Chapter Eleven: A Health to the Company
Heart:
"Land ho!" Irving cried out as we neared Port Slater after a long voyage back from the depths of space we'd traveled into.
With the treasure we'd collected we had little to worry about payment for docking our ship. As we took in the sight of the pleasant town I breathed in the fresh air trickling into the atmosphere of our ship. While I leaned against the rail of the ship I heard him walking up to me before sliding an arm around my shoulders and bracing for the ship to contact the water. With a mighty splash it did just that, spraying the mist of it into our faces as the field was dropped accordingly.
"Do you think it's wise to do things this way?" I asked our captain.
"It's as safe as anythin' else at this point Heart, she's already out for your blood," he commented, "An' I want to give ya somethin' special to hold onto no matter what happens."
I looked to him puzzled while clasping the sapphire hanging from my neck, "We have this now? Won't this be over?"
"We still don't know how it works, an' we aren't sure how strong her magic will grow to fight it," he mentioned before adding with a smile, "I'm sure it will be okay. Together we'll figure it out."
"I can not wait to hit the streets a bit," Catalina remarked, "It's been a while since we've been able to get new supplies and have fun doing so!"
"This has been a trying quest to say the least," Norelle nodded along, "Hopefully it'll be all over soon and we can enjoy what we've gained from this."
"Don't forget we still need to be subtle, we're still wanted ladies and men," Trent noted, "The extra wealth will be something to be cautious showing around."
"We know how to be careful Doc," Marestella nudged his arm, "We've been at this how long now?"
"Even still," he retorted before sighing, "It will be good to get better medicine and supplies though, especially if we're not out of the woods yet."
"You're all so grim!" Melodia chimed in, "We've got what we were looking for! It's bound to work after all we went through to get it!"
She hopped down from the shrouds to gather with those of us talking, "Besides, aren't we here to gather some things for a special occassion?"
"Yes, but-"
"That's enough of that!" Melodia wouldn't hear of it any longer, "We're going to celebrate this, I'll have no arguing!"
"Quite bold aren't we our little friend?" Grin mused while stepping forward with Nosedive trailing behind him.
"Mel Mel's right," Nosedive grinned, "Relax a little and things will work out. They have so far haven't they?"
Duke rested his hands on my shoulder in support as he said, "You're right, let's enjoy our life a little an' take things as they come for now."
I found myself giving in and sinking back into his grip a bit.
Soon we were at shore and heading into the cozy town once more. This time around there was no concern of where I would be heading next, no concerns of parting ways with those I'd grown so close to. In general there was a warm air about, wrapping around us for a while it seemed.
"I think this is where we part ways for a little while," Duke commented as we came to a market of fine shops filled with artisans and their crafts.
I looked to him with a raised brow, but didn't jump to his bait, "Is that so?"
"I shouldn't see your dress until it's time," he grinned before sweeping up the hand he'd barely let go and kissed it, "I look forward to it though."
"Alright L'Orange, go with Irving and Trent before we chase you out!" Marestella scolded while rolling her eyes a bit.
"Why isn't Dive going with the guys, or Grin?" Catalina then pondered as we headed off in our own cluster.
"'Cause I've gotta help my sis for such an occassion, especially if Wing can't be here for it!" Nosedive proclaimed with a bit of pride while throwing his arm around my shoulders to pull me into a stride with him.
With that I was lead through the busy streets with the women of our crew, plus Nosedive and Grin. As we went along they would ask for my thoughts on items needed for the party Duke insisted I have. When I shyed away Nosedive would push me forward and insist I give some sort of an answer.
"This isn't going very far," Avarin sighed when I hesitantly shrugged at flowers.
"Are you okay?" Norelle then asked, throwing me off guard a bit.
"Of course," I said before getting a stern eye from my brother, pulling the words out, "I'm just worried that I could still lose him to her. This feels premature, as much as I want to be with him."
