Sorry I haven't updated in, like, forever. I got an idea for and started working on another story and kind of pushed this one aside for a few weeks, and then I was at the military's version of a summer camp last week, so I've been kind of busy. I'm going to try and make this chapter longer to make up for it…

Chapter 35: Princess Lessons

She sat back down in the chair, disregarding the mess she had purposely made earlier and had intended to clean up, and undid the top to the bottle, bringing it to her lips…

Stephanie woke the next morning to the sun shining through the window of her cabin. She winced slightly from the pain of a minor hangover, but got up none the less and began picking up the mess she had left there the night before. She planned to go up on deck for a while too, though she knew that last night probably wasn't sitting well with the captain, and that she should continue to lay low. She just couldn't stand another day stuck in her dreary little quarters.

She walked up on deck swiftly, ignoring the few strange looks she got from the sailors that noticed her, and headed straight for the galley, hoping to find something to eat. She was wearing a dress, nothing extravagant like the captain had wanted her to wear, but appropriate none the less. It 'covered' everything, anyways. She caught the captains eye up on the top deck*, standing next to the helms men*, and he sent her a mild glare. She ignored him entirely and kept going, disappearing below again.

She entered the galley and was immediately hit with the smell of what they had every morning: an oat meal like substance that was almost tasteless, but filling. She ignored the men at the tables as they gawked at her, and headed straight for the young woman, Tina, standing by the stove in the corner of the room. (Tina was not, in fact, her real name. Her real name was very long, something in there odd tongue that Stephanie couldn't quite pronounce and wound up shortening to Tina.) She was younger than Stephanie, only 16, and always jumped at the chance to talk to Stephanie, as she was the only other female on board for the moment. Stephanie had been dying from the very beginning of her stay to find out just how tiny, innocent little Tina wound up being part of a crew of tough sailor men, but the girl wouldn't tell her anything about it, and was actually quite a puzzle…

"Hello miss! I was hoping you'd come down here… Hungry?" She greeted Stephanie with a bright smile.

"Hi Tina. Yeah, actually, I am." She grabbed a bowl and spoon from the stacks on the counter next to them. Tina filled the bowl up for her and Stephanie, not really wanting to sit by the other sailors seated about the room, jumped up to sit on the counter next to the stove. She (and Tina) were, yet again, fully aware that she was being stared at for her odd behavior, but she hardly cared, and so neither did Tina.

"Where have you been, miss? I've been hearing some very interesting things about you and the captain… If I may be so bold as to ask, of course."

"You can ask me anything you want, Tina, I don't care." Stephanie smiled. "And I doubt that any of those, uh, rumors are true. Me and your wonderful captain had an, uh, argument and I chose to stay out of sight in my cabin for a few days, that's all." Tina didn't look convinced, but said nothing further.

"I do talk to the captain every now and then myself, you know." Stephanie looked at her questioningly.

"Oh?"

"Yes. In fact, I talked to him just yesterday. He mentioned something about teaching you how to act proper." She eyed Stephanie a little bit, emphasizing the way she was sitting. "He says you'll be kicked right out of the palace with the way you behave."

"Oh, really? Well…" Stephanie made a face. "I know I'll most likely get in trouble. I wasn't brought up exactly the way you were, you know. But I like to think I wouldn't be that bad." Tina tried to remain serious, but cracked a smile to spite of herself.

"I don't think you will be. You're not as bad as he seems to think. You're just… adventurous. Like me." Tina smiled.

"Like you indeed." Stephanie chuckled. "So, he's planning to give me some kind of princess lessons, then?"

"Yes, exactly." Tina looked serious again. "If it's not too bold to say, miss, I think you'd do well to listen to him. He knows what he's talking about; he's spent enough time around the royals to know how they act and how they are expected to act." Stephanie nodded.

"I'll do my best. I am here for a reason, after all. I wanted to be a princess; I wanted to meet my grandparents. I don't want them to wind up being ashamed of me." Tina made a face.

"I don't think the captain is. Ashamed of you, I mean. Sure, you frustrate him, but I think he knows it's not really your fault. Quite frankly, he seems to, uh, fancy you, if you know what I mean." Stephanie gave her another questioning look. "I mean, I could think of worse matches for a princess." Now Stephanie looked mildly angry.

"That is too bold, my dear. Me and your captain would be the worst match ever." Tina looked like she was about to protest, but a glare from Stephanie was more than enough to silence her. She held up her hands in surrender before picking up a bucket with dirty dishes in it.

"Beg pardon, miss. It's not really my place." She left it at that, walking across the room to go above decks and leaving Stephanie to think about what she had just said. She's smart for a sixteen year old…

(First day of 'princess lessons')

"So sorry, captain, wearing dresses isn't exactly my thing." Stephanie glared (her favorite thing to do, as of a late) at Captain Jack, who was seated in a chair at a desk in his cabin, looking rather frustrated.

"Yes, yes, I know that milady, but you must learn how to walk in one, and right now you're doing a horrible job at… well, learning!" Stephanie sighed.

