A/N: Hello everyone! I want to give a special shout-out to VPMcBride. Girl, I used to read Amanda Quick, and Jayne Ann Krentz in HS! I think I answered this question on a FB discussion board, but the first book I ever fell in love with was Tender Rebel by Johanna Lindsey. I feel that book made me, for the first time, look for more in life, love and literature. To a fourteen year old girl, that's a large feat! LOL Thanks so much for reading, and I will be glued to your page as well!
All mistakes are my own.
I do not own FSOG.
The Marquis is beside himself! His very own betrothed has been kidnapped! With the poor chit's reputation on the line it would be surprising sir, if the man would even accept the Duke of Essex's dowry on the young lass. I can scarcely believe it myself. Indeed, the man must be distributing a small fortune to save the poor chit's name! I do not envy her. –Anonymous
...
Dear mother and father,
I am doing well. I know you must be fraught with worry at my sudden disappearance, but I can assure you all is well. There was a bit of a mix-up at the dressmaker's shop which led me to being a passenger on the Lady Divine. I've spoken with the Captain of the ship, who has agreed to house me at his home on the Isles of Scilly. His sister is lodging at his residence until her husband returns, so I will be chaperoned. We will return two fortnights from now. You may be wondering as to how I could ever be entangled in a mess such as this. I-
Ana paused after that sentence. To the outside eye, yes, this would seem to be a terrible predicament to become entangled in. However, Ana found herself optimistic, and faced with good fortune for the first time in her life. She was a lot calmer on her own, and away from her family, and she was glad to see that she would carry on, if they were present or not. For the purpose of her correspondence, she had to find a way to balance the truth of the situation with her feelings so that no one would become at fault for this.
Heavy banging on the door, startled Ana from her composing. She was having trouble sleeping, and figured that putting ink to paper might soothe her being somewhat. It did ease her mind a bit, but the ships constant rocking was causing more than a stirring. It was downright frightening. Moving quickly to the front door, Ana gasped when she saw how wet the boy was.
"Henry! My God, you must be freezing. Come in quickly, so we can get you dried off."
Shaking his head, he grasped the door when the ship lurched backward, causing everything in the room to shift forward, and her to shout in alarm.
"Nay. I'm afraid I canna! Cap'n sent me down here to ensure your safety, and to demand you stay here for the remainder of the night. It's a scary fright above board, and Cap'n promised to keep ya' safe. I must go now miss." Before she could protest, Ana saw the boy run to end of the hall, and up the stairs, eyes widening at how slippery the wooden steps looked from her current position. Stepping out a bit into the hallway, she could hear the other's shouting over her head, trying to steady the ship from becoming lost at sea.
The thunder caused her to jump a bit, and she felt herself overcome with worry.Although this is a large ship, the captain has a very small crew. What if additional hands are needed? Or what if, he is seriously injured?
"This is silly," she said aloud. But even as she said it, she could hear the thunder increase in volume, and she knew that rest would not come until Ana knew the captain and crew was safe.
"Aye, Cap'n watch out!"
Gritting his teeth, Christian held on tight to the anchor before he was plummeted with what felt like the entire ocean. Gasping for air, Christian squinted his eyes, making sure his men were holding the boat steady. The storm had been unexpected, and because there was no warning judging by the clouds earlier in the day, the men were taken by surprise. The Lady Divine dealt with intense storms, but never had a storm amassed to cause this much of a disturbance.
The water and winds had kicked up quite a fight with their ship, so much that Christian was barely able to see the shape in front of him until it spoke.
"My God, Christian! How long have you been holding anchor?"
Christian gripped the rope tighter at the violent wave the ship rode, answering Ackley once it settled somewhat.
"For a while. Cook is too sick to help, and the others are too busy trying to secure the ship along with the goods we have acquired." Nodding, Ackley reached up and took a wide stance, bracing for future impact. Shouting over the harsh winds, the doctor spoke.
"I'll keep stead, here! We need you at the helm."
Nodding, Christian slowly headed over to the wheel, bracing himself each time he was doused in water. Throwing himself the last few steps, he breathed a sigh of relief when he was able to see all of his men. His relief was short-lived however, when he saw who was supposed to be protected below deck.
Miss Anastasia.
"Lady Steele! You cannot be out here!"
Gripping onto the railing, which was strategically placed around the entire ship for circumstances such as this, the lady in question gasped when cold water hit her square in the face.
Ignoring the shout, Ana swallowed, grimacing at the salty taste of sea water before continuing her slow, but steady trek to where the captain was standing. Her clothes were plastered to her, and she knew she looked a fright, but could not find it in herself to care. For some strange reason, she felt as if she might be needed here.
Ana debated coming above deck for several minutes in her quarters. She could hear the men's shouts below and after several minutes of convincing herself that the men may need the extra hands, she decided to come up. Judging by the winds, the impossibly dark sky, and the worn look on the men's faces, she knew her decision was a wise one. She may not be able to do much, but she could aid the men in some task, menial it may be. Steeling her shoulders, she narrowed her eyes at the captain.