"I think that's why he wants to do this Heart," Marestella said.
When I looked to her a bit bewildered she continued, "When it comes to something he truly wants, Duke won't give up without a fight. He wants to be with you Heart, he's fought so hard against all of this to prove that. This is his way of showing you that."
"He's taking his fate in his own hands again, when before he had all but given up," Melodia added.
"Nosedive, why don't you take Heart to get her dress with Grin and we'll handle the rest," Avarin suggested with a nudge to Marestella.
"Can I go with Heart?" Norelle asked.
"Sure, we'll meet back up at the ship later with what we've gathered," Marestella nodded.
With that we split off into even smaller groups. I soon found myself in a shop filled with fancy suits and elaborate gowns. My head swam a bit, causing them to seemingly dance around me. Then I realized why as I backed up into Grin as to why. The flash of the recent memory trying to shake my core from the palace we'd escaped. Nosedive took note of this unease and offered, "It's not like that this time. You want this, and Duke wouldn't force you into any sort of style you wouldn't wear. He cares about you, and I bet he has since you met."
"This is going to be your wedding, to the one you were willing to give up everything for. You want to be with Duke as you said yourself," Norelle encouraged.
"Of course, I just...I don't know how to go about any of this..." I said nervously.
"That's what we're here to help with," Grin assured with a pat on my shoulder.
"Just take a look around sis, this isn't as nearly as dangerous as half the stuff you've been through lately," Nosedive insisted while leading me through the shop.
"May I make a suggestion to help?" Norelle then chimed in while taking me by the other hand.
"Sure," I replied a bit more at ease as we looked around.
Norelle had spotted a gown from across the way, it's style matching the sort of dress one might wear in a fairytale, or... "Our homeland?"
"This shop has always been good at having a blend of styles from different realms, including our own. We know you're from there, like I said I have a sense about that sort of thing," she reminded me, "That creep knew it too and tried to take you because of it! Yet he didn't care or admire what that really meant."
"Duke mentioned to me that he met you there, at the ruins of the castle. Was that the castle of the family he named our ship after?" I asked.
"It was!" Norelle grinned cheerfully.
"He said he was drawn there from old stories he'd grown up. He loves our realm and was inspired by it to seek out more adventures," she added.
"In the belly of that dragon, it's magic couldn't harm me. In the moment I was too focused on the task at hand to think about it. Could it be due to that lost connection I was sparred it's fury?" I then asked.
"Duke told me about that," Norelle pondered, "For the electrcity of a storm dragon to just leave you untouched like that it usually means you have dragon blood yourself coursing through your veins, and the blood type to match the dragon. You could be a decendant of one at the very least and that's what kept you safe."
"Ebon mentioned restoring me to what I was, and Duke mentioned what he'd found in his tower the other day when we started wondering about this a bit more. What if I once had magic? Magic that could have helped fend off her curse?" I wondered aloud.
"Man you are bad at this sis," Nosedive shook his head while grasping my shoulders, "You're supposed to be picking out a dress remember?"
"Sorry," I sighed anxiously.
"Heart, we don't know what you were before. Chances are if you were a dragon decendant with magic like that then you would have possibly been bound to our realm? Maybe you had a reason to give it up? Whatever happened with that creep all that time ago, perhaps it left you too exhausted to go on and you sort of reformed your body and found your brothers," Norelle told me with world weary eyes I wasn't used to seeing with her.
"So then the better question is young Heart," Grin asked calmly, "Would the magic you might have had before be worth trading for what you have now?"
"No," I realized when I took in what that might have met.
Had I bound to my homeland I would not have met Duke, my brothers, or any of them possibly. I could have all the magic imaginable, but it would have meant nothing compared to adventuring with him.
"However, that doesn't mean you should give up the spirit of what you are," Norelle winked before pulling me towards the gown she'd started to show me.
"It does suit you," Nosedive admitted while looking it over, "You might not like to admit it, but it does."
