"Rigging Monkey refers to a crewmember of a sailing vessel whose primary responsibility is to climb the mast, usually with the assistance of a boatswain's chair, to work on the rigging of the ship." -Wikipedia
Thank you Azeran and Intergalacticsupertwink for the hard beta work you put into this!
I hope you all like this chapter. It's much longer than I anticipated. I'm halfway through chapter 20 but I'm on the pmdd train rn and can't concentrate on writing so it will probably be another week or so before it's ready.
Keep safe out there!
Searlus was ripped out of my arms by a team of fretful but stern healers. Anne rushed in, shouting out orders. She looked me over as I dragged myself out of the pool.
"You're hurt," she said with a disapproving shake of her head.
"I'm just a bit tired. I should probably take these off now," I muttered and removed my cuffs.
And that's the last thing I remember. Apparently, the cuffs were giving me the strength to keep conscious after all the physical and emotional turmoil. I was told that as soon as the first cuff came off, I swooned headfirst into the spring.
When I awoke the next day, it was already late afternoon. My body was sore, but it could have been worse. My lip hurt something awful, though. I opened my eyes and found myself in a medical tent with a handful of other patients. I braced myself for a dizzy spell as I stood up, but nothing happened. I was fine. I looked myself over. I was in a white tunic and trousers, and barefoot.
"Well, now, look who's awake!" Anne chirped and smiled brightly. "Quite the heroic show you put on last night. Everyone is waiting for you, you know? The King, especially, of course." She rolled her eyes affectionately.
"He's alright?" I asked, hopefully.
"Oh, yes," Anne dismissed my worry with a wave and a grin. "A few broken bones, but his body always heals quickly. He's very eager to see you."
Flashes from the evening came to me, and I shuddered when my mind finally supplied the moment Searlus had crowded me into a corner and poured out his heart. I shivered again when I recalled what he whispered in my ear.
"I'm not sure what to do about him," I admitted.
Anne sighed with exasperation. "You do what you think is right for you, dear. I can only hope you give him a chance. Circumstances were quite different when you fell in love with him the first time." She gave me a glass of water. "He seems different to me now," she mused aloud.
I swallowed a generous amount of water before I asked, "How so?"
Anne shrugged and smirked. "He seems happy. I know that might be an odd thing to say, but he always seemed so sad before. With good reason of course, but even when you two got your head out of your arses and moved things along," she let out a puff of air and shook her head. "He still seemed quite depressed."
Hearing Searlus recount his pain and blaming his doubt for what happened; it made sense. There probably wasn't a moment he endured where he wasn't afraid of losing me. Then he did. But just as Searlus said, it's over now, and we are both free.
I was filled with a desperate need to see him suddenly. "Can you take me to him?"
Anne beamed at me and nodded. She led us to a large tent with two guards at its entrance. Before I could even announce myself, I heard his voice.
"Let her in."
I walked inside and found the King on a large cot, sitting up against a mountain of pillows. His lower half was under blankets, and he wore a loose shirt. I could see bandages peeking out under his collar. His eyes were twinkling with mirth, and the corners of his mouth were turned up slightly. He seemed so content. Anne was right. His demeanour was a far cry from when I had beheld him at the ball.
I smirked and gazed around to keep from melting under his piercing gaze. "How'd you know it was me?" When I peered at him, he was smiling with amusement.
"I'm well, thank you. And yourself?"
I cringed at my lack of manners and stammered out a reply. "I-I I'm good. Fine. Yeah. Sorry, I should have asked, but Anne told me–"
His deep chuckle cut me off, and when I met his gaze, he had a wicked grin of mischief that nearly took my breath away. "Pleasantries have never been your forte, Belle. I've always thought it refreshing."
He waved me over to a chair by his bedside. I sat and tried to suppress my own smile. "Refreshing," I mocked. "I'm sure."
He hummed and nodded. "I knew it was you because I know your gait. For someone so blunt, crass, and who can't dance if her life depended on it, you're quite light footed."
I widened my eyes and scoffed, but I had no reply. I was still too caught up on him recognising the sound of my steps.
"And," he nearly purred out, "I know your scent."