"You are not my father! I have just as a right to be here as everyone else! I am a passenger on this ship, and I will not sit idle while you lot are risking your lives to weather this atrocious storm!"
Christian had no time to argue with the insufferable woman, and when he saw Henry slip, he shouted for one of the closest men to make sure the boy stayed on the ship. He was so focused on Henry, that he was unaware of the next wave that arced over the ship, splashing the entire deck, and causing him to lose his own footing.
"Captain!" Ana shouted. She watched in horror as the man slid towards the back of the ship, the water propelling him at a rapid pace. He was able to grab onto the built-in railing Ana used only moments before. However, he was unprepared for the next wave that was rapidly forming behind him. Eyes wide, Ana pointed to the water behind the captain, but by then it was too late. The heavy current beat across the man, causing him to lose his grip.
She watched, as the current slammed the captain into the side of the ship, knocking the man unconscious. When she saw yet another wave, she didn't even give it another thought. Ignoring the warning shouts to hold on to the railing, Ana ran, as fast as she was able, to the middle of the ship, where he seemed to roll to, and grabbed onto his boot.
"Aye! Watch out!" Henry shouted, as another wave hit the ship. She refused to let go of the captain. Thinking quickly, she saw a hanging rope and quickly wrapped it around herself. Tying it firmly, she slid her hands under his heavy arms, and tried to scoot back against the wall on the opposite side of the ship. Holding on to him tight, she closed her eyes, gasping as the cold water hit her square in the face again. She could hear the captain moaning, and once the water receded a bit, she glanced down, to see that his forehead was bleeding. His slight moan alerted her to the fact that he had been jostled awake.
"Captain! I've got you, and I won't let go. Hold on tight. There is another wave cresting."
She didn't know if the captain could hear her or not, because the ship was suddenly being pummeled by several crashes at once. Ana didn't know how long this would last, but what she did know was that she refused the let the man go.
…
Pain.
Christian felt nothing but pain. His body felt as if it'd been decimated into tiny pieces before being reconstructed all together once more. Then he remembered.
The sudden storm they found themselves under.
His men fighting the sea with a heart worthy of gladiators of the past.
Lady Anastasia Steele saving his life.
Shooting up from his prone position, at the thought of her being in danger, he was ready to figure out how he wound up in his bed, when he gripped his head in pain.
Excruciating pain.
His loud moan alerted Ana that he was awake. He was so consumed by his pain, he failed to see the two-people watching over his person. Quickly, she shook the doctor who had fallen asleep beside her waiting for him to awaken.
"Christian! You're awake!"
Throwing propriety out of the window, Ana sat beside the captain on the bed, cupping his face in her hands. She continued to study his face, seeing if anything was amiss, while he looked on at her in shock. He noted that she used his first name, and it made him feel, different.
The woman already has my own emotions twisted at the thought of her using my name!
"Are you alright?" she asked softly, as she smoothed a lock of hair away from his face. Saying nothing, he swallowed before answering.
"I will live, thank you." Christian however, was unable to keep the awe out of his voice.
"You saved my life." Blushing, she shook off the acknowledgment, secretly preening at the thought of this powerful, adventurous man showing amazement at her helping him.
"Truly it was-"
"No." Deepening his voice, Christian continued. "I will never forget this, Lady Steele. Thank you." Continuing to hold her stare, Ana didn't even realize she was leaning closer to the man until she heard a loud clearing of one's throat.
Dr. Ackley!
Meanwhile, the man looked at the two individuals with amusement. His friend, the unobtainable bachelor who would wed no one save the sea, was putty in the hands of the head strong Lady Steele.
Oh, you poor sod, Ackley thought fondly.
Breaking up the longing gazes between his mule-headed captain, and Lady Steele, Ackley cleared his throat once more.
"We are glad to see you among the living, Captain. If I may, Lady Steele." He intimated, gesturing to his patient. Eyes wide, Ana instantly blushed before standing.
"I do apologize Doctor, and Captain, I apologize for my forward behavior. I'm sure you are eager to examine your patient. Now that you are awake, I will alert the others as to your health."
Turning on her heel, she quickly headed to the door. Once it shut behind her, she left the two men in momentary peace.
"What the devil happened, Ackley?"
Checking his eye sight, Ackley was pleased that his eyes were focused, and steady.
"How are you feeling? You took quite a hit."
Smiling wryly, he rubbed his head.
"Apart from the heavy throbbing in the front of my skull, I am quite well, thank you."
"Sarcasm is not lost on me, Christian."
"No?"
At that, Ackley pressed a bit harder than needed into his friend's head, which caused the man to grimace.
"Duly noted, Ackley."
