As the voyage carried on, Liam and Ella continued to sneak behind Skander's back as he would sleep during odd hours and they would grow flirtatious on deck. Something risky and exciting to Ella, as she felt fearless for the first time in her entire captivity. As the days continued, nothing appeared to change until they stopped at yet another port. Believed to be asleep, Liam and Ella shared a kiss that was seen by Skander, as he was conflicted on whether to grow angry or not. Thinking of options,he decided he had not merit and acted as if he had not seen it. Instead, they moved to land to obtain food and clothing for the continued voyage.
They walked down the streets before finding this town was bigger than that previous. It appeared to be a truly wholesome town with little poverty and sickness. Something that made Ella feel more and more safe as the men walked on either side of her.
Moving further and further, they snatched what was necessary before Liam and Ella moved back towards the ship as Skander claimed he needed weapons. Due to the long journey and lack of food and water, Ella found herself tired as Liam agreed to walk with her back to the ship underneath the brisk night. As they moved to the docks, he politely placed her upon the deck before pulling her arm below deck, quickly and with a little force.
"I have been taken with you dearest Ella. You have saved my life and I wish for us to marry." The thought made her smile with excitement and flattery, but she found it difficult to feel comfortable as the freedom of not having to answer to a man lingered front in her mind.
"I do not know you well enough...I fear we are but strangers with an attraction..."
"Just an attraction?" His gaze then turned harsh as his hands grew more forceful on her arms. He pushed her against the wall of the ship, making her gasp. "Then there is nothing to lose." He lifted her skirt but she attempted to push him but his strength was too great. He eventually overpowered her and threw her to the ground. The quick movements and sudden change in behavior made her attempt to scream, but he held his hand over her mouth.
"If you scream, I shall cut your pretty ivory skin..." He spoke as he drew a blade from his boot before placing it against her cheek as a tear met with the tip of the weapon. He brought the sodden tear to his lip before closing his eyes and breathing out-as if her fear and sadness provoked him to try further. With one hand on her neck, pushing down the dagger, his other hand moved his belt off of his own body before then moving her dress up.
"Please." She pleaded as his eyes locked upon hers.
"I find it quite sad Ella...you were so innocent..."
Just before he claimed her maidenhood, the man was knocked to the ground and she moved up, collecting her clothes before being glared at by Skander who used his new weapon to threaten Liam.
"How dare you raise a hand to her. You are not worth enough to even lick her shoes, let alone claim her as your own!"
Her eyes were now soft as she felt more safe with Skander protecting her. A slight smirk crept over her mouth before ceasing as he turned to give her another stern glare.
"I have a right to run you through for attempting to force yourself upon her!"
"No!" Ella spoke loud as she stood, holding her corsets together as Liam had cut them, once exposing her bare chest.
"But it is against my better judgement and I shall not force a lady to witness my wrath. So flea before I change my mind!" He ordered as the man nodded quickly before running off the ship. Skander followed him, making sure he had left. He turned back to Ella as she kept her head hung down in self-disappointment.
"I am sorry-" He stabbed his sword into the wooden floor between her feet.
"I have been kind to you due to your fragile condition...but this it twice you have gone behind my back and almost been assaulted...if you do not listen from now on...or try to trick me or run...I will not save you..."
"I understand." He turned to leave before she continued to speak to him. "Why?"
He turned back to her. "Why what?"
"Why do men do this? Men with titles and money, with good hearts-or supposed good souls?"
"Because lust is the most powerful thing...it makes good men into monsters and monsters into saints..."
"What has it made you?"
"Reckless. Which is why I never intend on it."
"Then why save me?"
"If you are insinuation I care more than a hostage, you are highly mistaken."
"I did not mean that...I mean if you feel nothing for me...then why save me?"
"Because I have plans for you. Ones that I need you chaste and alive." He continued. "Now rest. As angry as you make me, you have been through quite a scare." He paused once more, waiting for her to respond but she stayed quiet. "Tomorrow, we are going to Medioux...and remember my warning Ella..."
She nodded. "I will do as you say..."
"I may just need that in writing this time..."
