The Promise of a Pirate

Chapter Three: The Window

I just sat on my bed and thought. I thought about my childhood. My family. My first ride on a ship. My fighting lessons with Daniel. The first time I fell off a horse. I smiled at the last one, remembering it like it just happened.

Daniel and I were both very young. I was six and he was seven. It was before I had gotten Lady, and I didn't trust horses for a second. But somehow Daniel with his charming ways got me on a little pony. At first it was easy and fun. But then Daniel wanted to race and I, being competitive, stupidly agreed. We were almost to the spot we picked as a finish line when my pony got spooked. It started rearing and I fell off. I would've been trampled under its feet had Daniel not jumped off his own and pulled me out of the way. I didn't go anywhere near a horse for a good year. Then Daniel dragged me out and put me on one again. He sat right behind me and controlled the horse while I just relaxed in the safety barrier that were his arms.

I was ripped out of my daydream when a knock rang on my door. I quickly jumped up and ran to the mirror to wipe under my eyes, not wanting anyone to see that I was crying.

"Come in." I said confidently once I was done fixing myself. The door opened and a little old chubby woman waddled in. "Mary!" I yelled excitedly and I ran to give her a hug. She gasped, not expecting it, before wrapping her arms tightly around me.

"Why, what's all this about?" I hugged her even tighter. "

Nothing Mary. I've just had a hectic morning and really needed a good hug." She pulled back, looking at me with a concerned look in her eye.

"It couldn't possibly have something to do with the Duke storming out of here this morning, could it?" I put my hand over my face and looked up to the heavens. Someone up there must just have it in for me. I peeked at Mary who was standing there patiently waiting for me to respond. When I didn't, she continued.

"He wouldn't be storming out of here because he found out about your rendezvous with Daniel every morning, would he?" My mouth dropped open in shock. How does she know about that? She just chuckled at me and tapped her hand under my chin, closing it for me.

"You shouldn't leave your mouth open like that, you might get a bug stuck in there." She just laughed to herself as she walked into my bathroom and turned the bath water on. I slowly walked in, still very confused.

"How did you-"

"I've known for quite some time now dearie. It just wasn't my place to say." She cut me off before turning back around to face me. "The Duke is not right for you my lady. I've always wanted to see you and that young lad get married. That's why I didn't say anything to anyone. Well that and I would hate to get my little Emery in trouble." She jokingly pinched my cheeks before turning the bath water off.

I took my boots and pants off as she lifted my shirt over my head. I ran my finger through my hair to undo the braid as I climbed into the warm bath water. I sank in, letting the heat warm my heart.

Mary sat on the edge of the tub and got my things ready to wash my hair. She always insists on washing my hair even though I've told her plenty of times that I'm capable of doing it on my own. She moved to the chair behind me and poured some of the water over my hair. She put the gooey substance in her hand and then rubbed it all around my hair, massaging my scalp at the same time. I moaned lightly and closed my eyes, loving the relaxing feeling that washed over me. We both sat in silence until she spoke up.

"May I ask if you and Daniel every thought of getting married. I couldn't help the laugh that slipped out of my mouth. If only she knew. "What's so funny?" She questioned.

"Nothing it's just-." I paused, not knowing where to start. I sighed, trying to think of the best way to make her understand. "Do you remember the night when I had my coming out ball and I fell off the balcony?" "