To Strange Horizons

Chapter Thirteen.

Jake had slept in the barracks that night. He made his way downstairs after helping his men dump the bodies, but the guilt was too heavy.

He watched for a moment, the way Mariana's body moved with her breathing. He noticed the way she clung to his pillow with a deadly grip. Pearl was resting in her usual spot above the Princess' head.

He brushed a curl off of her flushed, tear stained cheek. He had grown to love her. He had told her, but words simply couldn't describe the actual feelings he had. God, how he wished he could give her a life she deserved.

He kissed her head, then scratched behind Pearl's little ears.

"Take care of her for me." He cooed.

He laid in a hammock, that of one of his fallen crew members, and thought of all the things he wanted to do.

He wanted to get married. He wanted to build a house and have a baby and be normal. He began to softly cry, realizing it was a want that he'd never have.

—

When Mariana woke, she quickly dressed and bounced up the stairs. She was upset that Jake hadn't slept next to her, but decided to leave it alone. She was sick of being sad. Today was going to be a good day whether they liked it or not.

She had also decided that she would spend her life by his side. And to do so, she had to learn a few things about sea life.

"Thomas!" She was delighted to see Thomas safe and sound, tying ropes to poles that made no sense to the Princess.

"Good mornin', Your Highness!" Thomas slid down the pole with a smile. "How'd you sleep?"

"Not well." She said nonchalantly. "Teach me to tie a knot."

"Why the sudden interest?" He asked.

"I gotta start pulling my weight around here!"

The two giggled at her comment. Thomas cut a piece of rope for the each of them, then they sat down and began the lesson.

"Ok so that's a barrel knot. You almost got it!" Thomas exclaimed.

Heavy footsteps were heard behind Mariana, causing her to look up.

The Captain stood, beautiful as ever, illuminated by the morning sun. He was almost godly, to be perfectly honest. His perfect face, the absolute clutter covering his body, down to the tiny glints of gold in his hair. Mariana even noticed the gold tooth in the very left corner of his smile. Had he always had that?

"What are you two plotting over here?" His voice was gruff, tone light.

"She wanted to learn knots, sir." Thomas replied.

Mariana held up her sorry excuse for a barrel knot with a smile. "I'm getting it!"

Jake crouched beside her, examining the knot. "Jeez, baby, keep it up and they'll make you Captain instead!" He kissed her head before standing up again. "Thomas, we need you. Crew meeting."

"Yes sir." Thomas scrambled up and made his way to the helm.

"Can I go?" Mari asked, still criss crossed on the deck.

"Not this time, lovebug. Why don't you get me a half hitch goin, and I'll be right back."

Her feelings were mildly hurt, but she stayed put.