I felt my cheeks heat, remembering how jealous he was at smelling Gerard on me. The spring must have taken care of that because he didn't seem perturbed. "That's a bit embarrassing," I mumbled. "Being able to smell me from inside a tent."
Searlus tilted his head and quirked a brow. "I've told you before that I knew you were special from the moment I laid eyes on you. Would you like to know what your first words to me were?" He grinned and showed a sharp canine.
"Goodness," I breathed, "something stupid I imagine, but go on."
"Imagine my utter astonishment," he lilted, "when I came out of the shadows, certain you'd at least gasp with shock, and instead, you merely widened your eyes, craned your neck up to get a better gander and said 'Blimey, you're tall.'" He looked at me expectantly.
I bit my cheek but could not stop my toothy smile from forming. "Better than the second first time I saw you."
Searlus dipped his chin and gave me a hooded glare. "Indeed." Then he sniggered and let his head fall back on his pillows. He sighed contentedly at me. "You surprise me at every turn."
His stare made me squirm in my seat. "Did you have something, in particular, you wanted to tell me? Anne said you wanted to see me."
"I always want to see you," he replied fondly.
I cleared my throat and dusted off imaginary fluff from my knee. "So, what now?"
Searlus frowned and shrugged. "Life goes on, I suppose. The castle is virtually in ruins. I think this tent will be my home for some time." He groaned at the thought.
I chuckled. "My poor King, reduced to living in a grand canopy with lavish pillows and blankets. Servants waiting on him hand and foot. Woe, what has become of the world?!"
"If you're coveting my pillows," he mocked, "then have one."
Before I could move away, a pillow was flung at my face. I cried out in outrage but quickly joined him in laughter. "Brute," I admonished with a smile.
"Impudent female," he retorted in the most loving way an insult has any right to sound.
Our matching smiles faded as we gazed at each other. The silence started to make me feel awkward. I didn't know what to say or how to act. I was stuck between treating him as a stranger and being familiar.
"What will you do now," Searlus asked quietly.
I stared at my hands for a long while. "I think I'll start with throwing all of Gerard's belongings into the gutter."
"A good start," he said gravely.
I giggled hysterically and saw he was waiting for more. "I don't know," I whispered as guilt flooded me.
Searlus held out his hand, and I took it readily. He thumbed my knuckles reassuringly and nodded. "That's good too."
I felt my eyes burn and moisten. "Is it? Weren't you hoping I'd... that I'd..."
"You not knowing, is not a rejection. So, yes, that is good. It means 'maybe'. It means," he brought my hand up to his lips and kissed it. "It means I still have a chance," he murmured on my wrist.
Then he let me go and winked at me. I nearly snorted out a laugh. My emotions were at war with each other, and I could not figure out which belonged to me now and which belonged to me then.
"Have you always been this cocky?" I said while wiping a tear from my cheek.
Searlus shook his head wistfully. "Sometimes, one needs to pretend to be brave to be rewarded with real bravery. I want to be brave," he whispered with longing.
"Well, I see nothing but that."
"Then I'm pretending exceptionally well." We were still holding hands when Searlus looked at the entrance of his tent. "Let them in," he called while giving me a smug grin.
Anne and my father were allowed inside, and I snatched my hand away with a tut. "Show off."
The glint was back in his smiling eyes when he greeted his new guests.
"I'm happy to see you well, Searlus," Papa said as he bounced on his heels with joy.
I was worried he was too informal, but Searlus only nodded and motioned for them to sit. "How is your health, Maurice?"
"I'm afraid this forest does nothing to ease my lungs," my father replied. I heard the wheeze in his breath and grew worried.
Anne patted Papa's hand. "We wanted to ask permission to leave the grounds. You see, we have a house by the shore. It helps his ailment very much and, well," Anne blushed and looked at me. "We'd like to get married there as soon as possible.
I gasped and brought my hands to my mouth. Tears threatened to spill again. "Oh," I breathed and launched myself at them both, "that's wonderful!"
We laughed and cried, and when we finally settled, Searlus shook my father's hand and congratulated him and Anne.
"Of course, you may leave whenever you wish. I'll provide transport for," he forced out a polite smile after giving me a sideways glance, "all of you."
