Regal [h.s au]

38. Our light

AMELIA

My knuckles turn white as I tightly grip the railing, my gut twisting as the strong acid burns my throat, the contents of my stomach spilling into the sea. I sputter and cough, thankful my hair is braided and not falling around my face as a piece of my soul gets released from my body. A grimace twists my features, my nose wrinkling from the foul taste in my mouth.

"Isn't it ironic how a pirate's daughter has seasickness?" The familiar smug voice says, making me turn my head and shoot an aggravated glare at the certain Captain of the vessel.

I take a few deep breaths, the fresh air helping to calm my sickness to a certain extent, my palm soothingly running over the surface of my stomach as if to ease the tension. "Isn't it ironic how the ship Captain has no better things to do on this fine morning rather than watch me empty my stomach?"

Captain Edward Jones lets out a laugh, his dark blue eyes dancing with amusement. "Charming, even when you're spilling out your guts."

"Mel?" My prince calls before I can tell him off, appearing by my side a moment later, his worried green eyes searching my face, probably noticing my tortured physical appearance. "Seasickness again?"

"Yes, but don't worry," I reply, my voice hoarse as I muster up a small smile despite wanting to lie down and sleep until we're on land again, away from the constant rocking of the ship. I absolutely love sailing and I love the sense of freedom it provides me, but I also love the feeling of a full belly able to actually keep the food in.

"Your Highness, I believe we haven't had a chance to properly meet," the Captain says, drawing our attention to him. He theatrically bows at the Prince, the edges of his mouth quirking upward in a smirk. "Captain Edward Jones, at your service."

"Pleased to meet yo- wait." Harry's eyebrows furrow in confusion until a look of alarm and recognition registers on his face, his expression turning angry. "It's you!"

"Me?" Edward innocently asks.

"Yes, you!" Harry points an accusing finger at him.

"Again, me?"

"You kidnapped us!"

The captain shrugs. "I don't recall..."

"You imprisoned us on your ship!"

"Hm, I remember you boarding my ship on your own free will."

"That's now what I'm- I cannot believe Adrian would do this!" Harry exclaims, advancing towards him. "I should have you hanged for what you did!"

The Captain lifts his hands in surrender, a lazy smile playing on his lips. "So we got on the wrong foot in the beginning. I kidnapped you, she tied me to the ship helm-" he glances at me "-everyone was alive and well in the end; some of us with hurt pride; but alive nonetheless. Try not to hold too many grudges, mate, I am a pirate after all." He winks.