Pirate Princess

Forgiveness

I tried to make out the staircase by touch but the heavy treasure chest that I was carrying made it quite difficult. I felt panic build up inside me as I took a few steps while it was pitch black around me.

My heart was hammering in my chest and I felt myself tear up again. I slowly crawled up the stairs, lifting the treasure chest with me. I screeched a little when my hand slipped and I felt the cold stone bruising my skin.

Finally I was able to see a little daylight and I made my way up as quickly as possible, still shaking. Everyone stared at me when I finally managed to crawl out and put the treasure chest into the sand next to me.

Some of them immediately rushed over to the treasure and inspected the diamonds excitedly. Others looked at me, guilt plastered on their faces. Orion reached out his hand to help me up but I refused.

He kneeled down next to me and sighed. „What happened to your hand?" He said and reached out to look at it.

I winced and pulled it away from him. „The torch went out and I had to get upstairs without any light" I answered and glared at him angrily.

„I'm sorry I-" he began.
„You're not sorry, you just want to feel better about yourself by saying you are" I spat and he put his hands up in surrender.

He then focused his attention on the treasure and smiled. „'tis quite a treasure, men"
They cheered and held the chest up triumphantly. „We should probably head back to the ship before the sun goes down"

They signaled me to follow them and I did, what else was I supposed to do? Lay here forever? On second thought that didn't seem too bad at all, still better than joining them again.

Gibbs tried to cheer me up by saying: „Yer very tough for a princess" and I appreciated his attempt but I did not feel like smiling at all.

Just when I was starting to like Orion he decided to show his selfish and ruthless side.
I was disgusted by myself for trusting him. I felt so stupid and betrayed. I should have known there was more to him keeping me on the ship for such a long time than upsetting my father.

That evening the pirates celebrated on deck, singing songs and drinking rum. I sat a little away from the group and stared at the dark sea.

Orion's P.O.V.

I saw Amelia sitting alone, her eyes focused on the sea. I cleared my throat to get her attention but she didn't bother to turn around. I sat down next to her, trying to find the right words to talk to her. She looked so fragile, it broke my heart.

„Thank you for finding the treasure" I said and mentally slapped myself for that stupid conversation starter.

„If I would've had a choice, I wouldn't have done it. Don't flatter yourself" she spat and I sighed.

I guess I deserved that. My eyes landed on her hand that she was holding close to her body. „You're hurt. Let me take a look" I said and she hesitated but slowly showed me her hand.
I softly held her hand and inspected the scratch that was on it. It looked painful but not too deep.

„Wait here" I stated and quickly went into my cabin to get some alcohol and bandages.
I hurried back and started cleaning her wound so it would not get infected. She flinched and I could see that she was trying not to show her pain. I then proceeded to wrap the bandages around her hand and smiled at the finished result.

I let go of her hand and my eyes met hers. It seemed like her wild spirit had left her, the spark in her eyes was missing.

„Look, Amelia..." I stuttered and desperately tried to think of a way to make her feel better. „When we planned the kidnapping and the treasure hunt I never expected to abduct such a brave and kind girl" I said.