"You mean all of us," Anne glared at the King in a warning.
Searlus furrowed his brow. "The three of you, yes."
"Well," Anne scoffed and placed her hands on her hips, "I'm quite sure that your education included arithmetic, young man. There are four of us here." She cocked a brow and raised her chin in challenge.
The King's mouth dropped open, and his brow climbed up to his horns. "Oh! Oh..." His eyes shifted nervously. "By the sea, you say?"
"Yes," Anne replied.
"Outside of these grounds? Outside of this city..."
Papa chuckled. "Yes, Sire, you are invited. Seeing that your castle is in disrepair, we'd like to offer to host Your Majesty, if it pleases you."
Searlus' eyes were as wide as my own. We looked at each other at the same time and then looked away. Anne and my father scowled at me, prompting me to speak.
"I think that's a brilliant idea," I squeaked.
"Thank you," Searlus mumbled to his hands. "I will think on it."
"Think on it?!" Anne cried with outrage. "Don't tell me you won't come to my wedding after everything I've done for you!"
Searlus swallowed hard. "I've, erm, you know I've never–I've never been... out there."
Of course, my stupid brain supplied. The poor man was nearly trembling with dread just thinking about leaving his safe haven. But the castle was no place for anyone to live in and the gates had been destroyed. I took his hand before I could think better of it. He snapped his gaze to our hands before he sent them to my eyes.
A mixture of fear and hope painted his face. "Someone once told me," I chided, "some wise words about being brave."
Searlus closed his eyes and gave my hand a grateful squeeze. "Yes," he said before he opened his eyes once more. "I'd love to attend your wedding and, erm, be your guest."
I gave him a proud and encouraging wink, which he responded to with a nervous smirk.
I didn't see much more of him after that. His council meetings were often and long, and he had many correspondences to answer in regarding the state of things from other kingdoms. I felt guilty when I finally went back to his tent the next morning and bade him farewell. I needed to go back home, pack and help Anne and my father with preparing our travels. Although he kept calm, I could see the dismay in his eyes.
"Safe travels, Belle," he said quietly. "As soon as I am fit to travel, I will meet you at your father's estate."
"I think estate might be too grand a word," I chuckled. "It's a large house, I'm told, but it's no castle."
Searlus dismissed my words with a wave of his hand. "As long as you're there, I will be more than happy with my accommodations."
I blushed fiercely. "Flirt."
"Says the flirt," he smiled coyly. Then his smile vanished, and he cleared his throat. "I should tell you that I fully intend to formally request a courtship. Again."
My mouth went dry, and I nodded cautiously. "Right. I figured as much."
"Yes, well, I just wanted to give you forewarning. I'm sure you'll be propositioned by many others now that you are a free woman, and a hero at that."
I rolled my eyes and sighed. "I was better off as a widow. I'm a spinster now, thanks to you. I don't think anyone wants an old maid for a wife, well, except... erm, you apparently."
"No, Belle," he denied gravely. "You are a bachelorette. A rich bachelorette at that."
"Also thanks to you," I muttered. "It'd be rude of me to accept an offer when my dowry was gifted to me by another suitor. Don't you think?" I lilted.
Searlus blinked at me and inhaled. "I know you're jesting to deflect. And I hope you know that you owe me nothing. In fact, I owe you a life debt. If..." he swallowed and started again. "I know you will only marry for love, you've told me as much before. But if you do get other offers, I implore you not to rush your decision. If you can wait, of course."
My heart constricted in my chest. He was holding himself together for me, but I knew the prospect of losing me was tearing him apart.
"Well," I stood from the bedside chair and poured myself some wine from his bar, "you said you'd fight for me regardless. I assume that means you'd still try to woo me away from anyone else who is after my heart... and riches." I gave him a side glance and saw him narrowing his eyes at me.
"Yes. You may count on that," he nearly growled.
"In any case," I emptied my glass and walked back to his side, "I can promise you I won't elope, at least not until you're a shoo-in."
Searlus raised his brow and tilted his chin up. "Am I not a shoo-in already?"
I scoffed and tossed my hair over my shoulder. "What? You think that being a King, saving my life, making me rich, providing for my family, and a couple of kisses are enough to merit you my hand in marriage?"
