The Cursed

Chapter Three

Lilura

The blood that has dropped from my palms lies in the tattered rag clenched in my hands. I look out my window overlooking my vanity to rolling clouds holding water to cry upon Everette's ship.

The blood from my hands wears into the wooden floors, staining it like cherry juice. I had scrubbed the floor with my cloth for so long that it has worn to a scrap of fabric. My knees have torn through my dress and the blood pooled on the floor flows to my ruined gown. My hair swings forward and covers my face like a black curtain, hiding the show from an audience. Inhaling through my nose, I let a sharp breath puff out of my mouth. My voice involuntarily hums a tune, my favorite. It reminds me of the waves of the sea splashing against Everette's ship. It rocks me and I sway to the memory. Drawing my eyes back to the stained floor I realize I cannot do anymore. I have effectively ruined it.

Gathering my red dress now drenched in blood, I stand and twirl to my closet. The dress leaves a path behind reminding me of rose petals. I tear my ruined dress off of me and slide into a black one to match the rolling clouds outside. It hugs my body and expands around my knees, reminding me of the mythical mermaids. How I would like to swim in the waves and saltwater, traveling the world, following Everette. I gather my hair into an intricate knot and place another headpiece onto my curls. It's silver with crystals pointing to the stars. It looks like lightning against my dark hair.

"Lilura!" Surprise etched in Everette's face as I leave my room through a newly repaired door.

"Hello my royal Captain," I purr, bowing. I look up to catch Everette's eyes. They're dark and the darkness in them wraps around me, keeping me warm like a fire melting snow. "Will the clouds bring rain?"

"I believe so. Lilura?"

"Yes?"

"Are you happy?"

"I am. I am on your ship soon leaving for the Iris Kingdom. And I learned a new song," My voice trails off. I look past Everette's broad shoulders to see the crew tying goods down and lowering the sails. Their gazes quickly dart to their tasks, obviously listening. What an odd question.

"And about what happened earlier, everything will become clear when we reach the Iris Kingdom. For now, do not fret."

"Why would I worry? I had a vision of a dream. That's all. I am not worried so you should not be." He bites his lip before muttering something that is lost in the roaring wind. "Is the storm going to be awful?" I say after a moment, Everette seems to snap back from deep in thought.

"What? I'm sorry I was stuck in my musings."

"It's alright. I had wondered if the storm was bad enough to delay our arrival in the Iris Kingdom."

"I fear it will put us off course. But I believe we will make up the time. Lilura, remind me-"
A shriek of wind effectively ends his thoughts.

"Tie down those barrels! Julian, take down the sail!" Everette yells over the wind, his authoritative voice echoes in my ears as the Captain in him unleashes in the coming storm.

"My Captain! Is there anything I can do?" I say, grabbing his and and pulling his attention to me. He turns to me, eyes blazing. They calm to a slow simmer before answering.

"Stay in your room." I nod as my fingers trail on his arm before letting go. I quickly hurry to my room. The wind picks up my hair and blows it across my face. It sweeps my skirts around me and I trip over the fabric.

I close my door, shutting the wind out. I hear muffled yells as the crew prepares to fight the clouds that cover the sky.