Wrecked

Chapter 2

'You're looking for a husband, you say?' Aria opened her mouth to answer but the ship lurched to the side as it struck something. It shook again. 'Jasper, get up there and see what the hell is going on?'

'Yes, your highness.' Captain Sitwell scurried from the room. The latch didn't catch on the door and they heard the crew shouting.
'It's coming back again!'
'There!'
'What is it?'
'It's that woman's fault! We should have left her!'
'Your highness, I should probably take the Princess back to her new quarters.'
'No, by the sound of it, she'll be safer here with me. Jack, go find out what's going on.' Lord Rollins nodded and disappeared out into the night, shutting the door firmly behind him.
Aria had worked out that something was ramming that ship. The ship shuddered as it was hit again. The three remaining sat tensely until Prince Rumlow broke the silence. 'You're looking for a husband?'
Aria looked to Steve, who simply looked at her. He wasn't royalty. If she had to wed royalty, Prince Rumlow was her chance. Though if she just needed a human, he'd gladly take her as his bride. He licked his lips, remembering the taste of her mouth, salty and sweet and perfect. He looked away from before he gave anything away. Or so he thought.
She sighed and turned to the Prince. He was rough around the edges, arrogant and prideful. He was dark like her Bucky but too dark, too predatory. She met his inquisitive gaze coldly. 'Yes, I am. I am the youngest member of my family. There are no other options for me. If I do not find a husband in three months, my fate is most assuredly doomed.'
Steve swallowed. 'Are you sure you want me to tell him that? That makes you look desperate and puts you in a very awkward position.' She waved his concern away. She was past caring at the moment.
'Tell him whatever you like, Steve Rogers. I grow tired and my feet and legs hurt terribly.'
He sighed, both in frustration and in bliss to get her back in his arms. Steve was wary of that bliss. It was too perfect and part of allure. 'The princess said that that is correct. But she wishes to discuss it when reach land tomorrow. Her injured feet and legs are bothering her.'
Jack threw open the door. It banged against the wall. He held his hand up to stop it from it from rebounding on him. 'It's a merman, sire!'
'You lie!'
'No, Brock, it's truly a merman. I saw it with my own eyes.' They clasped hands on elbows and forearms. Aria glanced at Steve, who shrugged.
'You've caught him then?'
'Not yet but we've got the nets out. We will, my Prince.'
Aria's eyes widened in panic. She reached for Steve. 'That is my Bucky. We must stop them, Steve Rogers! They will kill him.'
'How, my princess?'
'He must have heard my cries. He must think you're hurting me.'
'What's she saying, Rogers?'
Steve looked from Aria to Jack and Prince Rumlow. 'She wants to see the merman.'
'Why?'
'She doesn't believe they exist.'
Prince Rumlow narrowed his eyes and Aria and Steve. His suspicions were growing but he would need proof. For now, he would let the pair have their game. 'Fine, bring her on deck.'
Steve lifted her delicately and held her close to his chest. They stepped out on to the deck behind Lord Rollins and Prince Rumlow.
'Where is it?'
'It's circling wide, sir, avoiding the nets.'
'Where?' The crewman pointed out in the distance.
Aria could see Bucky's tail in the distance, slapping the water angrily. She leaned up to whisper into Steve's ear. 'He needs to see me, Steve. Or he will continue to attack the ship.' Steve looked at her then wildly thrashing merman in the distance.
He had an idea. 'Prince Rumlow...I thought I saw something in the water when I pulled the Princess into the boat. Maybe the merman was attacking her and he's upset we've taken what is his. Maybe if he sees that she's 'ours' now, he will stop attacking.'
Aria's eyes widened. 'What are you doing?' She began to wriggle in his arms.
Steve squeezed her hard. 'Stop squirming, Princess or I will set you on your feet.' Her shock at his threat showed clearly on her face and he immediately regretted it. 'Just play along.' He turned to the Prince. 'One of us most show clear claim on her. You're the master of the ship. It is your right.'
'What do you mean? Kiss her? Verbally stake claim?'
'If he kisses me, I fight him. I do not like your prince, Steve Rogers.'
'Yes, affection, sire. Show her affection.'
Prince Rumlow looked at Steve curiously. 'Affection, eh?' He stalked over to them then looked out over the water. He pointed at the enraged merman. 'You there! She belongs to me and mine, now. If you don't not cease your attacks, we will give the recompense.' Brock looked at Aria. She held her breath. He leaned and placed a chaste kiss upon her lips.
Aria kept her eyes open, watching his face. Her natural allure began to work his majesty. He opened his eyes and smiled, but the smile didn't reach his eyes. 'Get him away from me.' They waited on the deck. There was no further sign on the merman and no more attacks. Aria shivered in the cold sea air.
'Prince Rumlow, may I take her to her quarters?'
'Very well, Rogers.' They were dismissed with a wave and turn to the open sea. Brock and Jack returned to the Prince's Quarters. 'Now why would a merman want a human woman, the lone survivor of a shipwreck?'
'She's lying.'
'Oh of that I'm sure.'
'Is she a mermaid?'
'If she is, where is her tail?' Jack didn't have an answer for that. 'She wants a husband. I'll give her a husband.' Prince Rumlow didn't miss the flare of Jack's nostrils. 'Don't worry. She'll be dead for she can consummate the marriage.'