He was failing to fight back a smile while at the same time, his eyes grew dark and hungry. "I'll have to come up with something more agreeable to your standards then."
He snatched my arm and pulled me on his lap. I yelped in surprise, but it was cut off by his lips on my own. It was closed-mouthed but passionate. He gave me another softer peck and looked into my eyes.
I was breathless and terribly warm, and a bit shocked, if I'm honest. "That was very bold of you, Your Majesty," I murmured with a gasp.
"You said a couple of kisses didn't do the trick, so I ventured to see if a couple more might tip the balance," he purred.
His warm breath smelled of the forest, and I was quickly intoxicated. "You should still," I panted, "ask for permission."
Searlus scoffed softly and quirked a brow. "Then next time, ask for mine. Did you know," he whispered, "when you kissed me before the battle, that was the second time you initiated without bothering to warn me? The first time earned you that scar." He looked up briefly before catching my gaze again.
"Oh," I piped. "Papa left that part out." Searlus stared at my lips. His eyes grew darker, and a soft purr or growl began to rumble in his chest. I swallowed hard and shivered.
Abruptly, I was practically tossed off the bed. I staggered but caught my balance. "Brute!" I jeered, but his look rooted me to the spot. It was the same look on his face when he chased me through the castle halls.
"I'll see you soon, Belle." It was a clear dismissal with a warning attached to it. "Be safe, my heart."
I nodded dumbly and backed out of the tent slowly.
I'd been at the beach house for two months with no word from the King. The wedding was a couple of weeks away, and I feared he'd decided not to attend. Maybe his devotion and bravery, his kisses and promises were only because of the heat of battle. Or injuries. Or medications for those injuries.
At one point, I started taking calls from suitors. I thought that I should keep my options open but quickly found that I only did it to goad His Majesty to do something! Oh, those men were boring. Lord! One lady was quite fetching and witty, but I just kept thinking of the King. At first, I thought it was guilt that held me back, but no. I thought of him every day and almost every moment of the day. I had even started studying alchemy... again. I dreamt of him too.
I was getting quite depressed when correspondence from the King finally arrived. I was eager to open it but found it was addressed to my father. I pouted and trudged to find him.
"Open it," I demanded as I dropped the letter on his desk.
Papa blinked at it and then at me through his spectacles. "Run along then." He shooed me away with a wave.
I huffed and stormed out of the room.
My father did not come out of his study until dinner time. I was a mess. I had tried everything to keep my mind off the letter for hours with no results. Papa swaggered his way in, whistling a merry tune and sat at the head of the table.
"This looks delicious," he praised the food and the kitchen maid.
I stared at him with a withering look, but he kept pointedly ignoring me while he began stuffing his face. I cleared my throat.
"Do you need a drink, Belle?" He asked without looking from his plate.
"Incorrigible man," Anne chastised with a smile. "You know we're all waiting for what was in the post."
"Ah, yes!" Papa exclaimed and pulled out a stack of letters from his waistcoat pocket. "Belle, a suitor has asked for your hand."
I tampered down a gasp and waited as casually as possible. "Oh? Who?"
My father made a show of not finding the letter before finally producing three instead of one. "Several suitors actually."
He placed the stack in front of me, and I very nonchalantly skimmed them. There was nothing from Searlus. I glared at my father over the pages while he tore into a chicken leg, completely unperturbed.
"Nothing from the King?" I asked sweetly with a forced smile.
"Hm?" He looked at me and thought long and hard before answering. "There was a letter from the King as a matter of fact, yes." Then he kept eating.
I threw the letters over my shoulder and snatched my father's plate away from him.
"Ho! Now, Belle, you won't get a husband acting like that," he scolded sternly with narrowed eyes and a wagging, greasy finger.
"I think the dogs are hungry," I mused.
He nearly jumped out of his chair. He knew I'd do it. "Ah-ah! Fine! Fine-fine. Give it here, and I'll talk."
I gave him back his plate while Anne gave me a proud nod of approval.
"The King wrote to me, alerting me that he will be arriving soon."
There was a long silence, and then my father nodded curtly and began eating again.
