"Lady Olivia! What in heaven's name!" Verona was flabbergasted as she came into the room and saw Olivia trying to desperately untie the flag from her body. She had tied the vines too tight much to her dismay.
Olivia stopped fighting with the vines and glanced at Verona. She gave her a pleading look and she could not help small tears began to pool around her eyes. "Please don't question me and just get me out of this wretched cloth."
Verona's expression softened in sympathy for the young woman. She had known Olivia since she was a petite little four-year old with fiery red hair and plump rosy cheeks. Verona had developed this motherly affection toward Olivia and she loved her as if she was her very own. Verona was no older than twenty-nine years of age. Still young enough to keep up with these young women and the trouble they would get themselves into, like now for instance.
"Very well, come along." Verona pulled Olivia toward the huge four-poster bed. "Hold on to the post milady." Olivia took hold of it. Verona reached in her pocket and pulled out a small knife and began to cut away at the green vines. With each vine that fell, Olivia felt slightly relieved and yet there was still that endless nagging in the back of her mind about how she would explain it to Verona.
Just thinking about him made her blood boil. Never in her life had she met such an insufferable man with absolutely no manners. It was just beyond her. However, he was a pirate and they are not the most gallant of men. 'But yet he was a gentlemen in a way. He could have easily taken far more advantage of you.' Olivia mulled over what her subconscious had pointed out.
Yet that still did not make up for the fact that he took her dress and shoes! And then had the audacity to leave her a pirate flag to cover herself in. No, that had no justification at all.
Finally freed, Verona stepped back and gasped as she saw the black pirate flag pool around Lady Olivia's feet. Olivia instantly picked it up and rolled it into a ball. She glanced at the roaring fireplace and looked down at the flag. She wanted to burn it, but then again she could not bring herself to toss it into the fire. "Hide this at the bottom of my trunk." She shoved it into Verona's trembling hands.
"Why would you keep this milady?" Verona still questioned as she opened up the trunk.
"Because…" Olivia couldn't form the right words as to how to tell her that a pirate caught her swimming in the lagoon and he stole her clothes out of spite for calling him an ungallant man. To be honest, it did sound very ridiculous. There was just no sane explanation. "I…please don't bombard me with so many questions Verona!" Olivia's voice went up to a high octive. Her cheeks were flustered and she felt the room spin.
Verona was taken aback by her young mistresses' reaction. Sure, Lady Olivia had been a temperamental child and had her moments from time to time, but this was by far the strangest reaction. This worried Verona, but for Olivia's sake she decided to just do as she was told. In time, Olivia would confess and give an explanation. Knowing her well it would be soon. "I'm sorry." Verona whispered as she buried the offending flag at the bottom of the trunk weighed down by silk dresses and cloaks the young lady wore from time to time.
Olivia took a moment and let out a small breath. "I'm sorry Verona, I didn't mean to react in such a horrid way." Olivia turned around to face Verona. "Please forgive me, dear Verona."
Verona offered her a small smile. She could never be unforgiving to her young mistress whom she adored with all her heart. "Its alright Lady Olivia, all is well." Olivia smiled in relief. "Shall I prepare your bath?"
"Oh yes please." Olivia laughed in relief. She wanted to wash the dirt and whatever filth came from the wretched pirate flag she had to wrap around herself.
Verona only nodded this time in response and left her all alone with her endless thoughts of that damn pirate.
"Verona mentioned you had a trying afternoon, dear sister." Daphne commented as she watched Olivia comb her hair in front of the vanity.
Olivia set the golden brush down and turned around to look at her younger sister who was sitting on the small light blue sofa by the large window. "I got a little bored of being here all alone."
"You should have come! Mama, papa, and I had a grand time with Lady Kensington." Daphne shut her book closed and tossed it aside. "She showed me this new card game!"
"I'm glad you had a good time Daphne." Olivia smiled a little. Her mind was far away from everything. It was as if she stuck with only the thoughts of this afternoon. It was incredibly frustrating.
