Nan's Jewel

Nan's Jewel~ Chapter 45 <3 Zillah

AN: I'm kinda worried about this chapter...

Chapter 45- Zillah

I needed to know exactly what had happened to Edward, but he didn't seem to willing to talk. I wasn't going to push him. I was amazed at how quickly Rebeka took to Edward. I was worried she wouldn't accept him, but now I guess my only worry is how I will tell her who her father is, and why her father isn't my husband. That'll be fun. I also found it odd that, despite everything Aaron had put me through, I didn't hate him. I couldn't say I was in love with him, or even wanting to see him again, but I didn't hate him. How, I have no idea. The next few days after Edward came back were a blur. I saw very little of Rebeka or my parents, as they were all preparing for the wedding or with her nurse. I saw little of Edward, as Father had him off doing something. I think he was still worried about when he found us on the bed together... I didn't have much to do, and that really bothered me. Mother wouldn't let me watch Rebeka, and wouldn't let me help with preparations, so I spent my time walking along the beach, or in my garden. It was hard to for to think of my life before all of this started. Sometimes I wished that none of this ever happened, but then I thought of my love for Edward, and his for me, and of Rebeka. If given the choice of being raped, and about to die, in order to have my love and daughter, I wouldn't have gone for it. But I'm glad God didn't give me a choice. I didn't want to miss out on the love of a child and husband.

"Zillah, come here please."Edward said, interrupting my thoughts.

"Everything okay Edward?"I asked, sitting down on the sand.

"Yeah, it's just; I need to talk to someone."Edward replied.

"About what?"I asked gently.

"About what happened with Aaron."Edward said sighing.

"I'm listening."I replied, laying my head on his shoulder.

"I found my ship in the harbor, and stayed talking with Johnny. As I was on my way back to you, Aaron came behind me, knocked me out, and I woke up on his ship. Ash was there."Edward began, absently rubbing my back.

"I knew something was wrong with her."I said.

"I spent several days roaming the ocean with them, but luckily Ash kept Aaron busy. I didn't really have anything to do, and nobody really bothered me. After some time, Ash and Aaron split the ships apart and I got the idea to commandeer one."He said.

"Edward!"I cried.

"Shush, just listen. I don't know how many days later, but soon I was able to overtake Ash's ship. We were home free for a few weeks, but then Aaron found us, and there was a battle. It was Ash's ship against Aaron's military ship."He said.

"That explains you."I said.

"Yeah. I was sad to see that majority of her crew was scared. I knew Aaron was going to attack, and he wouldn't show any mercy."Edward said.

"But you survived!"I protested.

"Yeah. I was surprised when the first cannonball came. It was a warning shot and fell just short of us. Sadly the crew freaked, and some even jumped off the ship, only to beg to come aboard when they saw no land."Edward said.

"Oh Edward!"I cried.

"Zillah please. I refused to surrender, because I knew what it would mean. Aaron responded with more violent shots several that struck Ash's ship. Ash's ship had little cannon power, but we did what we could. We kept them at bay until we could escape. The ship could barely float, but despite the constant firing from Aaron, we escape."Edward continued. I stayed silent.

"The ship was in horrible condition. I was surprised it could float, but rejoiced to God that it did. Several of the cannons had hit the deck, and it was difficult to control her. Because Ash's ship had less cannons, it was lighter, and was a different model that Aaron's navy ship; making her faster. We were able to outrun Aaron, but I have no doubt that he will arrive soon."

"But Edward, what are we to do?"I cried.

"Aaron wants nothing to do with you. It's me he wants. I will stay in hiding until it is safe."Edward said.

"No Edward! If he can't find you, he will come after me!"I cried, forcing him to look at me.

"How do you know this Zillah?"Edward asked.

"Because Edward, I have seen his looks. He wants whatever is yours, and I'm just something like that to him."I answered.

"Zillah, why didn't you tell me?"Edward asked, helping me up.

"I never thought of it until now. I always tried to ignore him."I replied, following Edward back up to town.

"Zillah, I honestly have no idea what to do. It is hard enough for one man to hide, but nearly impossible for a man, wife, and child to."Edward said gently.

"Edward, let's talk to Mother and Father. They surely will know what to do."I suggested as we walked into the garden.

"About what?"Father asked, joining us in the garden.

Edward relayed what he had told me to Father, though much quicker, and concluded by asking for wisdom.

"Zillah, please give us a moment."Father said.

I nodded, and walked inside to find Mother, my grey gown swaying gently in the breeze.