Heart of the Sun

Chapter 25: The Two Loves of My Life

Alice's point of view:
I kissed his cheek quick before he went back on duty.
Alfonso, my love.
No matter how days pasted, I was still astounded. Even as he held me at night and shared countless kisses, I was in disbelief. How could I end up so lucky, so happy, so loved. Just as I began to loose hope on love, my angel came and saved me.
Everyday since our wedding, my life has been golden. And while I know there will eventually be tough times ahead, I'm not longer afraid. Because regardless, I know I'm with someone who truly cherishes me.

I was then smiling as I was walking about the halls, a faint blush apparent as I continued my daydreaming. Then I heard a tune echoing. This wasn't an unusual event expect that it was a children's song. It was also one I've sang several times before.

~Ring around the rosie,
a pocket full of posies,
ashes, ashes,
we all fall down!~

With each step I took, I was submerged deeper into the past. I was singing into the open air, another with blonde hair and green eyes like mine in the twirling storm with me. There was never a time I would play that song and my brother would be absent.
Until recently, I had forgotten all the happy memories of my childhood. I was too clouded with anger and betrayal.
But now with a clear mind, I can remember all the timeI spent with my big brother who was always there for me. He wouldn't push me to the side or tell me to go away. He would bring me along in his daily adventures and make time in his life for me. He was always in my corner, my side in whatever fight and argument I was in. He could make light of all the stresses and burdens of being a noble lady. He was the light of my life.

That's why when I found out he ran away, I was devastated. He had abandon me. Now all the shadows that I use to be able to ignore came and devoured me. I was truly on my own now. Not to mention the family honor was destroyed. Finding an honest man to marry was difficult.

But as I reflected more, something else clawed at the back of my head. Why did he do it?
One would think being the firstborn to a noble and wealthy family would be a blessing. But was it truly?
My memory only stretches back so far. Not far enough to remember my mum. Any recollections I have of the late Rose Kirkland was of what Arthur told me. I could always remember that he said we were very similar in both looks and behavior. He said even Father thought so too. He said that meant a lot because Father didn't care about much. Which always puzzled me because, even though he didn't give me a ton of his time, when he did he was patient and kind. He would spoil me with almost any luxury I wanted.

Looking back, I can't recall Arthur saying any good about Father, unlike the wondrous stories of our mother. Whenever I mentioned him or he talked about him, he would become a little quieter and his demeanor would darken. I had always brushed this off as they didn't get along. But now, I wondered just what their relationship was like.

My thoughts halted with a sudden realization. The absence of the bittersweet melody. The silence had returned and it left me reminiscing.
But the silence didn't stay as the thunderous stamps of boots fill the emptiness. My curiosity spiked as I ran to the main deck, nearly tripping on my shirts.

I was greeted with a small crew of men. Though they were groomed better than most, but they smelled of cheap wine and smoke.
The captain soon snatched my attention, deep blue eyes and an easy smile. He was dangerous one, I immediately took a step back.

"Ohon! Did I frighten you Mademoiselle?"

He quickly stepped up, capturing my hand and kissing it.

" I must say you're-"
"Taken señor."

Antonio cut in with a warm smile and easy tone. But his eyes were hard, commanding the Frenchman to back away. Immediately picking up the message, the flirty captain instead stepped towards his friend.

"A thousands times pardon, my friend. I was not informed of the woman's commitment."
"Ah but you're a sly one, mi amigo, and I do not tolerate any stealing of married women on my ship."

Alfonso quickly appears then, wasting no time taking his place at my side. He then meets Antonio's gaze and nods. I meanwhile am confused by the entire exchange.
Since when did Antonio care about me? Why are the French such pest? And I wonder what took my love so long to show?
Luckily the troublesome guest was no further an issue as the captain then entered the Spaniard's cabin for a private conversation.

Francis' point of view:
I sat at Antonio's deck, inspecting his behavior. He appeared his usual cheery self to the average view. But my expert eyes knew better. Their was a slight drag to everything he did, a stiffness that he wore. Clearly his wounded heart hasn't healed.

"I have important news, but I ask you remain calm."

He wordlessly waits.

"We found her."

His eyes light ablaze, his posture snapping straight and tall.

"Dónde-"

I cut him off before the rambling begins.

"She is safe but I cannot give you too many details."

A rare rage begins to flicker. I rush to continue before he starts again, knowing this one would be ugly.

"But we can start to plan the rendezvous immediately. And I can tell you she is in good health."

His body relaxes, but his eye till hold a dangerous green flame.

"I'm sure she was trilled to meet you, no?"

He smiled his easy smile, encouraging a lighter note.

"Ah she was! Tons of questions, quite exciting company. Many were about you too. She also had quite a few stories to share as well. You two must be extremely close."
"We are."

He ran his fingers through his chocolate locks slowly, pulling on it a bit.

"So you said we can begin the rendezvous now."
"Yes. She is currently at an island close to the Spanish settlement of Florida."
"Ah yes, I'm am somewhat familiar with that area."
"Oh, so that will make this journey a swift one."

I wasn't aware he was that confortable with the area. I figured he'd been around there once or twice but not often. This shall be an issue, but there's still a way to buy more time...

"A warning before I make my departure-"
I handed the hastily drawn map of the islands around Florida.
"-Our English friend had been spreading out his influence much lately. Be wary of the unsuspecting traitors among you."

I paused for effect, letting this seed of doubt plant itself deep.

"I honestly don't want you hurt but people have hidden agendas."
"Thank you for your wise advice, mi amigo."

We shared a quick embrace before I turned away.

~Ashes, ashes,
we all fall down!"~