Daphne returned the smile but noticed something different in her sister, something was off. Olivia oblivious to her sister's close observation, turned back to finish combing her beautiful red hair. "Olivia are you alright? You seem to be somewhere else."
Olivia set her comb down rather hard and it caused Daphne to lose her small smile. Turning back around to face her sister, Olivia sighed. "Honestly, I am fine. Just bit tired."
"Fine, then I shall leave for the night. Good night Olivia." Daphne walked over to her sister and kissed her forehead. Olivia squeezed her arm in response.
"Good night Daphne."
After bedroom door shut closed, Olivia stood up from the settee and went to her trunk. She kneeled before it and looked over her shoulder to make sure no one would come in. When she was confident enough no one would come in, Olivia opened the trunk and dug up the flag Killian Jones had so kindly given her. She ran her fingers through it and realized that it wasn't torn nor ragged. It was in such pristine condition that the material was shiny and new. It didn't even smell bad at all. It smelled of seawater and this irresistible musky scent.
A small draft crawled its way into her bedroom due to the open veranda door. Olivia stood, still grasping the flag to her chest and looked out far into the port and saw a ship in the distance. It rocked back and forth calmly. She could have sworn she heard a lively jig and the lively sound of men's laughter.
"I need to go back tomorrow." Olivia whispered to herself as she headed back inside and decided to sleep her trying day off.
Little did she know that she would dream of that pirate Killian Jones that night.
Fire was ablaze from above and the smoke clouded her vision as she swam around the water looking, searching, but failing miserably. Shouts from all directions frightened and motivated her at the same time. The ship was consumed by flames and some men jumped off it into the dark waves that rocked the ship back and forth.
"The captain is over there!" One of the men shouted.
Something within her did not hesitate to go after him. She pushed her way through the pieces of wood that floated around her. Olivia pushed herself through the heavy waves and began to swim toward him. Swimming was easy and it surprised her that it came to her as if by second nature. The roaring fire did not stop as she swam by men swimming toward land and while others unfortunately were floating lifeless. She felt a sting of sadness for them, but she had to continue and reach him. She had to save him.
Finally, she did and her heart clenched up as she saw him lying unconsciously on top of a big piece of wooden raft. "Killian!" She yelled with tears in her eyes. His body didn't move as she shook it. "Killian please!" Olivia screamed desperately as she was losing that small bit of hope.
Olivia awoke with a sudden jolt. Her eyes fluttered open and her heart was pounding furiously against her chest. Olivia looked around her grand room and was relieved to be safe in her room and bed. Sweat dripped from her brow and she wiped it away instantly. Why would she dream that? No, it was not a dream it was a horrible nightmare. A very terrifying one at that.
She shook her head in complete shock and ran her fingers through her hair. Why did he appeal to her so much?
Olivia sighed and decided to just let sleep come back to her. She was so very tired of it all.
She pulled her crystal blue robe over herself, it always got much colder on the ports. Casually she strolled by the merchants, all who knew her and greeted her warmly. The wind was harder here, but that was to be expected. After all, people do not chose to live by the sea if they aren't prepared to deal with nature. So it was without further thought that Lady Olivia walked the on the creaky floorboards made of hardened wood aimlessly. Her sister was several paces behind her, she loved talking to the villagers and all knew her by name. Olivia preferred to look at the ships, she appreciated fine craftsmanship that was able to withstand the seas tempers. She saw ships of all sizes, some of them even belonged to her father. Instinctively she gazed at the largest, most luxurious ship, and recoiled. That would be the ship that her mother wished to send her off in whenever she chose a suitor. It was beautiful, one she had admired since a child which is why it was meant as a comfort… but unknowingly her mother had sullied her love for it. Lady Olivia loved the sea, she loved her home and knew full well there was no other palace like hers in all the land. Nothing would ever compare… and perhaps that made her feel most doomed. It was then that she saw the ship that seemed… out of place.
