Tides that Bind

Chapter Five

Amara was sitting up on the mast while trying to tether down one of the broken lines. She was preparing to pull the colors, knowing that the captain would call for them as soon as he heard word of the sails along the horizon. She had silently cursed herself before sending Ryder down to report the news. Killian would hang her by her shoelaces if she let the news wait but she also saw Jamie walk down towards the captains cabin.

Their relationship was none of her business and she gave them space when it seemed appropriate. Amara couldn't shake the heartbroken look that Jamie shot her way when she had said it was time for Kieran to come back. Even as the words had left her mouth, she couldn't believe she was saying it. But she couldn't sit back and watch Sora go to war with the world nor would Jamie let his family go to war against Kieran's. She would have to talk to Jamie eventually.

"Amara." She heard Ryder calling her name and looked down at him expectedly "The Captain said raise the colors." He continued sounding unsure. Amara laughed to herself before starting to climb down and yelling out the orders to the crew men. Ryder followed her as she started walking towards the wheel.

"You need something?" Amara asked leaning against the railing on the stairs. "I...Umm. I walked in...I'm not sure....Maybe.." Ryder stuttered making Amara bust out laughing. "Please tell me you knocked before walking in the cabin." She said whipping her eyes. She could only imagine what he would have seen, depending on how the conversation went that is. "I did." He looked at her confused. Okay so he didn't walk in on them jumping each other in any form so what's with the nervousness Amara thought to herself.

"Out with it, boy." She said starting to get annoyed. "Jamie mentioned his brother?" Ryder said not meeting her eye. "Ahh, Yes, Jamie is Akanian. He's actually apart of the Royal Navy and was training to be a corporal officer when he was captured. I'm sure you have heard of Corporal Damien Atkia, that's Jamie's younger brother and the Commander of the Royal Navy." Amara said looking out at the familiar sails. "The first time we came here, I honestly thought Jamie would stay. He fit in so well. Falling into family life and helping out around the navy ships, even wore his old uniform for a dinner. I think Killian could tell to, he would watch from afar and I would catch him smiling with a sad look in his eyes. But once the ship was able to sail and we said our farewells, Jamie jumped on the deck and laughed at all the shocked faces."

Ryder listened intently to the story with clear shock written on his face. "Jamie stayed because of the Captain?" He heard himself ask astounded. Amara only gave him a sad smile "Jamie would die for Killian and Killian would do the same." She said before turning to walk away. Ryder trailed after her not sure what to do now that Jamie had gone back to the captains side.

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"Your mother is going to cut off my balls when she sees your stomach." Killian said laying on Jamie's bare chest while his fingers lightly danced over the fresh scar. "I don't plan on taking off my shirt as soon as I walk through the door." Jamie chuckled running his fingers through Killian's hair. Every now and then he would find his fingers in knots and try to work them out.

"We can't stay long." Killian spoke low. He knew how much Jamie missed his family and loved watching him fall easily into the routine. He felt Jamie's hand still but didn't dare to look up and meet his eyes. There was a long silence between the two. "When we return to Sora, will you stay?" Jamie asked quietly. "I don't know." Killian said sitting up and facing the wall, he pulled his knees up to his chest and ran a hand through his hair "I keep trying to figure out which is the best choice. I want Odessa safe. I want to be free on my ship. I want to have you beside me always. But I can't let Nikolai start a war. Damien and Nikolai will kill each other and only I can stop that."

Jamie starred up at the ceiling with his hands folded on his chest. "I know we don't say it, but I do and will always love you, K." Jamie said "No matter what choice you make." Killian didn't say anything, but Jamie didn't want him to. He didn't need to hear the words back. Killian showed him that he loved him just by being himself, not the Captain or the Prince. "I will never love anyone else." Killian said reaching out and taking one of Jamie's hands.