"I'm used to dressing after you Dive," I commented with a raised brow, "Or..."
I realized while glancing down at my burgundy vest and trimmed boots that were otherwise black. Nosedive couldn't help but laugh as I blushed at this, "Maybe you had a crush on him well before this? You did always notice those posters back home."
"Sounds like maybe you two were seeking one another out without knowing it?" Norelle teased as I glanced at the sapphire I wore now.
"I don't know...What I am sure of is that I care about him now and I want to stay with him," I said while shaking away the unease trying to creep back up my spine.
"Then let's get your dress and we'll make sure that happens," Nosedive insisted, "I'm ready to party with everyone!"
After making sure the gown would fit, touching it up to make it more personally suited to me, we were then our way back to the tavern. We dropped off the gown at the ship, finding the others doing the same with flowers and other things. I found myself bunking with some of the girls on this night, to which I was a bit surprised. Normally this would have made sense, but Duke and I had been sharing a room since we'd met. Even Duke was a bit surprised by this.
"You'll be fine for one night L'Orange," Marestella teased, "After tomorrow she'll be with you every day and night."
"That's not what I'm worried about an' ya know that!" Duke retorted.
"We will keep her safe if that siren shows up, and you are in good hands with Grin and Trent," Avarin assured.
"An' if she controls ya again?"
"Duke, trust us on this, you both will be okay. We've gotten charms that will ward her off at least once, with them all together it should protect us at least for a night or two. If they all break we'll have found one another to fight back by that point," Catalina informed, "That's what I was put in charge of seeking out with Mare."
"You're sure it's safe then?" Duke questioned while looking to me.
"Yes Captain, we won't let you down on this one," Irving assured.
Finally giving in we were both lead away to our rooms. Yet not before Duke stole a quick kiss and promised, "I guess I'll see on deck tomorrow night sweetheart?"
I could simply feel how much I was blushing from this remark as I was lead away.
However that night was not spent sleeping much, despite our long journey leaving us tired, or at least we thought it would have.
"I'd never thought I'd see the day," Avarin sighed while laying front down on her back, her head propped up by her hands and pillow as she talked with us.
"It's nice to see him so happy though," Norelle chimed in from beside me.
"He's not free yet though-"
"Heart, don't do this again," Marestella warned with an encouraging smile shifting from a stern look, "It'll be okay. We've known Duke a long while now, so trust us when we say this is the happiest and more himself he's ever been, with or without a curse on him."
"You'll see it through together, even more so now," Melodia smiled, "For now get some sleep, unless there are other concerns you want to sort out?"
"Concerns?" I raised a brow.
"Marriage is a big step," Catalina mentioned, "Whether you've known them months or years."
"That's the thing," I mentioned while thinking back on the whispers I'd barely heard from the sapphire within the dragon's chest, "It seems somehow...that maybe we were seeking the other out. I'm not sure how though."
I then thought back to when we'd met. Despite knowing what he was, I'd never questioned the sort of person he was. I was never worried of whether I could trust him or not, in spite of his teasing when first interacting. We seemed familiar with one another, and perhaps some of that was worrying me.
I held the sapphire in my hand, looking into it and seeking answers it didn't wish to grant me.
"Try to relax Heart," Norelle encouraged, "Trust yourself and think of what you know now rather than what you may have known before. What comes to your mind when she rears her head? What made you give up everything for the chance at saving his life? What made you tell him yes when he proposed so suddenly?"
"I...I love him," I smiled, knowing I was blushing.
"Then that's all the answer you need. So hold onto it, and he'll hold onto you in return," Melodia assured.
"Nervous about anything else?" Catalina winked when I was still blushing.
"I don't know what you mean?" I tilted my head a bit curiously.
"Oh dear," Avarin sighed, "You grew up with two protective older brothers, who I imagine kept you innocent in their minds?"
