Here's another chapter, uploaded for your reading pleasure.
Natalya knows the truth now, how will she treat Toris now? Will she see who Ivan really is? Or will she continue to deceive herself?
Read on to find out.
…Chapter 10…
Natalya continued to glare at him the next day, just as she had before their momentary truce the day before, at that moment of understanding where he had finally let someone know about his wounds and she had bandaged them up. He had thought that things were finally going to change. Guess not. And though Toris wanted to remain quiet, to allow her to think poorly of him in order to protect her, there was another part of him that wanted something different.
He wanted to tell her, tell her that he was sorry for lying to her, but better yet, tell her why he was sorry.
And it was that part which was in control whilst his master took his midafternoon nap, whilst his brothers also slept.
He found her in her usual spot, up on the bow of the ship, her head turned into the breeze that blew her beautiful hair back away from her face, like wispy clouds against the light blue sky.
She looked so peaceful that he almost didn't want to interrupt her.
Almost.
"Miss Arlovskaya," he spoke, respectfully bowing to, then standing, hands behind his back, "I would like to apologize…"
"For bewitching my brother?" she interrupted, snapping her head around to glare at him, "Ivan wouldn't hurt anyone, so why have you changed him?"
"Changed him?" Toris was taken aback by these words, "I don't understand…"
"Oh don't pretend you don't know what I'm talking about," she tossed her hair over her shoulder, "You're a witch; I know your little secret."
"A witch?" his brain seemed to be moving slower than usual.
She snorted, a very unladylike move, "Stop pretending to be stupid, it doesn't suit you. If you don't stop what you're doing to my brother, I will ensure that you drown, and your little witches-in-training as well…"
He could feel something in him snap at her stalwart defense of the man that had abused him so much in the few weeks, as well as the threats towards his brothers. He had thought that she was upset with him for lying, for seeing a side of her brother that no girl would ever want to see, but he was wrong, and her cold words made him angry.
That was the only explanation he could give for his actions then.
His hand snapped out and grabbed her wrist, yanking her to her feet as he stomped across the deck, heading for the brig where they could speak in private.
…
Natalya was surprised by his strength, completely unexpected from his wiry frame.
She couldn't break free, and she loathed to cry out, for some strange reason.
She could do it; she could bring the guards of the ship down on them.
But she went on with it for some reason, and felt guilty for the words she had spat out at him.
Finally, they reached his destination, and he swung her inside, closing the door behind him, blocking it with his thin body.
"I will let you out, you need not fear of that," he spoke smoothly, his voice cold, something she had never known it to be.
It was always warm, even when speaking to her elder brother, whom part of her reasoned that he must hate after what he's been put through.
But he was still speaking.
"However, I ask that you please listen to what I have to say first, Miss Arlovskaya."
…
Deep down inside, Toris was scared, scared that she'd refuse, scared that she'd force her way past and put his brothers in harm's way.
Scared that he had overstepped his boundaries.
"I believe I have told you to address me as Natalya when we are alone."
All those worries fell away at those words, even as coldly as they were spoken.
He noticed that she sat down on a crate, making herself comfortable, heedless of any dirt that might mess her dress.
Perhaps she didn't hate him as much as she had originally.
"Well, are you going to tell me or not?"
He did.
…
Natalya felt something that seemed oddly like guilt deep in her stomach.
And…belief?
No, why was she even listening to this boy who said such horrible things about her brother?
Ivan wouldn't do anything like that to someone.
He wouldn't.
Right?
But there was something in Toris's eyes that made her believe him, as much as she hated it.
"Natalya?"
The simple act of calling her name regained her attention instantly, and she looked up to see him blushing, uncomfortable with the informality of his address.
"I need to think," she said shortly, doing her best to not allow her voice to tremble.
His face fell at that, but he nodded as he extended a hand to help her up.
Suddenly a wave of anger flowed through her.
Raising a hand, she slapped the offending appendage away, steely eyes looking straight into his.
"I've thought," her voice was like ice, "You've lied to me already. How do I know that this isn't another one?"
"You don't," he gave her a sad smile; "You'd just have to trust me."
"My brother is not like that. I know he is not. I know him better than anyone. I love him!"
He stood resolute.
"Everyone has secrets they keep from the rest of the world."
"Not from me. Not from his bride-to-be."
"So he has consented?"
"Well…no, not exactly," why was Toris asking this of her?
"Not exactly?" he sounded skeptical, condescending even.
"He will!" she defended.
"Natalya," he said frankly, "You are his sister."
"Only half!"
"It is enough," he moved from the doorway, "I won't keep you any longer, Natalya, but I wish you would open your eyes…"
She brushed past him, "I have changed my mind. You may no longer call me by that name, Mr. Lorinaitis. You have lost that privilege."
She thought him mutter something mockingly as she left.
"Yes, your highness."
She chose to ignore it.