I suppressed a snarl. "When?" I pronounced.
"Why do you care?" My father said through a mouthful of food.
"Maurice," Anne admonished. "Come now. We need to be prepared for his arrival, so you should tell us when that will be."
Papa shrugged. "Soon."
I was about to strangle him when our housemaid entered the kitchen in a tizzy. "Beg your pardon, sir, but a guest has arrived."
"Ah, he's arrived—punctual man. I admire that." My father stood up and followed the maid out of the kitchen.
My jaw dropped open. "Impossible," I rasped and shot out of my chair. "It can't be. Anne?" I looked at her only to find her smirking into her wine glass. "I can't believe you two!" I whispered harshly and ran out of the kitchen, muttering angrily. "Doesn't tell me... outrageous... not dressed... hair is a mess... King in the fucking parlour!"
As I dashed up the stairs, stomping like an elephant. I nearly tumbled down them when I heard Lumiere's voice. I rushed to my mirror. I was flushed and breathless from running, surely just from running. My hair was a disaster. I undid my plait and combed it enough to be acceptable and decided it looked best all hung over one shoulder.
Proper decorum was for the entire household to wait for the King. Oh, well, I thought. He made me wait! I changed into fresh clothes as quickly as possible. Combed my hair again and then threw my door open. I paused at the steps to listen in as I heard some murmuring below, but it was merely the servants gossiping.
"Goodness, the poor man!"
"I didn't think the rumours were true!"
"Well, if Lady Belle doesn't marry him, I just might. I love kitty-cats."
They giggled like little girls, and I cleared my throat loudly. They scattered as I climbed down the steps. My breath was shallow as I reached the door to the parlour. I heard the deep rumble of his voice as clear as day.
"I don't want to keep you from your dinner."
"Nonsense," I heard Anne say. "We had a late start because Lord Dubois decided to keep us all in suspense. Sup with us, Searlus, you're still not eating enough, I can tell."
"Thank you, Anne, but I am quite weary, and I'm not hungry. I'm not used to travelling."
His voice, goodness, his voice alone had undone me. I chided myself internally for being so affected by a man I hardly knew, but he had left quite the impression. Maybe I wasn't in love, but I was clearly infatuated. Still, some dignity was in order. So, I schooled my face and opened the door.
The room quieted as I entered. There he was. Sitting in a large winged chair that my father had made exclusive for the King. I honestly didn't know who else was in the room, because my eyes were only for Searlus. He was as remarkable as I remembered.
He was in travelling attire, wearing a lovely green shirt and black breeches. His black knee-high boots were muddy. His mane was a bit unruly, and I found that I quite liked it like that. His tired emerald eyes were guarded, and his smile was polite.
Searlus stood, and the rest of the room followed. "Good evening, Belle," he greeted me with a slight bow.
"Decided to come under cover of night like a highwayman?" I said instead of pleasantries.
He smiled, showing his sharp teeth and shook his head fondly. "I didn't want to cause an uproar," he explained with a shrug.
My father cleared his throat and bowed. "If you'll excuse us–"
"Excused," Searlus said eagerly.
I heard some chuckles, and the room cleared out. I took one step toward Searlus, and he took two.
"You didn't write," I pointed out with a jut of my chin.
He tilted his head and furrowed his brow. "I never said I would. And you didn't write either. Nor did I expect you to."
What cheek! "I see. So all that worrying about someone sweeping me off my feet was for nothing? I suppose you've changed your mind then?"
Searlus stepped closer with a knowing smile. "Had to give the poor chaps a chance. And, no," he purred, "I have not changed my mind." I failed to suppress a shiver, which prompted him to step even closer until he was only a foot away from me. "I heard you have quite the list of suitors. What is it now? Fifteen proposals?"
"This week," I boasted with a smug grin of my own. "Some of them are quite handsome–" I wanted to be swallowed by the ground. I clamped my mouth shut and took a quick breath. If he was offended or hurt by my stupid statement, he did not show it. I was about to apologise, but Searlus spoke first.
"You called me handsome once," he bragged, "so if any of them are as handsome as I am, then I'm not too concerned."
I covered my face with my hands to hide my embarrassment. I heard him get closer, felt the warmth of his body, then my hands were being pulled away.
