daughter of esmund

Nine

A/N: Hey y'all! Welcome back! I didn't take as long to write this chapter so...that's cool! This has been my last week of school before break (finals and musical auditions yuck) but I'm hoping to write as much as I can over break! I also promise to keep that promise this time haha! Sorry for lack of updates, I've been busy preparing for finals and preparing my song for auditions this week, but I'm back in the game! Alrighty, enjoy this chapter, talk to you kids (and adults) later. Byeee. - Joya <3

Word Count: 1394

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Annie's POV

I lean over the ledge of the boat, allowing my hands to hang effortlessly over it. The cold ocean spray touches the tips of my pale fingertips, causing a shiver to run down my back. The ocean waves are reflecting the afternoon sun, little white spots of reflected light appearing on the side of the ship. I let out a small laugh of surprise as a small fish hops out of the water, landing back into the blue waters with a small, almost unnoticeable, splash.

"Enjoying the view?"

I turn towards the voice, linking it with Laurence. He's leaning against one of the sail posts of the ship, a smile plastered on his slightly stubbled face.

I return a smile before turning back towards the deep blue sea, "It is quite a sight."

He chuckles, leaning against the edge of ship right beside me, "That it is."

My smile stays planted on my face as I continue to be entranced by the colors of the sea. I barely notice for a while that Laurence's eyes have fallen upon me.

"Vylad told me what happened out there...are you sure you're alright?"

I turn to him after his words register, staring at him blankly for a few moments before I blink, "Oh, yeah, I'm... I'm fine."

He nods turning back to face out towards the ocean, the sea breeze blowing his brown bangs in front of his eyes. Silence falls between us, the quiet sound of the boat rocking disturbing it.

"Thank you for asking," I say, turning my head to face him, a smile grazing my lips once more.

He lets out a laugh, "No problem, you're probably used to it at this point aren't ya, Princess?"

My eyes widen slightly as I turn my head down to face the wooden edge of the ship. I bite my lip, damn, I think, he was doing so well.

I can see his face shift to display confusion as he observes that single action, that I guess in one way tells so much, "Hey, what's up? Was it something I said?"

I shake my head, "No, it's fine really, sorry. Um... could you maybe not call me Princess? It's just... there are some.. less than pleasant memories attached to that for me.."

He nods, "Yeah, of course, uh..sorry."

In a quick action I lift my head up, "No! Don't be! You didn't know. Sorry, I didn't mean to make you think- "