Tides of deception ✺ Outlander/Stephen Bonnet Fanfic

♤21. Lost and found

Two months had passed since their tense but successful negotiations with the Royal Navy. While Stephen and Maria had resumed some normalcy, there was still an unspoken distance between them. Trust wasn't something easily rebuilt. Maria, however, was learning to read the subtle changes in Stephen-his quiet attempts at making amends, the softer glances when he thought she wasn't looking.

But for the past few days, something had been bothering her more than usual. She couldn't find her rings.

Maria had checked everywhere-their cabin, the small nooks around the ship, even asking crew if she'd seen them. Yet, they remained missing. The absence of the rings gnawed at her, the silence around it adding to her frustration.

One evening, as Stephen returned from a brief meeting with some of his crew, Maria finally decided to bring it up. She found him sitting by the window, inspecting a map.

"Stephen," she began hesitantly. "I can't seem to find my rings anywhere. I've looked in every corner of the cabin... have you seen them?"

Stephen's face remained calm, though she couldn't miss the slight twitch of his mouth. Of course, he knew where the rings were-he had brought them to a goldsmith over a week ago. He had a plan, something far grander than the rings she was used to. But for now, he needed to keep his surprise intact.

He closed the map, feigning concern as he met her eyes. "I haven't seen them, love. Maybe they rolled off a table or fell behind something? I'll help you search later." His voice was smooth, convincing, but Maria still felt a small pang of doubt.

She nodded, though disappointment lingered in her gaze. "I just... I don't understand where they could have gone."

Stephen stood up, stepping closer to her, his hand resting gently on her shoulder. "Don't worry. We'll find them." His tone was warm, offering comfort, though inside he was already anticipating the moment when he could reveal his plan.

✺

A week later, the invitation from the Royal Navy arrived, formal and embossed with the Crown's insignia. It was a celebration in honor of promotions and achievements-a perfect opportunity to network, sell rubies, and further integrate Stephen into the fold of respectable society.

The party would be grand, but Stephen had something else in mind for that evening. While Maria busied herself preparing, lost in thought, Stephen made his way into town to collect what he'd been waiting for: her new rings.

The goldsmith handed him a velvet blue box, and Stephen opened it, inspecting the gleaming pieces inside. The engagement ring and wedding band were unlike any other-the engagement ring had a rich ruby as the centerpiece, standing for his love. A deep sapphire, taken from the old engagement ring, represented their struggles. Two intertwined hearts formed the design, symbolizing them both, while diamonds bordered the band, shining for her worth to him. It would be paired with a gold wedding band engraved with his name and today's date, signifying his hope for a fresh start.

Stephen closed the box, feeling the weight of the moment. He knew this was more than just jewelry-it was his promise to her, to try again, without manipulation or control. This time, he would ask, not demand.

✺

As Maria sat, down to read something, the cabin door gently opened.
She looked up from her chair as Stephen entered, her eyes tracing the blue velvet box in his hands. Her heart quickened. Without a word, he approached her, kneeling in front of her chair, his usually sharp features softened by an earnest expression.

"I've been holding onto this," he said, opening the box slowly and revealing the rings. "I had the rings remade... for us. For a new start."

Maria's breath caught as she stared at the beautiful, intricate design. "Stephen..."