"But if any are as handsome as you, well, I just might worry... a bit." He smirked and kissed my exposed wrist.
"Just a bit?"
"Mhm. Money can solve a lot of problems if you haven't learned yet."
I chuckled and blushed. "You'd really pay off my suitors?"
Searlus gave me a comical frown and shrug. "Better than hanging the lot, I would think."
A ridiculous and hysterical giggle escaped me, and I felt myself burn hotter. "You must be exhausted," squeaked and then cleared my throat. "I can show you to your room if you like." The words had come out, as usual, without my permission and I caught Searlus' eyes widen before he outright leered at me.
"Oh, I would like. Very much," he growled low.
I bit down on my lip and did an about-face while Searlus let me go and followed me. Walking through the dark and quiet halls, I imagined that night in the castle again, and the hairs on my neck stood on end. I wanted to look over my shoulder and see if he had that same hungry look he had that night. It was thrilling. It almost felt like I was... being hunted. I shuddered.
We climbed the stairs, and I pointed to my door. "That's my room," I admitted quietly with another blush.
"Good to know."
I decidedly did not look at him as I turned and led him in the opposite direction. I reached the door to his quarters, and my hand floated over the handle. I was trembling. I steeled my nerves and opened it. I stood aside and motioned for him to go in.
The lanterns were on, as well as some globes of light I had been able to make with my newfound knowledge of alchemy. So, the room was well lit when I saw him smile wistfully at my inventions.
"Did you make those?"
"I did."
Searlus turned to me and dragged his eyes over me from head to toe. "Thank you."
"Should I send someone for your things?"
"No, Lumiere has that handled. I didn't bring much tonight. We travelled light." He gave me a pointed stare. "I wanted to get here as quickly as possible. He'll make sure my belongings get here soon enough."
I smiled and nodded. There was an awkward silence before I cleared my throat nervously. "How is the castle coming along."
"Slowly, I'm afraid," though he didn't sound put out. "My stay here, unfortunately, shall be indefinite as a result."
And that's why he didn't sound put out. "Ah, that is unfortunate." I found myself staring at the large bed. "I made sure you got the best pillows in town. I know how much you like your pillows."
"Belle?"
I whipped my head in his direction.
There was that look again. That hungry gaze that said so many things. That said 'I need you,' 'I want you,' 'I'd die for you.'
"Yes?" I breathed.
"Would you like to come in?" he murmured. When I didn't answer, he took a step back. "I'd say I don't bite, but we both know that's not true."
The wicked glint in his eye finally snapped me out of whatever daze I'd been trapped in. "Sleep well, Beast," I whispered slyly.
He didn't miss a beat. "Sleep well, beauty."
I nearly ran to my room. I shut my door and leaned on it for stability. I covered my mouth to keep my laugh from ringing out. My cheeks were sore, and when I caught sight of myself in the mirror, I realised why.
I was beaming.
I barely slept that first night. I had bags under my eyes, and I was not ready to face the day in my state, but the prospect of seeing Searlus and hopefully spending the day with him launched me out of bed.
Just infatuation, I kept telling myself. And how could I not be captivated? Searlus is a King! Not just any King. He was the infamous and now famous Beast King! The only Chimaera in the known world, as far as anyone knew! And he is not some mindless, frightening creature. He is intelligent, more intelligent than anyone I've ever known. He can be alarming, but he is so kind. And he had the courage to change his fate and come out into the world that he thought would despise him. Knowing he attributed his bravery to me was not only flattering, it turned me to mush. He is such a romantic. Oh, and the way he talks to me!
I was in trouble. I knew I was, and I ran straight for it anyway. I ran through my morning routine, down the stairs, and into the breakfast room only to find out the brute had left the house!
"What do you mean, he left?!" I nearly shrieked at Papa and Anne.
"It's too early for your theatrical outbursts, Belle," Papa said drily as he sipped on his tea.
Anne kissed us both goodbye before she patted me on the shoulder. "He wanted to see the sunrise over the ocean. You know he's never seen the ocean in person."
