To Strange Horizons

Chapter Five.

Mariana was wished a rude awakening when Pearl began her morning routine. Tiny paws made their way across the Princess' cheeks over and over. The kitten was running laps around the bed, not taking any shortcuts.

Mari grabbed the kitten, cradling it in one arm, taking a sip from her glass of water with the other hand.

"Good morning, little lady." She cooed. The kitten let out a high pitched meow in response. "Let's go find your father."

Mari finally gave in, pulling Thomas' red pants onto her hips. They were tight, but not unbearably so. The shirt however? That was a no go. She settled for Jake's pajama top, fingers crossed they'd dock and get her new clothes soon.

She made her way up the stairs, blanket wrapped around her shoulders to shield her from the cold sea breeze. Pearl followed close behind.

Soon enough, the helm was within view. Jake stood at the wheel, seemingly frustrated, conversing with some of his crew.

He pinched the bridge of his nose, taking a deep breath and turning away from his men.

That's when he noticed the Princess standing at the bottom of the stairs.

His frustration quickly turned to a toothy grin. He held his arms out in a welcoming gesture.

"Good morning, Your Highness!"

Mariana scooped up the kitten at her feet, making her way up the creaky stairs. The wood was wet and cold against her bare feet, the sky was a beautiful shade of red.

"Mornin' Captain." She replied with a smile. Jake placed a hand on her lower back, guiding her to stand at the wheel with him.

He shooed the men away, telling them they had 'their work cut out for them' today.

"Can I get you a seat, sweetheart?" The pet name made Mari's cheeks go pink. How could a pirate captain be so charming?

"Please." She continued scratching the needy kitten's belly.

The man grabbed one of the crates from the edge of the ship, carrying it to her with little signs of struggle. She thought back to his toned figure... but quickly shook this from her mind.

"Thank you." She said, sitting down and wrapping the blanket tightly around her shoulders.

Pearl hopped down with a quiet thud, running back downstairs.

"My pleasure." Jake took his place at the wheel, checking his compass, squinting into the foggy horizon.

They made small talk, but the hour they spent together was mostly a comfortable silence. Just sitting in each other's presence.

Mariana took this time to scan over the man's clothing. The black coat had gold decals on it. Around the trim, the golden buttons, etc. he wore quite a few belts, most around his waist, one over his shoulder, and one attached to his waist and his thigh. He had a sword in a sheath on his hip, what she presumed to be firearms in holsters under his coat, and a small satchel tied around the front right side of his belt. She noticed his many necklaces and rings. He looked very cluttered in a very alluring way.

"Mari, dear," he placed a hand on her chin, guiding her eyes to meet his. "Are you listening?"

"No sir." She felt guilty, definitely a side effect from her royal upbringing. "I apologize."

"No apologies, Miss!" He took his spot back at the wheel, speaking loud so she could hear. "See the red sky?"

She nodded.

"Red sky at night, sailor's delight. Red sky by morning, sailors take warning." He recited. He looked at the compass in his palm once again. "Tonight will be bumpy." He paused.

"In fact," he turned to look at her before continuing. "It'll be down right scary."

She swallowed, nodding her head as if to say she understood.

He crouched in front of her, taking one of her hand into both of his.

"Whatever I tell you to do, you do it. Stay off deck, unless told otherwise. Go read a book in our room with Pearl, or draw me a picture, okay? But do not leave that room." His brown eyes were full of safety and concern. "We're a little off course to get you to a tailor,"

Mariana chuckled. She thought it was silly that he was still so worried about her.

"But we'll head that way after the storm. We're happy to have you, Your Highness. We appreciate your understanding."