Whispers of the Sea (The Compulsion Bride Series) Book II (Unedited)

Chapter Fifty Seven

The waves beat against the shore, like a whip making contact with a horse, pushing it to go further. The sky was filled with dark clouds, promising rain. Other Captains would have delayed setting sail today but knowing Jake, a mere storm wouldn't stop him. Hair dancing around her face, Gabrielle looked from the shoreline at the ships, both belonging to Alejandro, still preparing for the voyage. They would make it she was certain, the vison she saw show no signs of a ship wreck but she only saw them reaching the island, not beyond that. They had always come upon her unexpectedly but she forced this one, desperately wanting to control her visions and see that no harm comes to Alejandro on this voyage. He must return home—to his family.

Just like she must return to hers.

She hug the shawl tighter around her as her body shook with unwelcome anticipation, and looked down at the white foam, floating toward her feet, Gabrielle took a step back. She would come to it, there was no need for it to try and consume her. Avoiding the sea has always been a challenge when she both crave and resented it, such a complicated relationship, one she was tied to forever. She was exhausted living this way. Land or sea? Life or death? She couldn't have both, always have to choose.

"Gabrielle?" She turn with a forced smile at Leo, who have still not made it official with Lady Candace whose husband had been arrested for treason, days ago, the lady had finally got rid of the vile man and free to be with Leo. She clearly loves him and Gabrielle have a feeling Leo does too. "I came as soon as I got your letter. You and the prince?" his voice filled with astonishment.

She nodded.

"And you are leaving?" His eyebrows lifted.

She nod again afraid that her voice would give too much away, of her sadness. Gabrielle was also disappointed that she hadn't been able to see Leo until now. She was dedicated to spending as much time as possible with Alejandro, that she had neglected her friend.

"I'm so happy for you!" He embrace her with a chuckle. "Who would have thought my dear friend would become a Queen!" He grinned. "Send word of the wedding and I'll be there—wait." He took a step back, holding her by the shoulder. "Did he compel you? The ring—"

"Can't harm me if it's on my finger." Lifting her hands, she wiggled her fingers, drawing attention to the one that bore the magic gem. Alejandro's story about his mother, didn't say much about why it was in his family, being passed down from generation to generation, nevertheless, it had pained her that day accepting the ring, knowing that she would have to return it soon. It was cruel to do such a thing but also right to accept his proposal and confessing her love --at least, he would remember the last days spend together was real and joyous. She would never forget them and she had a feeling he won't either.

Leo grabbed her hand, staring at the ring, a whistle left his lips. "Exquisite! Amethyst, never seen anything quite like it." He looked up at her a crease forming at his forehead. "You are happy right?"

Gently pulling away her hand, she turned to face the sea. "He makes me happy and I feel deeply for him, this connection we share... it's like we were meant to be but that's only just an illusion."

"Gabrielle, I don't understand. Are you planning on abandoning the prince on the wedding day?" He asked, mortified. "What's wrong? You said you are happy—"

"Leo," She turned back to face him. "You forgotten what I have told you, I will not return from this voyage. The sea is my father's world, once I set foot on that ship. He would find me. I had only one opportunity to leave his ship, returning I am sealed to it forever unless my father releases me and that would never happen."

"No!" Leo grabbed her roughly around the shoulders. "You can't do this Gabrielle—Alejandro doesn't know does he?" At the shook of her head, tears mirrored his eyes. "Please you got to tell him, if he knows he wouldn't allow you to go to the sea. Y-you can live here together, he won't mind, he'll even move Spain to bloody England, for you!"