It slowly started to dawn on me what they meant. Once it clicked I did feel myself growing a little more tense. I couldn't help but think of of the other women he'd charmed over the years, even the starmaid in her former human state I found my nerves beginning to jump.
"Don't worry about it too much, I doubt he's worried about it," Avarin offered when she noticed.
"And don't let him fool you either, L'Orange may have charmed girls at bars and the like, but you're the only one taken to his cabin. Honestly I think that innocence is what drew him in so quickly, at least at first," Marestella encouraged, "And if it's right, you'll know. Either way, you have what matters with him, and knowing L'Orange he understands that too."
However I knew my face was beet red from this topic. Which was odd considering he'd already seen most of me when I'd had to provide a source of warmth to keep him alive in the first place. Perhaps that was part of why knowing we were to be wed soon didn't make me nervous. That was the one thing I was certain of throughout all of this.
"Get some rest Heart, you have a big day ahead of you tomorrow," Avarin suggested while turning out the light.
However that very next day went by in a blur it seemed as our ship was readied for launch as well as prepared for the celebration just hours away now. I had been treated to a bath house with the ladies while the men did the same. Then I was hurried to the ship before Duke and the others followed after. I was then hidden away in the cabin while I was told our captain would be getting ready in Trent's study. Nosedive however hopped over to us once we were all dressed. It was such a strange sight to see him in formal attire. None the less he entered the room wearing a fine teal and white tunic and coat with white trousers. The ladies had all found gowns rather suited to their respective styles but in the shades of teal and blue with white trimmings. Peeking out the door just a bit I would see the other men wearing shades of ebony and burgundy to match our captain's usual colors.
Then while looking into the mirror I found myself of course looking back wearing a white gown of silk and other fine fabrics. The cut of it was far different than the one forced onto me before, leaving my neck, shoulders, and my chest modestly bare, allowing the sapphire to shine from beneath my collar bone. This one the sleeves ran down from draping off my shoulders down, form fitting down along my arms until flaring out with lace at my wrists. The bodice was synched up with ribbon and velvet cords. The skirts flowed naturally and elegantly from my hips down to my feet. Upon my feet were a pair of white dress boots that went up passed my ankles a bit. The silver heart Duke had given me before Marestella had rewoven the chain, braiding it into a bracelet around my right wrist. Norelle had weaved my long burgundy hair into a loose braide that was then adorned with a feather graced veil with other crystals lining it as well that Norelle had kept from our homeland. The dress itself had no pattern, and was of a simple white, but with lace trimming at my bust, wrists, corset, and underskirts.
Once I was ready Nosedive was allowed to come out from behind the changing screen where he'd been told to hide. When he did he nearly wept cheerfully, "Sis...?"
I gave a shy nod, "I think so?"
Nothing held my twin back from hugging me tight, "I'm so proud of you sis, and so it Wing, I know it!"
"Proud that I'm marrying a pirate?" I smirked a bit with a raised brow.
"Proud that you've found where you want to be and who you want to be with. Really you marrying a pirate isn't that odd to it us; but regardless, we know he's a good drake for you to see so much in him," he said before adding with a wink, "Which is why I'm just fine giving you away to him."
"Dive?" I asked a bit startled.
"Well dad isn't here, and neither is Wildwing. So who better than your twin?" he grinned while handing me a handkerchief to dry my eyes with.
"Thank you Dive!" I replied while throwing my arms around him once more.
A few minutes later we heard Norelle and Irving beginning the music with his makeshift guitar and her voice. With this the others gathered at the helm of the ship with Nosedive and I left hidden away still. Melodia and Catalina sprinkled petals of morning glories, moon flowers, and cherry blossoms about the deck leading up to the wheel. Then I was lead out onto the deck, arm in arm with my twin brother as he escorted me up the stairs. Once there Duke turned with mouth slightly agape that made me blush beneath my veil. He was dressed in a long burgundy coat with ebony trim and lining. His under vest matched it with smooth crushed velvet fitting his lean, but strong frame. His dress shirt beneath was black as well with cuffed sleeves that flared out at his dark gloved hands. He'd traded his dark trousers for ones that matched his vest and coat. His boots had been redone and shined, remaining soft heeled to step lightly as he gave a bow to me, never looking away as he did this.
