Charlotte shifted her pounding head uncomfortably, desperate to escape the blinding shafts of sunlight that stole under her eyelids. It was cold. So very cold. And hard. She tried to roll over and winced at the surface that scraped across her cheek. Something was wrong.
She forced her eyes open, squinting into the first rays of sunshine across the horizon. A jolt of shock shot through her as her eyes slowly focused in on the knot of rope that kept her secured to the rock face beside her. How did she get here? Why was she tied to an outcrop of rock on the beach?
She glanced around, ignoring the pain radiating through her head every time she moved it. To her left was one of the many desolate beaches of the West Indies. Shockingly beautiful and now, terrifying devoid of civilization. To her right was the rock face she was tied to. It stretched from where the waves lapped a few feet before her, as far back up the beach as she could see. A cold wall of rock, hiding her from any help. She didn't see any sense in shouting. Her head was pounding as it was and it was likely that all shouting would accomplish was to wear her throat out as well.
She forced her clunking mind to think logically. Sidney was meant to be meeting her for a walk this morning. He would soon discover that she was missing. And honestly, this had to be some sort of misunderstanding. What could anyone possibly want her for? It wasn't like she was some rich heiress who could be ransomed for millions.
For a second, she was relieved that she was alone. At least she wasn't being tormented or worse. A pang shook her heart at the realization that she would miss her walk with Sidney. Everything had been going so well. She was in love with him. All she wanted was a sunrise walk with her hand in his. She stared down at the sand glumly.
Charlotte was finally drawn from her woeful thoughts by splashing. That wasn't the waves. Someone was coming. The relief she felt was dashed away at the sight of two bare-chested Antiguans making their way around the rock face and towards her. So far, she had only had pleasant experiences with the people of Antigua. They were a jolly, laidback bunch. But the glares the two men leveled at her told her that experience was about to change.
"How are you enjoying your stay here little princess?" spat the one man.
"Yeah," began the other man, "Anything you need?"
The stench of fish overwhelmed Charlotte as the second man knelt before her and roughly tugged the knot about her wrists tighter. He glared into her eyes. The hatred simmering in his eyes chilled her. What had she done to make these men so angry?
She looked up at the two muscled men and began earnestly, "I beg your pardon, sirs. I think there must be some misunderstanding. I have no money. I'm a farm girl from a small village in England."
The first man angrily kicked at the sand, sending it spraying into her eyes.
"Your sweet talking is not going to help you, princess."
Her eyes watered, blinking furiously against the rough grains. She opened her mouth to try again but rapidly closed it as the second man turned his burning gaze back to her, daring her to defy him.
"Your Sidney Parker," he spat, "Is the reason why our wives and daughters can't be soft-natured and sweet. So don't try and woo us over. They were promised decent wages and good jobs and instead were forced into slavery. So no, don't try and be all sweet and innocent. Our women sure as hell weren't allowed that chance. It's time he paid for his actions. And you'll work a treat."
The first man chewed a stick of grass as he contemplated her. A cruel laugh broke from his lips. "Of course, Mr. Lambe's money won't hurt either."
Confusion shot through Charlotte. Mr. Lambe would surely not pay ransom money for her. She was no relation of his. These men were obviously hurting but also obviously misguided. But it wouldn't due to exasperate them. Perhaps it was best to just be quiet and hope they left her alone again.
Suddenly they turned back for the rock face and it looked like they would do just that. They made their way back into the shallow waters and headed for the edge of the rock face they'd rounded not five minutes ago. Just as they were about the disappear from view, they turned cold smiles back on Charlotte.
"Oh, and enjoy the Antiguan saltwater experience." they mocked, gesturing at the waves. She could still hear the echoes of their laughs as she glanced down and noticed the waves creeping closer and closer to where she was tied. High tide was coming.