AN: Sorry about the recipe thing that was at the end of my last chapter. Thanks to vampire13eb for pointing it out! No worries—I fixed it. My computer is so fucked up beyond repair it takes stuff from other documents sometimes and—I don't even know WHAT it does Dx. Um, yeah, so R&R everyone! I should have chapter fifteen up tomorrow or on Friday. We'll see what happens. Okay, here's the new chapter. Enjoy!
Chapter 14
"Rose," a voice whispered in my ear. "Time to get up."
I buried my face deeper into my cushion.
"My pillow doesn't talk," I muttered.
"I'm not a pillow, love."
Oh, yeah. I spent had spent the night with Edmund again.
I lifted my head up to see him looking at me in amusement.
"We're the only ones not out of bed yet," he said.
I looked around and sure enough, every hammock was empty.
"Did anyone see me here?" I asked him, tiredly.
"No one seemed to go out of their way to look into my hammock—so no."
Feeling reassured, I got up and we both went up to the deck. Edmund went to go talk to Caspian while I fled to my cabin to get dressed. I only got a few stares along the way. I was hoping that no one could put two and two together, though I didn't really have anything to worry about. We only snuggled together and kissed a little bit. If only we'd been alone more could have happened . . .
Ahem, anyway, Gael and Lucy were still fast asleep when I made it to our room. I cleaned myself up as quietly as I could and worked to get the snarls out of my hair until it looked normal again.
I dressed in the usual blouse, vest, and pants. This time I put on a black belt to tuck a sword in—if I ever got access to my own. Maybe Caspian would take the hint and give me one.
When I was done, I looked out the window. It was probably about seven in the morning or so. I started to leave the room when I heard Gael start whimpering.
I went to the bed and saw her curled up in an uncomfortable looking ball. Her face was scrunched up tight and tears were streaming down her face. I guess I wasn't the only one who was having nightmares.
I straightened her out and sat on the edge of the bed next to her, rubbing her back until the whimpers subsided and the look of fear on her face smoothed into a peaceful smile.
I walked out and immediately went to find Edmund, who was sitting down on a crate, sharpening his sword.
I sat down next him. "If it gets any sharper it'll cut through be able to cut through stone." I paused. "Or Eustace's head."
"I see you're on to my plan," he said with a grin.
"I had the same one," I explained. "So do you want to help me with my sword fighting since we got rudely interrupted last time?"
"I don't know if I can handle your cheating," he said sarcastically.
"I'll be good," I promised. "Come on."
I got him to agree and he found a sword for me to use. Like last time, he didn't even say go before he began attacking. But this time, I was expecting it.
"Ha!" I said after blocking a blow. "I can swing my sword 'cuz I am the LORD of swords—augh!" I threw myself to the ground when he nearly cut me.
"Talking isn't going to help you win," he warned.
By this time, a crowd had gathered around. I jumped to my feet and we began a sort of dance that involved us circling each other. He always seemed to know when I was going to strike him.
I, however, never knew when he was going to hit. We'd been going at this for a while and I hadn't been disarmed yet, which was positive. But I hadn't gotten any closer to winning.
"Come on, Rosie," Edmund said tauntingly. "We haven't got all day."
I narrowed my eyes at him and swung. Of course, he blocked me easily. Laughter and jeers from the audience were ringing in my ears.
Think, think, think! How did I beat that slave trader guy? Oh, right!
I kept circling, keeping a look of frustration on my face. He opened his mouth, but I didn't give him enough time to say anything. I dropped to the ground and slid my leg against his ankles as hard as I could. Not expecting it, he fell. I leapt to my feet and stood over him, pointing my sword at his chest.
The crew roared in surprise and laughter.
"I win," I declared.
"Not quite," he said. He grabbed both of my knees and pulled hard enough that I fell on top of him, a shriek escaping me. He rolled us over and straddled me, holding the sword against my throat.
"Now I win," he said grinning wickedly. The crew erupted into cheers.
I glared. "You're evil."
"Hey, I didn't have to kiss you to win."
". . . Fair enough," I admitted.
The crowd had started to break up and go back to work, seeing that the fight was over.
"Edmund," I heard Caspian call from behind me. Edmund got off of me and I quickly got to my feet.
He and Edmund began speaking quietly to each other. Watching the exchange, I frowned, wondering what was going on. Finally Edmund nodded and Caspian walked away.
"What's going on?" I asked, going up to him.
"There hasn't been any sign of land or of the blue star," he admitted. "This might take longer than a few days."
I was silent for a few moments before I said, "Is it bad that I don't mind?"
"What do you mean?!" I heard Eustace demand from behind me. He ran up to us. "This is terrible! I'm never going to get home! This has been your plan all along, hasn't it?!"
Edmund rolled his eyes. "Yes because nothing gives me greater joy than being stuck with you on a ship."
I looked at him thoughtfully. "You're a king, Ed. Can't you just have him executed?"
Now Eustace rolled his eyes. "Oh ha-ha, very funny." He looked back to Edmund who seemed to be in deep thought.
"You're not actually thinking about it, are you?!" Eustace demanded, his voice going an octave higher.
"Of course not," Edmund said unconvincingly. I fought back a giggle at the terrified look on his face as he backed away, slowly at first, but then he broke into a sprint.
Satisfied that we were once again alone, I said, "Don't worry, we'll get by."
He nodded. "And in the meantime I can keep winning the duels."
"Not for long, Pevensie. Not for long."