The ship looked like any other, of fair size made with good oak wood… but something set it apart in Olivia's eyes. With narrow eyes and a curious intuition Olivia walked closer towards the ship that drifted furthest away from the merchants. She turned back to search for her sister, surely she would worry if Olivia disappeared. She found her laughing with a handsome nobleman, of hair as black as raven and a kind smile. This also made her curious and she almost forgot about the ship. Almost. She turned back towards the ship, weighing her choices and sighed heavily as she began to turn back. That is, until she saw a familiar face that smiled carelessly as he walked towards the helm… a man who called himself Killian Jones.
Her feet were moving before her brain realized what she was doing, she was going to confront the foul pirate. He had embarrassed her. In fact, embarrassed was to soft a word. Perhaps humiliated would suffice. He had humiliated her in ways she had never dreamt possible, for who would be so cruel? Olivia's lips pursed… Killian Jones, that's who. So she made her way quickly, ever so quiet on the thick planks of wood. She took a deep breath as she made her way into the ship, dirtier than any ship she had ever seen before. It didn't matter, her eyes were set on Killian Jones who stood with his back to her staring at the village… What was he looking at?
"Uh hum." Olivia cleared her throat and Killian spun around quickly. His eyes went wide, happy? Surprised? She couldn't tell because they instantly hardened and looked around the ship. This angered Olivia, could he not give her his full attention?
"I do believe I am at least deserving of your full attention, Killian Jones." Olivia said harshly as his blue eyes met hers.
"Believe me, you have that. Now if you would be so kind as to leave." Killian gave her a sly smile as he tried to lead her but she slapped his hand and pouted defiantly.
"I most certainly will not be kind, not to you! Did you forget-" Olivia walked further into the helm of the ship furiously.
"What I did to you? No I haven't forgotten a detail." Killian said as he raised his brow and smiled despite himself. "But I think you may have been the one who has forgotten." Killian grabbed her hand and by miracle she let him. His stare made her heart jump, but only for a second before the hatred over the humiliation she had to endure with Verona set in. He looked at her lips, full and as red as her hair. She seemed as if she was kissed by fire itself.
"I have not forgotten you despicable-" Olivia lost track of her surroundings, as if everything and everyone outside of Killian had gone mute. There was no sound save for his voice and hers…
"Pirate. Aye, that we are." This voice did not belong to Killian and so it shattered the bubble she had been consumed in and all the sounds came rushing back. The waves crashed harder against the ship and the wind lashed her face. They both turned towards the voice hand in hand, a detail Olivia was very aware of.
"Captain Cecaelia." Killian Jones bowed his head slightly and looked at Olivia to follow suit… she simply stared at him scowling, did he really intend on her to bow to a pirate? She looked at the captain who stood leaning on the rail of the ship. His smile was crooked, and his beard in long blonde knots. Although foreign, his clothes were fine and better than the rest of his crews. The black mark on the side of his face resembled a snake and seemed to whisper in his ear. There were scars along his arm and chest, some deeper than others. His dark eyes and caramel skin shined in the sun revealing the scars along his face and arms, he was the most exotic man she had ever seen.
"We show respect our superiors here, on my ship, milady." Captain Cacaelia said as he stood taller, he meant to chastise her.
"We must have a differing definition of the word superior, Captain." Olivia replied lightly and felt a hard squeeze on her hand.
"Perhaps... it seems Killian has not taught you your manners. Of course, now he will have to bear the consequences." The Captain walked around them slowly, as if every word was incredibly important. There was a slight accent, one she had never heard before. Killian let her hand go quickly at the last part and Olivia saw genuine fear in his eyes.
"Captain, she has no hold here. She thought this was a merchant ship, they are expecting her." Killian rushed his words but when the Captain raised his finger he stopped.
"She is not yours?" The Captain said with a lick on his lips.
