Celeste

I stepped onto the ship with uncertain steps. It was the military boat, diva, they called it.
I fluttered my fan against the heat as my father, captain of this vessel approached.
But, as always, he wasn't talking to me.
"The ship has captives sire, down in the brig," he let out a short snort of amusement, "they speak of mermaids."
The general smiled. "The heat does strange things, and pirates are always drunk in any case."

The guards stepped on board, disappearing into the belly of the ship. The general followed.

My father slid his eyes to me. "Celeste? What are you doing? Women on the seas is bad luck!" He scolded.
I suppressed rolling my eyes. "We're in port. Can't I see my dear father after months away?"
He ushered me off the ship.

"I missed you too" I mutter into my fan as he steps back on the deck, and begins shouting orders.

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Terrible sewing, sloppy writing, and burnt cakes. These are the fine qualities of Celeste Reed. Born in rosewood, a sweet little boring town that she calls home. Until her father, captain of one of many military ships, returns home with a surprise that might just turn her world upside down...
Or under water.