To Strange Horizons

Chapter Nine.

"Oh wow." Jake sat in the living room of the town tailor, tea cup in hand. Mariana had just made her way down the stairs in her brand new outfit.

A long crème colored skirt (with many layers underneath) was tucked into a cinnamon colored corset. The sleeves of her blouse sat off her shoulders, flowing like water from her wrists.

Jake was very fond of the Princess in her gown (or anything she wore for that matter), but something about seeing her like this drove him crazy.

"What do you think?" Mari asked, her hair was still styled from earlier, tiara on top.

"You are more beautiful than the north star reflected on the sea." Jake stood as he spoke, kissing the knuckles on Mariana's hand.

He handed the tailor a sum of money, thanking him with a nod before heading out the door.

"You're quite the poet." Mari teased, locking her arm with Jake's as they made their way down the street.

He wanted to say something smug and romantic, but nothing came to mind. He simply planted a kiss atop the Princess' head.

Men were lighting street lamps, the not-so distant sound of a band echoed through the streets.

As the town square came into view, the music got louder. As did the laughter. Nearly the whole town was dancing in formation, forming a beautiful scene.

Jake studied the dance for a moment, making sure he knew it, before pulling Mariana in.

The two spun and laughed with the crowd, passing each other to new partners, but always finding their way back.

The man Mariana had been dancing with spun her a little too hard in Jake's direction. The force of her hitting his chest caused them both to tumble.

It was classic, Mariana on top, Jake breaking her fall.

They laughed at the situation, but Jake couldn't help but stare. She looked so beautiful under the stars. The way her nose scrunched when she laughed, the way her hair had fallen into her face. He gently cupped her face in his palm, pulling her down for a kiss.

It was short lived, but electric nonetheless.

The two locked eyes once more, a kind of 'are you thinking what I'm thinking?' Situation.

The answer was yes. They both shot up, grabbing their things and running from town. Their laughter echoed through the streets, smiles illuminated by the moon.

They dashed through the woods, briefly becoming lost, but eventually finding their way. They found the ship, climbing aboard as fast as they could.

"Aye! We've been waitin' for ye all night!" John said in an annoyed tone.

"Yeah yeah, whatever, get us out of here." Jake waved his hand in dismissal, pulling the Princess towards the stairs.

"Well isn't the Captain supposed to take us to sea?" John pressed.

"Captain's busy. See you in the morning!" Jake called, already halfway across the ship.