"No, Captain… but she is expected elsewhere. They will be looking for her." Killian said coolly, keeping his eyes straight on the Captain's. He couldn't risk looking at her for fear of what might happen.
"Aye, it is a good thing that we are leaving port, then. Make yourself comfortable milady, we will begin your lessons on manners, shortly. Take her to my cabin." The Captain said with a ruthless smile. Olivia felt her heart begin to beat out of her chest as she noticed the ship had slowly been drifting from port. How could she have not noticed that? Two men with stares hard as stone moved towards her and she recoiled.
"Captain, no you can't-" Killian said as he instinctively walked towards the Captain.
"Will you be giving me orders on my ship?" The Captain moved quickly as he punched Killian so hard it knocked him to the floor. Olivia screamed, though she wasn't sure if it was due to her fear or because Killian's lip started bleeding.
"You are making a terrible mistake, Pirate!" Olivia said as she struggled against the two men grasping at her arms. "Leave him alone!" Olivia screamed loudly as the Captain kicked Killian onto his back. The Captain put his finger up and the two pirates let her go and she fell to the floor unbalanced by her own struggles.
"That's where you are wrong, milady. Your sigil betrays you, everyone here knows the tridents… but not where we sail to, I think." The Captain grabbed her robe, where there was a sigil of a golden trident and a crescent moon behind it. Olivia jerked away and the Captain smiled.
"Vanessa… she will kill you." Killian said as he coughed and held his throbbing side. He arose painfully, but had fire in his eyes.
"Vanessa wants a trident, this is what she meant. This girl will be what she was looking for all these years." The Captain said with a laugh as he grabbed Olivia forcefully.
"You mean to give her to Ursula?" Killian asked as fear colored his words and his skin paled.
"She prefers Vanessa!" The Captain struck Killian again, and he needed to grab the rail to stop his fall. "Now, if you are all done here can we put her in my cabin. Or would you prefer her to be in yours, Killian?" The Captain slowly took out is sword and leaned on the handle as the tip slid into the hard wood. Killian looked angry, but when he stood up he simply nodded his head as it hung. The men grabbed Olivia and she began to yell in protest.
"No, no! Let me go!" Olivia looked at Killian for help, her eyes wide and afraid of what was happening. He looked at her, with eyes hard in… defeat. She begged him for help, for something, her eyes yelled louder than her cries. His eyes cast down towards the deck, Killian was not going to help her. Olivia's heart plummeted towards the ground, she was going to be killed… or worse. She continued to fight, but the men merely laughed in response.
The moved her past Killian, who stood as still as a statue. She looked at him, unable to process more than his indifference to her pleas. He was pale, the blood on his lip stood out… two more steps and he would be out of her sight but it only took one before she gave up on him and looked forward.
"Actually, I would prefer for you to die, Captain!" Killian yelled and Olivia spun around so hard the pirates turned with her. Killian had his sword in hand and a smile on his face as he and the Captain swung at each other. It was such a defiant moment that the crew simply stopped and watched the fight. Killian had made his way towards Olivia and moved her behind him as he killed both of her jailers. Olivia had never witnessed a fight, let alone a death. She was mute, only aware the Killian was moving them to have the side of the ship at his side. The Captain and Killian ran around each other, steel ringing in their ears. Killian managed to push the Captain down the deck and it seemed he was about to kill the Captain. Olivia was holding her breath, emotions running through her so quickly it was impossible to name them.
"You were always a quick learner, Killian Jones. Vanessa picked you well, but it was I that taught you boy. Aye, you will not kill me." The Captain laughed as Killian jabbed the sword deeper into the skin of his neck. Instead of killing him, Killian ran towards Olivia and lifted her off her feet. Olivia's breathing evaded her as she instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck. His face was so close she could feel the heat of his face and smell the sea on his clothes. Her gaze alternated from his eyes and his lips, the simple sight of them consumed her.
