Nathaniel.'

Nathaniel smiled, but it seemed forced or was he embarrassed? He never made eye contact. He constantly kept on glancing sideways, not meeting my gaze that burned deep in his skull. He offered his hand for a handshake, but I stared at it, pensively.

'Physical contact means trust, such a shame that I lack some of its doses.' I raised my eyebrow and nodded slightly to the side.

Nathaniel nodded as well in understanding. 'After you, miss.'

I smirked as I made my way towards the ship, his men made a way for me, and I stepped inside. I have never been to a ship before, not even a pirate ship. This one though is the epitome of a ghastly, ghoulish, hunter ship. It amazed me. The dark wood made the ship attain dominance over the others. The fading-white colour of the ropes told me a lot about its story and travels. It was not big or small but medium-sized.

'It belonged to my father, the greatest captain of all times.' Nathaniel spoke behind me. I forgot about his presence while admiring the beauty I was in. 'we call her Lady Rose.'

Lady rose does not sound tough like the ship. It is softer and gentler. 'Queen of the sea' I turned to face Nathaniel whose hat was still off. 'Is what I would name her.'

He smiled. His lips were a darker shade of red along with his cheeks. Was he hiding a blush or is it just my imagination? 'Judging by the looks, not something that would recommend little Lady.'

I walked away from him, examining the ship. 'it is windy. As soon as we set to sail the wind is going to work on this beauty's advantage.' I glanced down at the water below. 'The ocean is calm which is enough to sail south, however, if the weather changes its course, it will still withstand it judging by height, width, and length. 'I smirked at Nathaniel. 'Are you ready to prove me wrong, pirate?'

Nathaniel's eyes sparkled with interest. 'Quite odd for someone to catch a pirate without his usual clothing.'

I knew from the beginning that he was a pirate. He tried to hide his accent, but I caught him long before we even got inside the ship. I already saw his tatted arm when he offered his hand. Another rule I learned from my mother study your enemy; physical attributes are important to memorize. As stupid as it sounds, secrecy lies in the skin.

Leisurely, I sauntered toward him. 'I was not judging by the looks was I, pirate?'

'Certainly not, miss Zadie.' My name rolled off different from his tongue. It even sounded foreign. It must be the accent. After a long stride of silence, he spoke. 'I suggest we sail now than later.'

I took off his hat from his head and wore it. 'Aye, aye captain.'

I should have thought ahead before leaving Murray's mansion. I forgot that most ships are occupied by men which means they have no clothing for women. It took me long enough to search for clothes until I came across a corset, white shirt, and trousers that they wore along with boots. The other is near to the one I wore when I was with Cayden, the betrayer.

I also found rings that fit perfectly on my fingers along with necklaces that were made from round little metal-like material. The boots had a few scratches here and there but luckily, they had no holes inside them which are something for which I am grateful. The room I am in is below deck and I am grateful they are all assisting the captain rather than peeking from the door. I noticed a metal cup and immediately took it, inside, there were grey earrings engraved with deep lines. I simply put both on and the others hung tightly at the side of my left ear. They were shaped like curvy round rings but with an opening to be placed on one's ear.

I rolled the sleeves of my shirt and walked out of the room. There was nothing much down here apart from four other rooms and a pile of cleaning materials on the corner. I walked up the small stairs and found all of them doing their assigned work.

The captain was behind the wheel while the other two sharpened their swords. I suppose the other one is preparing food; I saw him wearing an apron which explains a lot.

I smiled at them. It must have something to do with the freedom I have.