Again, Jake was gone when Mariana awoke. Her stomach was growling from the lack of dinner, but she would never want to be rude by inviting herself to their limited food supply.
She once again wrapped herself in a blanket, making her way upstairs.
Jake was at the wheel, laughing while John sat on a crate telling a story.
"Aye! G'Mornin, Lassie!" John held out an arm, inviting her for a hug.
She obliged, laughing at how joyous the two men were this morning.
"Good morning, Your Highness." Jake took his turn, pulling her in for a one armed hug. He didn't let go as quickly. "How'd you sleep?"
Better with you there. She thought.
"Just fine." She said with a smile.
Jake looked at his compass, then squinted through the fog. He finally let Mariana out of the hug, keeping a hand on her hip.
"Should reach land within the hour!" He smiled down at her. "I don't know about you, but I am dying for a bath."
His clothes were still damp from the night before. Mari could only imagine how uncomfortable that could be.
Mariana had taken John's seat on the crate, listening to their stories with a smile.
After a while, a big dark landlike shape had come into view. Mari was physically relieved to know she would soon be able to feel the grass beneath her feet.
"Go gather your things, Angel, I'll meet you downstairs." Jake ran his hand over Mariana's cheek before turning to John. "Get us docked, please. And don't let Tom do it this time."
Mariana thought to ask what Thomas did wrong, but figured she should let it be. She made her way downstairs, squeezing Jake's hand as they split in opposite directions.
She squeezed her gown into a sack that she found lying around the room. She also packed Jake's hairbrush (which she had been using) and the bag of gold she had stashed in her own getaway bag from the night she boarded.
"Got everything?" Jake asked, pushing into the room from the opposite door. He pushed a paper wrapped bar of soap into the bag.
"I think so." She sat on the bed, pulling Pearl into her lap.
She quickly noticed Jake staring at her, causing her to shift in her seat.
"Have I ever told you how beautiful you are?" His words were like butter.
—
The two had been hiking, searching for a spring for longer than either of them would've liked.
"Map says it's right here." Jake said, already becoming frustrated.
Mariana had wandered off, searching on her own, but staying close.
"Here, darling, it's through those trees." She stood on a tree stump, shielding her eyes from the sun with her palm.
Jake squinted, still not seeing it. He moved closer, nearly pressing his ear to her hip to see what she was seeing. The water glistened in the sun, causing a near blinding light. This made it hard to tell what it was.
"Good eye!" He wrapped his arms around her thighs, swinging her in a circle as he pulled her from the stump.
When they finally reached the water, Jake was quick to remove his layers. He laid them out on a stone, allowing the sun to dry them from the storm.
Mariana was hesitant. She hadn't thought about the communal part of communal bath.
"C'mon. I told them to wait." Jake was already shoulders deep. "I won't look." He held up his pinky to show that he was sincere.
Mariana waited a moment longer, shifting on her feet in consideration. The thought of a bath, however, was so enticing that she had to give in. She left her clothes in a pile on a smaller rock, wading into the cool water.
"Can I open my eyes?" Jake chuckled.
"Yes." Mari was far away from Jake, staying where she was covered but her feet could touch.
"Here." He tossed her the brick of black soap.
She lathered her body the best she could underwater, already feeling a clean relief.
She used the bar to wash her hair as well, massaging the bubbles into her scalp.
She tossed the bar back, allowing Jake to do the same.
"You excited for new clothes?" He asked, throwing the soap ashore and lathering his own hair.
"Oh goodness, yes. Clothes that fit? And aren't hideous?" She paused, remembering she wore Jake's shirt. "No offense."
"None taken." The man dunked himself underwater, washing the soap from his hair. Mariana did the same.
The two finished washing, but couldn't bring themselves to get out. Their excuse being 'Jake's clothes haven't dried'.
The water was soothing and cool. The sound of summer bugs hummed a tune as the two floated under the sun.
"Why'd you come with us?" Jake asked. The two were floating on their backs, looking at the clouds. They were careful not to look at one another, as their bare bodies were on display above the water.
"I had nowhere else to go." Mari replied.
"Are you happier with us?" Jake didn't expect her to say yes. It would be completely understandable if she said no.
"Kind of. I feel less pressure with you, that's for sure. But of course I miss my home." She kicked a water bug off her foot. "At least you guys know I exist."
Painfully aware. Jake thought. Ever since he met the Princess, she's all he ever thinks about. He'd never say it, but he was somewhat of a hopeless romantic.
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To Strange Horizons
FanfictionPrincess Mariana can't stand her royal life. She runs away, only to be taken in by a group of pirates. • • • • • • A story of adventure and budding love.