Nosedive would next walk me over to our captain, and then hug me tight before letting me go. A proud smile on his face my twin then stepped back to stand next to Grin. In this same moment I would turn towards Duke as he took me by both hands and stood with me at the wheel of the ship.
"I never thought I'd be doin' this for my own wedding, but here we are aren't we?" he teased.
"Captain?"
"As the highest authority on this ship now that we're deep into space again I am able to wed us right here an' now," he explained
"I could always take charge for you!" Marestella chimed in.
"I think I can manage this," he assured her before looking back to me.
"We're gathered on this ship, here among the stars, to unite my fair Heart an' I in marriage, if you'll have me," he began as we stood hand in hand.
I nodded my head while steadying my trembling hands in his. With a warm smile he swore to me, "As your husband, I vow to keep ya safe; to cherish ya as my dearest treasure, to adventure with ya whereever we travel, to be there for ya in sickness an' in health, through the tears an' laughter life brings us. Through my wanderin's all this time I was lost...until I found you, an' now that I have I have no intention of lettin' go. If somethin' tries to pry us apart somehow, I will be your thief an' steal ya back no matter what it takes. I vow to love ya Heart, beyond this or any other lifetime."
I felt his grip tighten, encouraging my voice to emerge as I looked up at him, "As your wife," the words curled my lips into a smile I couldn't hide back, "I vow to stand by your side through every adventure; to protect the freedom we wish to share along with our lives, to be there for you in sickness and in health, through the tears and plenty of laughter life brings our way. When I left home I was seeking adventure, and I found it in you...my thief?" He gave a warm smile as I finished, "I will be yours as well if anything should try to take you from me. For I vow to love you, Duke, beyond this or any other lifetime."
"Any objections to these vows or this union?" Duke dared anyone to tease us with this.
We also made note of the crystals everyone wore remaining intact. Duke and I each wore our own on our wrists as well. Still they each glistened while shielding us through this ritual.
"May we have the rings then?" Duke requested as Norelle and Trent each walked up and handed us each one.
"With this ring I seal this vow to you, as your husband and your devoted thief," Duke promised as he slid the gold band onto my finger, at the center of it a stone of aquamarine gleamed in the soft lights of the lanterns among the ship deck.
As I slid his gold band adorned with a shimmering sapphire onto his finger in return I whispered, "With this ring I seal this vow to you, as your wife, and your devoted thief."
"Then with these vows an' these rings in place I ask once more, I wish to take you as my bride, an' your heart as my dearest treasure, if you'll have me in return?"
"I will," I assured him.
"With this I pronounce us drake an' wife," he proclaimed softly before reaching up to brush the sides of my veil, his hands shaking themselves now as he requested, "May I kiss my bride?"
I nodded my head, knowing I was blushing from the warmth I felt spreading over my face as he lifted my veil. Then while sliding his hands to my shoulders he pulled me close to him as my own hands slid up to his chest, clutching the fabric of his fine coat. With this swift motion we leaned into one another and closed what distance there was between us with that kiss. While leaning in further I felt him run a hand along my back and the other to the back of my head, caressing my woven hair. When we finally pulled away from one another I thought he'd steal my breath away.
In a swift moment I then felt Duke lift me up in his arms, my skirts bunched up carefully as he did this, and spun me into a tight embrace as I held onto him in return.
Before I knew it I was swept into our first dance with the others keeping a rhythem for us as we joined hands. The music behind their claps picked up before slowing down as Duke and I stood before one another at the center of the ship. With a swift bow Duke looked to me with an offered hand, his ring catching the light in this motion. I then placed my hand in his as he startled me by asking, "That song ya saved me with, surely ya know the rest of it?"
