Ana found Louis outside the cabin, gazing at the early morning daylight with its rays bright and warm on his sun kissed skin. His expression appeared troubled; his posture stiffer than before. She set the tray down on the stairs she had just ascended and approached, her hand gently sliding into his.
"What troubles you so, luv? Your spirit was of pure mirth just moments ago when I took leave. Hast the Captain offended thee?" Ana tried to comfort him, squeezing his hand.
He squeezed back, their hands joined securely.
For a moment, Louis remained silent, Isolde's words echoing deep within his subconscious, filling him with fear of the possibilities.
He cleared his throat, finally facing the woman who had captured his fancy.
"She always offends, my lady. In fact, I would be surprised if she hasn't offended anyone on this ship at least once." He joked with a serious tone, indicating his words were not meant as humor. Nevertheless, he pressed on.
"I've grown quite used to her folly, though. It comes from many years as first mate. However, she has just belated something quite concerning. Adamantly, with truth all the more a worry, I must add. Of course, I want to hear your side of things. Such as agreeing to become her servant?" Louis's eyes widened slightly. "Ana, my luv, a slave's life is anything but rewarding. She will never be merciful. She will never grant you freedom. Eboninea Isolde, Captain of The Tenerife Sea; feared pirate throughout the seven seas, is not someone you wish to have as Mistress." Louis warned reverently, his hand tightening protectively around Ana's small wrist.
"Yet, 'tis my decision what I choose. If it means being together – "Ana reasoned, but he turned to face her fully, the sun hitting him in an angelic glow.
"She will not allow us that. My position was sound and thy course set as captain if something were to happen. My decisions regarding your crew are the exact reason I lost thy position and am now only at her mercy. She will sell you, Ana. If she cannot, then she will sell me to keep balance," Louis's eyes flashed sadly, knowing he would never have a chance to be happy. It wasn't allowed. "Love has never survived here. It cannot, not on The Tenerife Sea." Louis continued to try and make the woman see reason.
However, she merely took her hand from his and walked to pick up their first meal of the day.
"Then, we shall carry forth secretly? It can work," Ana insisted, watching Louis shake his head. She walked to him, handing him a bowl of porridge. "Argue not and discuss this not. We will beseech God this morning tide and ask for his guidance." She took her own porridge bowl from the tray, leaving a portion of eggs, fresh soft bread, a tea kettle with three small cups stacked atop and creamy handmade butter with a butter knife beside the fancy-shaped plate it lay upon. She opened the cabin door and went wordlessly towards the small area where Eboninea sat, her posture straight.
Ana sat the tray on the table in front of Eboninea's chair and bowed.
Eboninea merely turned her head sideways curiously.
"Well?" She leaned back expectantly, arms crossing her chest with expectation.
Ana stood there a moment.
"Captain?" She asked, seeing the pirate merely glare at her like an expectant child. She heard the door faintly open beside them.
Louis came in holding their bowls.
He wordlessly hurried to Eboninea, putting their bowls in a corner and picking up one of the tea cups. He wordlessly poured the boiling water before adding in the tea leaf infuser.
"If you wish her to stay aboard, Tomlinson, you are to show her the ropes. I won't have an incompetent servant," Eboninea muttered, taking the plate from Louis when he wordlessly handed it over.
YOU ARE READING
Prisoner of Tenerife Sea
General FictionHe was her captive, she was a pirate. The infatuation with him was instant; but the heart is no good when it can't love. She wanted control, he yearned to escape. Perhaps there was always something more?