His grunt was answer enough. Once the man pulled back, and determined him to be hale, Christian asked about the previous night.
"How is the crew faring? I'm sure my presence put the ship at a disadvantage."
Pulling up a chair to the side of the bed, Ackley nodded.
"Indeed, it did somewhat. However, we were able to regroup as much as possible. Our goods were not lost, so there is still hope of profit, but we were able to stay on course. Lady Steele however, was astounding. I couldn't believe was I saw before me. She watched as the water knocked you against the ship, rendering you helpless. The slight of a woman jumped into action."
Swinging his legs over the bed, he stretched out stiff muscles, listening to Ackley recount the previous night.
"She made a knot around her waist, dragged you, and herself to a corner of the ship, and held on tight. It looked as if she was trying to keep you awake, but you kept drifting in and out of consciousness. She stayed put until the storm ebbed a bit. It was amazing, that she was able to hold on to you. It had to have been hours. Once the sea calmed a bit, Lady Steele, and myself rushed you down here."
Christian couldn't quite believe it, either. How could a woman such as herself, be able to hold on to him? Granted, she was taller than most, but she was still small in form compared to his own bulking frame.
"She saved my life," Christian thought aloud."
Pocketing the rest of his instruments, Ackley smiled slightly.
"Yes, she did. I would surmise that Lady Steele is truly unique." Standing, he touched Christian's shoulder lightly.
"Take it easy, Captain. Your second in command was able to steer the ship. According to his calculations, we should arrive to the islands during sunset."
Christian was grateful in that moment for having a capable crew. He knew the past several months had been grueling. He would see to rewarding them properly.
"Thank you, Ackley, and I will. I can imagine my sister being thrilled to see you, no doubt." Christian watched as the man's smile widened at the thought.
"Being reunited with my wife is what has kept me going these last several months. Until later." Once the man left, Christian slowly stood. Walking over to the port hole, he noted the calm seas, and sunny skies shaking his head at the irony. Just last night, he was fighting for his life. Today, he is basking in the calm seas. And Lady Steele.
Anastasia.
She saved his life. Granted, she was not supposed to be above deck, and she would need to learn that rules were put in place for protection; but he couldn't fault her disobedience. Her rebellion, resulted in him keeping his life. And for that, he would always be thankful. She really was quite an enigma to him. He knew several women in society, who would have let him drown, or worse, be thrown overboard. Yet, she risked her own safety, so that he would have a chance. That unwavering bravery was rare even in men.
What would cause her to go to such lengths just to save his life? He wondered. For all intents and purposes, they rarely knew one another. Obviously, he knew more about her from a previously failed marriage contract her father wanted him to sign, yet she did not. They had several conversations, but the previous one resulted in instant malice between the two. He was the sole reason she was in the current predicament, particularly at sea, yet she did not blame him for it. He couldn't put a definition on her, yet he wanted to know more about her.
But that would be dangerous, the other part of his mind reasoned.
Although she was alone, she was still very much a lady. The daughter to a duke and duchess no less. A woman like that should not be bedded unless within the sanctities of marriage. She would never be a man's mistress.
Especially his.
Shaking his head at the thought, he groaned aloud.
"No. You cannot do this to yourself, Christian." He said aloud.
Maybe it was for the best that they were docking soon. She would be a resident within his home for more than a fortnight at most, and then he would return her home safely. He would keep thoughts about her intriguing body, and mind to himself. She was a passenger. An unwilling passenger, but a passenger nonetheless.
….
Princess of the sea.
Her new nickname.
Ana blushed at all the attention the crew showed her, but admittedly, she basked in her title.
"You know, the crew only names those whom deserve it."
At that comment from Henry, Ana stood a little prouder. She earned her place on the ship. She saved the captain, and for that, she was revered. She was not for the pomp and circumstance, but she enjoyed the simple fact that she earned her own right to be with the men. She was starting to see them as her family, as ludicrous as it sounded.
"Aye miss. Has the cap'n come around?"
Blushing at the mention of the man she was secretly ogling in her sleep, she nodded.
"Yes. I gather he will be above deck post haste. Tell me, how closer are we to our destination?"
Scratching his head, he gazed out at the sea before answering.
"I 'appen to guess around nightfall miss."
"Thank you. I shall head downstairs to prepare then."
Grunting his answer, Ana watched as he stepped around her, before continuing on his typical duties. Before heading back to her living quarters, Ana decided to take a walk about the ship. She figured since it would be her last on the temperamental sea for a long while, she took in her surroundings. She had an inkling, that the tides would be changing; she just had no clue if they would work with her, or against her.
What did you guys think? So much excitement! Next up, Ana's family, and docking from the ship. Leave me a review it makes my day! Oh, and if y'all haven't already, please check out VPMcBride's works. Also join the FB page Nani Leonardo's Fifty Shades of Grey Fanfic page. Has all the latest and is amazing!
-RL
