Lost at sea

Chapter 4

There it was, that stupid grin I remembered so clearly in my head. "I'm surprised you remembered me Oretsev". He laughed lightly, a smile tugging at his lips. I look at him closer not remembering him looking like that. He must have a tailor on board. As if the universe read my mind, his facial features were changing. His eyes softened, turning a gorgeous hazel. His hair was short and neat, the blonde in his hair really complimented his eyes.

I laughed. "Why would I forget you. You still owe me my ring". He slides the ring off his finger. Even though he was a privateer and probably worked with his hands a lot, the ring was well kept and clean.

He grabs my hand gently sliding the ring on my finger.

"In my opinion it looks much better on me". He says with a sarcastic tone in his voice. "But it does look gorgeous on you".

I twist the ring around my finger trying to keep myself from smiling more. Mal looks at us with confusion. "So I'm guessing you guys are close from how you act together". I look at Nikolai and back at Mal. "No!" I say a little louder than I intended too. I throw my arms down to my sides to stop playing with the ring. My face felt warm and it must've went a bright red because Nikolai started teasing me. "Sure about that lovely? Your actions say other wise". I swear if I heard one more word come out of his mouth I would hit him so hard he wouldn't see the light of day ever again.

A flirty grin tugged at the corner of his lips. He stepped closer. I could feel his coat brush against my arms. Nikolai brushes back a strand of my hair behind my ear, making the gap between us smaller and smaller. I step back against the railing of the boat, the lower of my back pressed firmly against the side. I see his arm reach out to my side, I flinch and close my eyes. I was trying to get as far as I could that I was practically on my tippy toes. Nikolai grabs the lantern beside me and it startled me for no reason what so ever. I jumped up with surprise as I yelped, falling backward into the icy waters. I sunk deep in the water, the dark abyss surrounded my body. Before I had time to panic, I shoot myself up with my powers. A tall spiral form of water shot below me as it carried me back abord.

I fall into the arms of the person nearest to me. I cling onto their arm as I take in a deep breath of air. My breath was cold with feel of the salty water running against my throat. My skin was tingling with the cold breeze running against me. Mal was looking at me stupidly trying not to laugh. He snickered a little as I crossed my arms. "Sorry Lena I didn't mean to startle you". I look up and see Nikolai holding me. I felt my face flush with a bright red. His eyes looked soft and gorgeous.

"It's fine" I stutter. I needed an excuse to get away from him. "I should change". I mean I was right, my bright blue kefta was now damp and darkened.

"I can help you find something to wear". The girl with the golden eyes walked over to me to help. "My name is Tamar by the way".

Her smile was stunning as she spoke. She leads me to an empty cabin room, along with the rest of the schooner it was very neat and clean. Probably the prince's orders. Tamar was rummaging through a big wooden chest. I look over her shoulder to get a good look at it. The chest was emblazoned with a gold sun and the sides were traced with a deep blue. She reaches inside and pulls out a neatly folded outfit.

"Here this should work". She tosses me the clothes. I unfold it to examine it. It was a maroon leather corset, a pair of black pants, and a white blouse. "You're kidding" I scoff. There was no way I was going to wear something as "fancy" as this. "I'm not, captain has a meeting with another crew and you can't look like someone from the Second Army". I rub my brow, this is so stupid. "Now get changed please". Tamar steps out of the room closing the door behind her. Her shadow traced the crack at the bottom of the door. I'm guessing the prince doesn't trust me as much as he leads on.

I cast my thoughts to the side and start getting changed. The clothes fit like a glove. I had a hard time tightening the corset. "Tamar!" She didn't answer. I poke my head out the door in search of her. Where'd she go? I look around the corridors in hopes to find her. "Did I interrupt something?" Nikolai shows up next to the door. He looks in the direction I'm looking. "Shit!" I mutter. He always has the worst timing, showing up and startling me.

He laughs softly "what are you doing? Playing a game of hide and seek?"

"Whatever" I mutter. "I'm looking for Tamar so she can help me tie my outfit". He furrows his brow. "I'm sorry I sent her to help her brother. Want me to fetch her for you?" I rolled my eyes. I swear if his reckless decisions won't kill him, I will. "No it's fine, can you just get Mal instead". Nikolai speaks softly "sure I'll go find him". He turns and leaves, his hand in his coat pockets as he sways to his off-tune whistle.

A couple minutes later I hear a knock at the door. That was quick. "Mal- oh it's you again". Nikolai stands at the door rubbing the back of his neck in defeat. "Don't sound to disappointed. Your brother is busy helping the summoner". I rub my head, of course he's with her. She always takes up his time. "So do you need help or do you want me to find you another guy" and now I'm stuck with him. "Just get inside already" I wave my hand in.

"Can you help me tighten my corset". I turn my back to Nikolai. I felt defenseless in this position. My mind was flooding with thoughts. I heard his footsteps walk closer. His hands trace the edge of the corset. His fingers tangled in the strings. I felt my face flush. "Ready?" "Mhm.."

He tightens the strings. I hold my stomach as he pulls back slightly. He notices and works more gently. "Thanks". I turn around to face him. "You look amazing". I tuck my hair behind my ear as I blush. "Tamar definitely knows what looks good on people". He steps closer. Unlike last time I just stood there. Stood there staring at those stupidly perfect eyes.

His hands brush against the hem of my sleeve. His eyes focused on me. Saints I felt so... stupid. I have a boyfriend, a boyfriend who loves me and yet I can only think about this godforsaken man. I scoff at my thoughts and it catches his attention. "I'm sorry" he mutters. "I should get going, I still have much to do". He heads for the door but stops as he opens it. A faint smile played at his lips as he looks back at me. "You really do look amazing". I chuckle "thanks". He makes his way outside to prepare for our meeting. Leaving me contemplating what the hell I'm doing.

1291 Words!!!!
A/N: I apologize for being away for so long I had a lot of family stuff to deal with and that was my main priority at the time. Love you all and I'm happy to be back!!! And happy new year!!!