Tides of deception ✺ Outlander/Stephen Bonnet Fanfic

♤32. A feverdream

The Gloriana had glided into the port of Nantes under a gray, misty dawn. Justin stood on deck, his hands on the ropes, a proud look in his eyes as he took in the sight of the city. Declan watched him closely, a small smile of approval tugging at the corners of his mouth. The man had come a long way, and there was a new energy about him now, an eagerness to learn and belong. Declan clapped him on the shoulder as the port appeared through the fog. "Not bad, Justin. You'll make a proper sailor yet."

Justin grinned, still adjusting to the formality of his new role. "Thanks, Declan. This life... it's more than I could've imagined."

As the conversation continued, Stephen joined them, surveying the port with a calculating eye. His plans for Nantes were ambitious, and as he looked out over the bustling cityscape, he felt the thrill of the coming nights. He turned to Declan, speaking quietly. "Let's get the men settled, but keep an eye on the newcomers. I want every man on his best behavior here."

Declan nodded, understanding the weight of the assignment. "Aye, Captain. I'll have the lads prepped."

Stephen caught sight of Maria on the deck, watching the city with a look of excitement. She wore a off the shoulder dress of a deep plum colour, chosen carefully for the evening they would spend among the elite. Ruby-pink jewels set in gold glittered at her neck and ears, catching the early light. Stephen felt a surge of pride and affection, but he tempered it with a reminder to keep his focus sharp. Tonight would be about strategy as much as celebration.

Later, he too dressed for the evening, preparing to enter a world both foreign and familiar to him. By the time they reached the castle, the sun had set, and the grand halls were alight with chandeliers and candles that cast a golden glow over polished marble floors. The air was thick with the scent of fine wine and roasted meats, and the laughter of guests mingled with the strains of a violin.

Maria was quickly swept into conversation with a group of well-dressed gentlemen, who were clearly struck by her beauty and charm. Stephen, with a confident stride and disarming smile, made his way toward a circle of merchants he'd targeted for potential alliances. He joined in their banter, laughing and matching their talk of trade routes and French politics with anecdotes of his own adventures. With every story, he could see their interest deepen, calculating who among them would best suit his next venture.

Amid the laughter, he caught a glimpse of a face he hadn't seen in years. Standing across the hall was Julie, her striking eyes fixed on him with a mixture of shock and familiarity. Time seemed to pause as their gazes met, and for a brief moment, the years between them faded. The girl he had known in his youth was there, she grew into a beautifull lady. In her expression, the same spark, the same softness he had once found so captivating.

Julie's breath caught as she took in the sight of him. Stephen had grown, filled out, with the strength and presence of a man who had seen more of life than she could ever imagine. There was a fire in his eyes, a look of hard-won experience. Her mind spun with memories she had long since tucked away, but seeing him now stirred something deep within her that she couldn't suppress. She felt a warmth spread through her, the ache of a life unlived, of an untamed love that had never quite died.

As he turned his gaze, another woman touched his arm-a striking redhead, draped in a gown of a deep plum tone that shimmered under the candlelight. Julie's gaze shifted, her heart sinking at the sight of the woman by his side. She was beautiful, every bit the type of woman Julie might have imagined Stephen with. A rush of jealousy twisted in her stomach, even as she forced herself to look away, focusing instead on her husband.

But her husband, Duke de Montmorency, had noticed her distraction. Following her line of sight, he smirked and motioned to Stephen, clearly interested. "So, this is the famous Stephen Bonnet," he murmured, an edge of amusement in his voice. "The man they say has the finest rubies in all of Britain-and the boldness of a pirate."