"I know that!" I pouted. "Which is why I thought would be, oh, I don't know, showing him around! I could have taken him to see the sunrise!" I nearly stomped my foot in my little tantrum. It would have been so romantic, and he left without me.
"Gods," Papa groaned, "go to him then. Not every man is going to cater your every whim, especially if you don't voice the whims to begin with!"
I turned to Anne for help and found her nodding. "Remember, dear, you're the only sweetheart he's ever had."
"Bah!" I stormed out of the house and headed straight for the beach.
It was still too early for anyone else to be out there and I found Lumiere and a couple of guards watching over the King who was lounging on the shore. He was wearing a simple hooded cloak that covered most of him and had his feet buried in the sand. I exchanged some pleasantries with Lumiere and the other men and beelined for Searlus.
I stood over him, put my hands on my hips, and gave him my best frown. He didn't even look up at me when he spoke.
"I could sense your vehemence before you even greeted the men. What have I done now?"
"Cheeky man," I scoffed and then plopped down beside him. "We could have watched the sunrise together."
"Mm. But you're not much of a morning person. And..." he inhaled deep and slow, "maybe I wished to be alone."
I felt the blood drain from my face, and my stomach made an awful knot. "Oh," I breathed. "Sorry, I'll go," I said quickly and quietly. Before I could stand, Searlus grabbed my hand and pinned me down.
He continued looking out to the sea and took in a shaky breath. "I miss you so much," he whispered. "I miss your embraces, your kisses, your hand in mine, the way you used to look at me, and all the times you told me you loved me."
I breathed through my open mouth and tried not to burst into tears. There was so much pain and yearning in his words.
"I'm trying my best, Belle. Please understand how difficult this is for me. I can't help but mourn your loss from time to time. Even though I am so happy and grateful to just be near you." Searlus finally looked at me, his eyes tearful but hopeful. "Forgive me?"
I had to swallow several times before I could speak. "There's nothing to forgive." I lifted his hand and kissed it. "Do you know what helps to soothe sad thoughts?"
He shook his head.
I waggled my eyebrows and nodded towards the water. "A swim." I shot up, kicked off my shoes, and sprinted toward the water. I dove in perfect time to breach the waves and emerged with a loud gasp. The water was frigid, but I had long since grown used to it. I moved my hair out of my face and caught Searlus inches away from the water, staring at me with a strange look. "Scared of a little water, you overgrown cat?!" I shouted with a laugh.
Searlus narrowed his eyes at me. He looked around suspiciously and finally removed his cloak. His mane blew in the wind. He pulled his shirt over his head and dropped it as well. My eyes were locked on his broad, muscular torso, so I barely noticed he was taking off his breeches as well. When I focused on the rest of him, he was half-naked in merely his drawers. And that's when I saw it.
"You have a tail!" I screeched with excitement.
"Shut it," he retorted with a glare and then charged for the water.
I swam away, but his powerful strokes led him to me quickly. I laughed at him openly when his head poked out of the water. His dark locks were flattened on his head, his ears were more prominent, and they were pointing back. He looked like an angry wet cat more than ever. Although he had perfect form swimming the distance, keeping himself afloat seemed to be giving him trouble.
"Not very buoyant, are you, Your Majesty?"
In answer, he dipped below the surface and yanked on my trousers, submerging me. I came up and splashed water at him, which I quickly found to be erroneous because he retaliated, and it was like a tidal wave. Before I could complain, he dragged me to him and hopped backwards until he gained footing. He was panting but smiling broadly.
"Better now?" I asked as I gazed at his joyous face.
"Much," he admitted.
I was transfixed, and my heart was fit to explode. I decided to trust in my past self, the one I had no memory of. It just felt right. It felt like the only thing to do.
"Do you know what else would help?" I asked a bit more subdued.
"What?" He grinned with a curious quirk of his brow.
I wrapped my arms around his neck and pressed my body close to his. His hands came up to my waist, and his smile transformed into something needy and desperate. My face hovered before his as I searched his expression.
"I find that kissing does a great job of lifting the spirit. Especially if you're kissing someone you like very much," I said softly.
"I see," he murmured and looked down at my lips. He wrapped an arm around my waist and pulled me tighter to his body. "And you like me?"
I nodded. "Very much."