"Duke, I-"
"I'd like it to be our song, please sweetheart?" Duke requested softly.
With him pulling me steadily closer to him I took a deep breath and began softly at first.
Take my now my thief, here as I am
Hold me close, and try and understand
Desire is hunger, is the fire I breathe
Love is a banquet on which we feed
With the light of moons glowing over us, casting their light with the stars, he began to spin me into him, catching my other hand as he held me against him from behind.
Come on now, try and understand
The way I feel under your command
Take my hand, as the sun descends
They can't hurt you now!
Can't hurt you now
Can't hurt you now!
With these words Norelle brought out a violin I'd never known her to have thus far and picked up on the tune to the song I was recalling. As I sang Duke spun me beneath his fingers, my skirts twirling with this swift motion.
Because the night belongs to lovers
Because the night belongs to us
Because the night belongs to lovers
Because the night belongs to us!
Our dance slowed a bit for me to catch my breath and continue for him as he gave a charming smile that made my heart skip.
Have I doubt, my thief, when I'm alone
Love is a ring, a telephone
Love is an angel disguised as lust
Here in our bed until the morning comes
"Why does this song sound so familiar, yet before ya I'd never heard it before?" Duke asked while pulling me close to him again, running a hand up along my neck to caress my cheek, unknowingly drawing out the words from my lips.
Come on now, try and understand
The way I feel under your command
Take my hand, as the sun descends
Can't hurt you now
Can't hurt you now
"Like this sweetheart?" he teased softly while brushing my cheek with his velvet touch.
In response I nodded my head while whispering the chorus to him with a passion I'd tried to push down before igniting in my chest.
Because the night belongs to lovers
Because the night belongs to us
Because the night belongs to lovers
Because the night belongs to us
Duke seemed to take note of this, giving a confident smirk before taking my hand and asking playfully, "Is there more darlin'?"
I nodded my head as he continued to dance with me, our pace picking up in pace and swift movements.
With love we sleep, with doubt the
Vicious cycle turns, and burns
Without you oh I cannot live, forgive the
Yearning, Burning
I believe it's time, too real to feel
He again grasped my hand to spin me once more beneath his fingertips before spinning me out.
So take me now, take me now, take me now!
He caught my hand now.
Because the night belongs to lovers
He pulled me closer to him with every word breathed out.
Because the night belongs to us
He slipped free hand up along my back with a playful smile curving his beak as he looked over me and then into my eyes.
Because the night belongs to lovers
His hand holding mine now slid up to my chin, tilting it as I whispered quickly the last words of our song now.
And everybody says that is belongs to us!
Again the distance closed between us as he pulled me into a deep kiss. With the music dying down we would hear our friends applauding our dance with hearty cheers to go with it. Then the music shifted and everyone danced with us now. Norelle and Irving played various songs of different tempos for us to enjoy.
Shortly after we had our meal, carefully crafted by Marestella, Grin, and Catalina. Afterwards we gathered around to share stories together, Nosedive would tell tales of growing up together and my apparent crush he was convinced I'd had to begin with now. Marestella would tease Duke about his teen years and how he loved playing the hero, perhaps practicing to be one for me now. In doing so we had all taken seats when Duke quickly pulled me onto his lap, wrapping his arms around me to ensure I wouldn't slip away. Despite me not wishing to.
Duke:
Then Norelle spoke up, "Captain, you should sing to your bride, it may bring good luck?"
"Ya think so huh?" I asked in my infinite good mood.
Then I thought for a moment and nodded, "There is one I like that fits such an occassion. The one you taught me Norelle if you'll help me start please?"
"Of course!" She nodded with delight, "Everyone? We all know this one."
With that they lead us in the chorus while Heart listened while sitting in my lap still.
Kind friends and companions, come join me in rhyme?
Come lift up your voices in chorus with mine!
