Dizgaia ~ The Dreamfinder's Daughter

Chapter 41 ~ The Jig is Up

When next Mia awoke, early morning sunlight was streaming in through the cabin windows and Hook was donning his outer vestments. Mia laid quietly in bed for a moment, just gazing appreciatively at him. But then the events of last night came crashing down on her like a tidal wave, and suddenly she was plagued with fears and doubts. Mia pulled the coverlet up to her face, hiding all but her eyes, hoping to conceal her worried expression, which she feared may be a give-away.

"Good morning," she said softly, hoping that Hook would interpret her current position as an act of bashfulness after their night together.

Hook turned his gaze over his shoulder. "Why, good morning, my dear lady. Up so soon, are you?"

If he knew there was anything amiss about her, if he suspected her of anything, he certainly wasn't letting on. Mia lowered the coverlet and returned his smile. Perhaps all was well after all.

"Did you sleep well, dear? There was bit of commotion during the night, but it didn't turn out to be anything of consequence. I do hope it didn't disturb you."

Mia shook her head, trying not to let her face betray her emotions. "No, I didn't hear anything," she lied. Then, venturing on simply because she thought it'd be suspicious if she didn't inquire, she asked, "Was... is everything all right?"

Hook arched an eyebrow. "Of course, dear. Everything is right as rain. Why should anything be the matter?"

Mia wasn't so sure about that, but at least he wasn't acting much differently, which for her served as evidence that he must not suspect her of being the elusive Dreamfinder's daughter.

Fully dressed, Hook approached, taking a seat on the edge of the bed and smiling at her. "We're continuing on our course to Kuala's Hideaway," he said, gently caressing her hair.

That was another good sign. If he suspected her for who she truly was, no doubt they'd change course for... What had Ursula said? Bald Mountain. Mia suppressed a shiver.

"I'm not expecting to run into any difficulties, but as usual, we'll be on our guard. You may, of course, do what you wish. If there are any complications, I'll certainly inform you, dearest." He kissed her sweetly on the mouth, then rose from the bed. "I expect to see your skills put to wondrous use today."

"Of course," said Mia with a smile.

With that, Hook left the cabin to fulfill his duties as captain.

A short while later, Mia stepped out on deck, armed with her notebook and sketchpad. It was a cooler day. A light sea breeze ruffled her hair. She inhaled deeply and took a seat on an empty barrel on deck. She tried several times to do a sketch, but it just wasn't coming. Her mind was a cistern of turbulent emotions.

Hook may not suspect her for the girl Ursula had spoken of, but that didn't mean Mia was out of danger. So long as she was with Hook, she risked being discovered by the Dark Ones. Therefore, she must be on her guard until they arrived at Kuala's Hideaway, at which time they could hopefully secure her safe passage back to Cerenopia. There was no room for slip-ups. It was imperative she remain calm and reveal nothing.

This, however, was already proving difficult as she continuously shifted in her seat, feeling the effects of her nervousness. She hoped she didn't look as antsy and out of sorts as she felt. However, salvation came in the form of three pirates – Alf Mason, whose life she'd saved by showing him mercy, Cecco, and a man named Mullins, the ship's carpenter and tattooist.

"Good mornin', Miss Baxter,' said Alf Mason with a kind but nervous smile. "We was, uh, wonderin' if'n ye might be inclined to put your skill to our skin."