His lips were on mine in a flash. Another passionate closemouthed kiss that left me breathless but wanting more. I licked his bottom lip, and he moaned. The sound went straight to my undergarments. He opened his mouth, and I took advantage. I could taste the salt of the sea on his lips and mint and pine on his tongue. We kissed like that until I moaned with pleasure. I wrapped my legs around his waist, and he gasped. My breath hitched. I could feel him hard between my legs, and I started to ache.
"Belle," he rasped and then rocked his hips and began kissing my jaw and neck. Then he pulled my soaked collar aside and kissed the mark he'd given me. When he nipped at my skin there, I shuddered. He growled softly and rested his forehead on mine. "I promise only to ask this once, and I won't doubt you ever again. Is this pity? Are you just trying to be kind because of what I said?"
"No," I said loud and clear and then kissed him again. His grip began to be too much for me. I ripped my mouth away and patted his shoulder. "Too much," I let out tightly.
He released me but kept his hands on my waist, keeping me above water. His eyes were closed, and he was breathing in steadying breaths. When he opened his eyes, there was barely any green left.
"We should go before we catch our deaths," I whispered.
Searlus seemed dazed, but he nodded and grunted in assent. I could tell it took great effort to let me go. We swam to shore. I was shivering and cursing myself for not thinking to bring a change of clothes. I should have swum in my undergarments as Searlus had. Before I could complain, Searlus draped his cloak over me and wrapped it tightly. I stood there and watched him squeeze the water out of his hair. My eyes travelled lower, and although it didn't seem like he was still aroused, the soaked drawers left nothing to the imagination.
"How far did we get exactly?" I blurted out and almost regretted it when he froze and looked at me with a hooded gaze.
"I assume you mean how much physical intimacy we shared?" He muttered cautiously.
I pursed my lips and nearly changed the subject, but then I nodded.
He bit down on his lower lip, sighed, and dragged his rounded claws through his mane. Searlus took a step forward and scrutinized me a moment. "What exactly do you wish to know?"
So many questions. So many things I wanted to know. I took a deep breath and settled for something safe. "Have we seen each other naked? And I mean no garments whatsoever in the way of... everything."
He shook his head slightly. "No."
My eyes involuntarily went back to his crotch. "Oh."
His fingers went to the drawstring of his drawers and paused. When I looked up, his brow was arched. "I was surprised you never asked me back then. What I looked like." He smirked.
I scoffed and made like I didn't care either way. "Hardly matters, I think."
Both his brows shut up in surprise. "I highly doubt that. Let me ask you. You, knowing yourself, how far did you think you'd be willing to go?"
My eyes kept rising and falling from his face to his hands, still holding the drawstring. I swallowed hard and shrugged. "Knowing me, especially if I was as in love as everyone says I was?" I paused for dramatic effect. "As far as you were willing to go."
Searlus nodded slowly. "There was a time I would have settled, and been exceedingly grateful, for merely a chaste kiss on the cheek. But then you came along." He let his hungry gaze travel over me again. "I suppose you should know what to expect before making a blind offer like that again." With that, he pulled on the drawstring, and his pants fell to his ankles.
"Well, blow me down..." I muttered while ogling his impressive and moderately alarming package. He was only at half-mast, but he was clearly a full-rigged ship. "... and call me a riggin' monkey."
Human. It made sense that it would be human-like. The rest of him was humanoid in almost every aspect. That was a relief though I'm not sure it would have stopped me otherwise. Alas, we'll never know. He was dark-skinned and uncut, and his testicles were drawn up, most likely from the cold.
"Curiosity satisfied? If you haven't noticed, it's a bit nippy."
"Mhm." I nodded quickly and watched him put on his trousers and shirt, missing his nude form immediately. For someone considered deformed, he was chiselled flawlessly.
After he was fully dressed, he picked me up and carried me all the way back to the house. I found myself grinning like an idiot at the gesture. I was like a feather in his arms. His chest and shoulders were firm, and he had no trouble walking with me in his arms at all.
We parted in the house to wash off the salt from our hair and skin. By the time we met for lunch, a legitimate courtship was sanctioned. All suitors were notified, and I never received another offer.