"I need you to swim now, love." Killian whispered in her ear and it sent a shiver down her spine. It almost made her unaware that Killian Jones, pirate that would likely soon be dead, throw her overboard. Almost.
Olivia screamed on her way down and the cold water made her body freeze. She reached the water's surface and gasped for air. She saw Killian throw his hands up in relief as he saw her come up from the water. Killian nodded with a small bow before a pair of hands wrapped around his neck and he was out of her sight. Olivia yelled and for some reason swam towards the ship. Quickly she untied the robe and swam through the waves, seeing in her minds eye those arms around his neck. He had saved her, stood up for her, she would not let him die for her. She felt her arms begin to tire and only pushed herself harder, but the ship was getting smaller and she could no longer see Killian.
It wasn't long till she was no longer able to see the ship, a flagless ship, a ship she might never see again. She screamed in anger, unable to be fast enough… not strong enough. Her body ached, every stroke sent an increasingly intense pain down her back.
"Olivia! Olivia, stop!"
Someone was yelling for her, but she was deep in the ocean now… who could be so close. It was her imagination, she kept going… slower. Her breathing became shallow, her lungs felt as if they were beginning to close up. She had to keep going, though now she wasn't sure which direction they had left in.
"Olivia!"
Her legs stiffened, she could no longer swim when the wave crashed over her. She felt herself being thrashed in the wave, not being able to tell which way was up. She was panicking, though she was too tired to worry efficiently and it would have been in vain as her body would not move. When she felt the air strike her face she immediately opened her eyes and gasped for air. Someone was holding her afloat, swimming, yelling… at her?
"Stay awake Olivia, but do not move!"
The voice confused her, it was strong and brave but she couldn't see his face. She meant to tell him that she couldn't have moved even if she tried. His arm lifted her and she felt another arm picking her up by her waist and into a small boat.
"Grimsby, gently. Max, hush."
Olivia looked into an older man's blue eyes whose hair was pulled back in a grey ponytail. It wasn't until the shabby dog licked her that she noticed him at all.
"Olivia, are you alright?" Olivia looked at her rescuers blue eyes who had nothing but worry for her. He examined her for any injury as he put a blanket over her.
"I'm fine, thank you, sir." Olivia said unable to put more words that made sense. She was incredibly grateful for the blanket.
"You were lucky to escape your captors. Though I think you may have been confused, you were not swimming towards the shore. Are you sure you are all right?" The man rubbed her tussled hair with a smile. It was then that she recognized him, he was the man talking with her sister.
"Daphne!" Olivia jumped up but her rescuer put his arms around her quickly.
"Daphne is okay, she is in the pier worried but fine. I promise."
"Prince Eric, we are here." Grimsby said as he pulled the boat to port.
"Prince… where are we?" Olivia said looking around at the deserted port as she was lifted by the Prince off the boat.
"My name is Prince Eric, and we are somewhere private. I didn't think you wanted to get bombarded by the worried villagers. I told your sister to get her family and come here, they will undoubtedly be worried. " Eric said with a shy smile as he put Olivia down on the sand.
Olivia nodded and it was the first time she saw him in his white v-neck collared shirt and red cummerbund, navy pants, and black boots that were utterly soaked. She looked up at him, mortified.
"I am so sorry, Prince Eric…I" Olivia stood up to curtsy, her mother's endless teachings on manners flooding her mind. Eric grabbed her shoulders tenderly and chuckled at her like a child.
"Please, we can get through formalities when we have some warm stew in that belly of yours." Eric said as he raised his arm to lead the way to his castle with a warm smile on his perfect face. He led her into one of his guest chambers and a homely woman with her hair in bun with a red apron and a blue shirt came in with fresh clothes for Olivia.
"My dear, you are a beauty. You poor child, you must have had such a scare. Here you go now, dry yourself off and into something warmer." Carlotta came in a fuss as she threw Olivia's wet gown to the side and led her to a warm bath. Carlotta talked so fast Olivia couldn't put in a single word, she must have thought her to be mute.