Come lift up your voices, all grief to refrain
For we may or might never all meet here again!
Irving and Nosedive soon helped bring everyone a glass to raise filled to the brim with warm cider or sparkling wine based on who was drinking from which. They continued to join me in song as Heart looked to everyone with a smile curving her soft lips.
So here's a health to the company
And one to my lass!
Let us drink and by merry all out of one glass!
Irving made sure everyone had a drink that we now raised high, some clashing into others to spill some of their contents in these gestures.
Let's drink and be merry, all grief to refrain
For we may or might never all meet here again!
Their voices grew silent as I looked to Heart, lifting a hand to tilt her head until I was looking into those sapphires of hers. With a warm smile, beaming with joy and pride I offered her with love woven into my voice for her.
Here's a health to my dear lass,
That I love so well
For her style and her beauty
I caressed her blushing cheek as she watched me intently.
There's none can excel
Somehow she blushed even deeper while grasping my strong shoulders as I continued for her.
There's a smile on her countenance
As she sits upon my knee
There is no drake in all these worlds
As happy as me
I promised her while pulling her close to me as she nuzzled her head against my chest, causing my heart to beat louder for her it seemed.
Everyone joined in again as I held my bride still.
Here's a health to the company
And one to my lass!
Let's drink and be merry all out of one glass!
Let's drink and be merry, all grief to refrain!
For we may or might never all meet here again!
While holding one another still we looked around to our friends, her brother, our crew. A smile was on each and every one of them as we shared this moment with them. These vows witnessed by those who wouldn't ever judge our bond, nor try to sever it. They rejoiced in our union and continued our journey to help us keep these promises even now. So we continued to sing until our song was done.
Our ship lies at anchor, she is ready to dock
I wish her safe landing without any shock
And if ever I should meet you by land, stars, or by sea
I will always remember your kindness to me!
So here's a health to the company
And one to my lass!
Let's drink and be merry all out of one glass!
Let's drink and be merry, all grief to refrain
For we may or might never all meet here again!
With a hearty cheer this song of ours came to an end. As it did I had heard Heart joining in at the final chorus with us, all while still holding onto me as tightly as she could.
Shortly after, while the celebrating continued well into the night, I would notice Heart looking up at me with eyes shimmering just like the sapphire resting on her chest. Her cheeks had remained a soft pink, but were now turning a deeper shade as I held her so close.
"Yes sweetheart?" I asked her softly, "Is somethin' wrong?"
She shook her head. Then, still blushing, she leaned forward and brushed my cheek with a gentle kiss. As she did this I felt her grip on the collar of shirt tighten and I shifted just enough to kiss her directly as she hoped it seemed. When I went to pull away a bit I would find her eyes locked with my own. I wondered if she knew I could hear her heart right then, or was that my own pounding so clearly? Either way I swept her up in my arms to carry her to our cabin, slipping away without pulling attention to us that may overwhelm her.
Once inside the cabin I set Heart carefully on her feet while slipping a hand to the door behind me to lock it tight for us. Then I looked to her as she stood in her lovely white gown before me, weakening my knees. Gathering myself I pulled her against me, embracing her as I ran a hand up along her back and realized in a light teasing voice, "You're tremblin' sweetheart. You're not cold are ya?"
She looked up at me as I offered smoothly, "As Captain, I'm sure I could warm ya up couldn't I?"
"Captain...?"
"Heart...I'm beggin' ya..."
"Duke..." she smiled playfully, tugging at the heart in my chest as I stood before her.
I then grasped her shoulders, pulling her against me again as I kissed her. When I pulled back slightly with her breath I would hear again, "Duke?"
"I'm yours sweetheart, if ya want...?" I whispered to her while keeping her close, only now feeling her hands clutching at my chest over my vest.
All I needed to hear her say was, "I want my thief."
With that I swept up my bride into my arms, kissing her, and promising her, "I'm yours love."