"That doesn't even make sense. I'm trying. Long dresses and high heels put together… I swear I'll kill whoever came up with that stupid combination."

"Hm." He snorted. "Just… try it again, please."

"Fine." She huffed and placed the book back on top of her head before beginning her slow walk across the room once again. She made a little further this time, but the book still fell long before she could reach the other wall. She growled in frustration.

"Is this really necessary?" The captain sighed angrily.

"Yes."

"Why?"

"Gracefulness, my dearest, gracefulness. You must learn how to glide across a room wearing exactly what you're wearing now. You must learn to look like you're floating."

"Well, this isn't helping, it's making me mad. Can't we work on something, anything, else?"

"I suppose… how about we work on your speech some more."

"Of course. How long before we get to the palace again?"

"First of all, a better way to say that would be 'how long until we reach the palace?', and at least another full week."

"Grrrrrr!"

"Uh, are you alright, miss Stephanie?" Josh sounded concerned as he handed Stephanie the sword he'd gotten for her.

"Yes, I'm fine. Just frustrated."

"Ah, you're first lessons with the captain were rather infuriating, then?"

"Yes. Very infuriating."

"Well then. Perhaps this will do you some good. Let it out, as it were." She nodded and brought her sword up as he began instructing her on what to do.

(Second day)

"That's actually a bit better than yesterday."

"Thanks, I think."

"No need for the attitude, milady."

"I'm not really in the best mood, captain, so you'll just have to deal." Jack made a face.

"I'll let it go for now. You can put the book down and sit if you'd like. We've other things to work on just yet."

"If you're going to try and teach me how to sew again, I swear I'll kick your-"

"Tsk, tsk, tsk, such language milady. You really must learn to watch your tongue."

"Oh, really? You don't." He glared at her.

"I am a sailor and a man. You are a royal and a woman. There is a very big difference. But if it makes you feel any better, I'll try to watch my own tongue as well. And yes, it is another sewing lesson."

"Grrrrrr!"

"Unhappy again, miss Stephanie?"

"Yes, extremely. I pricked every finger on both hands trying to do a simple stitch."

"Ah, that must hurt."

"Yes, very." She took the sword he offered her.

"Do you remember what I taught you yesterday?"

"Yeah, I think so."

"Good, we'll start from there then." She got into position and did a few simple moves, fighting thin air.

"Wow, you learn fast. Try it against me this time and then we'll move on…"

(Fourth day)

"You know, I may just have to keep you on this ship longer at this rate. Surely you must have at least some inkling of how to act proper." Stephanie made a frustrated face.

"Yes, I do. I just… don't like acting that way. It's no fun."

"Is there anything that you do like? Truly?"

"Freedom. I like freedom. And whiskey… and guys…. And-"

"Ok, please, stop right there milady. You're despicable." She glared at him. "Look, I really am trying to help you. You're being absolutely hopeless. I'm beginning to think I really should take you back home." Her eyes went wide.

"No! I don't really want to go back home…"

"Oh? Well, what am I to do? Just go ahead and deliver a sleazy, drunken, sex loving… the list goes on and on… woman to the palace, claiming that this is the long awaited princess? You'll be kicked right back out and then I'll have it on my conscious, which is something I truly do not need." She just stared at him.

"Is… is that really all you think of me?"

"Yes. From what I've seen, why should I think any differently?"

"I… I'm sorry. That's just how I am. I know how to, uh, act proper. To a certain extent, anyways. I just… don't. Here…" She stood up, placed the book on her head, and began walking across the room. She was not as graceful as a woman who always wore a dress would be, but she managed to keep the book on her head. He stared at her oddly for a moment.

"Well, what about everything else."

"I really don't sew. But… I know how to talk like a 'royal' would. Such a formal way of speaking simply didn't fit amongst humans. But I'll do my best to speak like that from now on. As for everything else… Well, I suppose some work can be done, but I'll do my best to learn. Can you give me another two weeks?" He seemed a little amazed.

"Well, I, uh, I don't know. This trip should only have taken one week, if I stall us for another two it will have taken a month all together. We'll have to stop somewhere for supplies, as well… I shall do my best though." She nodded before sinking back into her chair. He stared at her some more.

"So you really can't sew?" She looked annoyed again.

"Yes, I really can't sew."

"Well, I suppose it's time for another lesson then."

"Where did you learn to sew, anyways?"

"That's none of your business. Let's try that one stitch again…"

"OWCH. Grrrrrrrr!"

"I don't think I've ever had someone learn how to fight quite this quickly. Or easily, for that matter. Perhaps I shall try teaching you something a little harder this time."

"Perhaps you should. This should be fun." Stephanie smiled at Josh. He smiled back.

"Indeed."

(seventh day – end of the first week)

"I think I'm getting better at this. I have yet to prick myself this time, at least."

"Yes, I can see that. It is rather impressive."

"Impressive? Never thought I'd here that word pass your lips in reference to me."

"Well, then, I suppose you experienced everything now."