Several hours later Olivia stepped out in a beautiful blue dress with her hair dry and styled by none other than Carlotta herself. Eric was waiting for her in the library, also dressed up handsomely. Eric choked on his drink and dropped the books on the shelf as he stumbled back flustered by the beautiful girl.
"Are you alright?" Olivia said worried as she saw Eric turn red.
"Yes, yes I am fine." Eric said clearing his throat and wanting nothing more than to disappear.
"I wanted to say thank you, Prince Eric. I am not sure what would have happened…" Olivia said as she remembered Killian Jones looking at he threw her overboard.
"Please, lady Olivia there is no need. It isn't every day I can rescue the most beautiful damsel I have ever seen in distress." Eric said as he took her hand and gracefully kissed it. His crystal blue eyes looked deep into hers and she felt her face warm with a smile. This was Prince Eric, heir of the kingdom and currently looking to wed if rumors were to be believed.
"Lady Olivia, My Prince, dinner is ready and Chef Louis is especially exuberant over this meal. I am also pleased to announce Lady Olivia's family is here." Grimsby looked much cleaner now that he was dressed in a black jacket and gray pants. He was an older gentleman, serious and stiff and very muscular. He was deceptive in his grace, someone Olivia would never want to see angry.
"If you are ready?" Eric said as he extended his hand and Olivia took it with a smile.
"I am not sure I can bear telling mama and papa what happened. I am not sure I remember it well…" Olivia said as she widened her eyes in worry.
"My Lady, you were very brave and no one could ask more of you." Eric said reassuringly as they walked into the dinner room. Olivia's sister ran to embrace her with her mother right behind.
"Oh, Prince Eric we are forever in your debt." Olivia's father shook his hand and then embraced him roughly. It shocked Olivia, he did not usually express his feeling this way.
Eric nodded gallantly waiting for the family to express their gratitude before they sat for dinner. Olivia noticed how the Prince ensured he sat next to her and when she saw her mother's gaze she was sure she wasn't the only one.
"The Prince is having a ball here in the palace. I hope you and your daughters will be able to attend." Grimsby spoke to Olivia's parents and her mother smiled a very cunning smile. It made Olivia's stomach turn.
"Oh we would absolutely delighted. What is th occasion?" Her mother asked innocently and Olivia looked at Eric who simply looked down at his food in dread.
"We hope to find a bride for my Prince. Isn't that right Eric? The whole kingdom wants to see you happily settled down, with the right girl." Grimsby said as he winked at Olivia who instantly turned red, though not as red as Eric.
"Yes Prince, we do. I see the hesitation in your eyes, it's the same look I get from Olivia. These youth are so scared to marry! She has so many suitors and has yet to pick one." Olivia's mother said strategically and Eric looked up at Olivia, concerned.
"It is your duty to marry, a duty that can only be ignored for so long." Grimsby said to both Eric and Olivia as they looked down at the table like chastised children.
"I just can't imagine marrying a stranger…" Olivia said loud enough for Grimsby and her mother to hear.
"No, you need to find the right one." Eric said a little louder and Olivia turned to see his handsome face narrow with stubbornness.
"Eric please, we've been through this." Grimsby began sternly.
"Oh, she's out there somewhere. I just… I just haven't found her yet." Eric said authoritatively and it stopped all conversation of marriage. He smiled bashfully at Olivia who could not remember being more thankful in her life. He cleared his throat and went back to eating the delicious crab Chef Louis had prepared… it was delicious. Olivia smiled too… as her mother changed the conversation expertly towards more appealable topics.
A/N: Thanks to "odetted99" for her kind review and to those who subscribed to the story! Please don't hesitate on letting me know on what you think! And yes "odetted99" you are most certainly right! Glad I blew your mind. This story is more of a twist. ;) Will be back with more soon!