Arabella

The Crows Nest

The Captain walked away without so much as a glance back at her.

"You should go back inside, it's going to rain."

His parting words echoed in her ears as she stared after his retreating figure, anger erupting in her stomach. Who was he to tell her what to do?

I'm staying right here.

Indignation coursed through her at his cold bossy words. Even if it was just to spite him, she was staying put. It was a nice day anyway. What would she do in the cabin all day?

How would he even know if it's going to rain?

Arabella looked up. There were a few puffy white clouds spotted across the sky now, but there was still no sign of rain.

He just doesn't want me on deck.

Bitter thoughts swarmed through her head, her mood turned sour once again.

Well fuck that.

Small beads of sweat gathered on her forehead under the noon day sun and the princess wiped her forehead with her sleeve.

The weather continued to grow warmer the farther they traveled into the South Sea. Arabella was not used to it being so warm at this time of year.

Back home, the weather would be turning cooler as the rainy season drew near.

Back home.

The thought of Palyra, with it's colorful markets and bustling ports brought a sigh of longing to Arabella's lips. She reminisced riding along the grassy cliffs overlooking the vast ocean with her stallion, Artax. The fall wildflowers would be in full bloom now, covering the cliffs in a mirage of yellows and oranges. The docks would be busy as merchants brought their wares into the kingdom after summer voyages.

Back when life was simple.

The princess wished for those days before her life was turned inside out. Everything was so much more complicated now. There was her arranged marriage and, of course, her being captured by criminal pirates. She had run from one problem right into another.

You did this to yourself.

The little voice inside her head was accusing.

If I had just stayed in Palyra...

The thought of her betrothal to the king of Romalia brought a friend to her face again.

I wouldn't have been happy there either.

She sighed again, lifting her head to gaze across the sea once more. The never changing horizon brought some comfort to her turmoiled thoughts.

Going home did not sound so nice now. How could she be happy, forced to marry a man she barely knew; shut away from the world until death claimed her after a long and lonely life?

If I had a choice, would I actually return?

Arabella realized with surprise that she could not answer that question.

I can't stay here, but I don't want to go back either.

She squinted her eyes, glaring at the water below, as if blaming it for all of her problems. Was this what her life would be reduced to; wishing and hoping for something better to come along; a chance at a happy life?

Is it too much to ask for?

The princess was so wrapped up in her thoughts that she did not notice when Reid walked over, coming to stand beside her.