"Hm. Indeed." Stephanie put down the piece of cloth she'd been working on, admiring the simple pattern she'd somehow managed to embroider it with. It had taken hours of finger-pricking and patience, but she'd managed and now she felt rather proud of herself.

"Perhaps we should try something a bit harder now. I have-" He was cut short by a knock on his cabin door. He stood and opened it to his first mate, who was holding a large box. "Oh, good. I was hoping it wouldn't take long to be ready." He turned to Stephanie with a smile. They had docked at a small fishing town to see if they could repair the ships engine (what made it fly, apparently) and to get some supplies for the ship as it had only been stocked for a two week journey. Stephanie had been dying to get off the ship for a little while, so he had escorted her ashore to do some shopping. One of the many shops they went into was a shop for fine clothing, and he had seen her eyeing some of the beautiful dresses sans her usual disgusted look, which gave him an absurd but brilliant idea… He placed the box in front of her. "Don't ask, just open." She gave him an odd look, but shrugged.

"Alright…" She lifted the corner of the box warily, peeking in at its contents hesitantly. She stared at it for a moment, then looked up at him with a slight smile as she opened the box all the way and pulled out the dress inside it. She stood up and held it up to herself. "Oh, my…" He sighed in relief; he'd been half expecting her to go off on him. He moved closer to her.

"I, uh, I take it you like it, then. I was afraid I would finally overstep my boundaries with you by buying you something like this, but when I saw you admiring those dresses in the store earlier I simply couldn't resist-"

"I love it, Jack. It's absolutely beautiful." She looked him in the eyes. He stared into hers for a moment before responding.

"No less beautiful than you, really…" She looked at him, startled by his flirtatious compliment, blushing heavily.

"Thank you." They stood there for a moment, each one boldly inching closer to the other until they were only inches apart. Stephanie moved forward to kiss him…

"Ahem, yes, of course, um… anything for my future queen." He stepped back. She looked disappointed. "Perhaps we should get Tina down her and into your cabin so you can try it on."

"Uh, yes, perhaps we should… scratch that, I'll go get her myself. Be back shortly, captain." She walked out without another word. He watched her go before slumping back into his chair. I can't keep doing that… She's the princess. Things could go so very badly if… but I haven't had feelings this strong for a women since… He thought, briefly, of his former wife, Annabelle. And there have been worse matches for princesses in the past, I'm sure of it. Why not… well, besides the fact that I'm over 100 years older than her. But that wouldn't be quite so odd, either. Maybe… He took a key out of his pocket and opened a certain drawer in his desk, containing a large jewelry box. He took the box out and opened it, placing it on the table to admire its contents; a beautiful necklace and earring set, made out of gold and studded with small rubies and diamonds. It had been a gift from the king for everything he'd done for the royal family, given specifically with his gorgeous Annabelle in mind. He had never been quite sure what he was going to do with it once she died. Now, he had an idea. Far too bold… but they would match her dress oh so perfectly, and I'm sure she'll be so beautiful in red. He suddenly remembered something 'Tina' had told him earlier, something about him and Stephanie. And Tina did know what she was talking about when it came to those things. She was never wrong, sixteen though she was. Smart match indeed. No harm in trying, I suppose…

Stephanie no longer knew what to think of the handsome Captain Jack. He was… handsome, definitely. And smart. And generous. And handsome. And so sweet sometimes. And fairly patient. And handsome… Her list went on and on… And he likes me too, obviously. But that doesn't mean much. He's… and I'm… and he knows that too… grrr. She suddenly had quite a few different swear words running through her mind…

"There, miss. Finished. Oh, and don't you just look so beautiful." Stephanie was pulled out of her reverie by Tina, who had just finished lacing up the front of her gown. Stephanie turned to a mirror and was a little taken aback. The woman staring back at her looked dainty and delicate, wearing a velvety red dress with beautiful golden trim. The dress had a sort of tie that crisscrossed down the front of her dress and hung down the front of it. It was low cut and tight down to her hips, then it flailed out a little and flowed freely all the way down to rest on the ground, covering her feet. The sleeves came down to her elbows, then detached and flowed down in a lacy golden material from there. She did not at all resemble the rough and ready biker chick that had arrived on the ship a few weeks earlier. Perhaps… perhaps if I act the way he wants me to… and I do need a good reason to forget about Robbie… and Jack is so amazing… She turned back to Tina with a smile.

"Let's show the captain, shall we?"

*For anyone who doesn't know, because I'm a big fan of pirates and I'm strange enough to actually know these things, the top deck is a raised portion at the tail end of the ship where the helm is. (The captain's cabin would be built in underneath it.) And the helm is the wheel that steers the ship.

Ok, so it took me a while to figure out what her dress would look like, and I finally just went on line and sifted through some random pictures of medieval wedding dresses until I found this. It's exactly the way Stephanie's dress looks, except her dress is made of velvet and the sleeves are gold from her elbows. (remember to take the spaces out first).

http: / redhotbrides. Com / blog / media /blogs / redhotbrides / Disney / earendil .jpg

review please.