Chapter 28

The evening was warm and inviting. A light, sea breeze lazily drifted through the old city.

A thin jacket or shawl was all one needed to feel comfortable as the songs of joy and melody chimed on through the night.

The celebration that carried on through the evening was none other than the wedding of Edmond and Suzie.

And what a celebration it was. Jim laughed, danced and clapped along with his fellow guests. Celebrating a bond of union that not even the gods themselves could tear apart.

Having safely returned to Port Royal, Jim was able to hand over the terracotta stone as well as the location of Flint's lost slaves. Finally, they would be free.

Honours were given, but to Jim, these seemed to be of least importance when compared to what he celebrated this particular evening.

The figure ducking out from the party grabbed his attention, catching only the brief wave of her carrot orange hair.

Quickly putting down his drink, he hurried to catch her.

"Pell!" he called out to her down the old, wooden deck of the great ballroom.

The girl halted, spinning on her heels, finally allowing Jim the chance to catch up to her.

"Where are you going? The partying is only just starting."

Pell cast him a sad smile, her gaze finding its way across the starry night's sky.

"I don't know," she admitted.

"You can travel with us," pushed Jim, eager not to see her go. "You're welcome to be part of my crew." He chuckled. "This is the second time you saved my life. It's the least I can do to repay you."

"You saved mine too." A hand toyed with the bracelet on her wrist. "It's a tempting offer but I need to keep moving."

"Will I ever see you again?"

"Perhaps." She gave him a grin that more-or-less told him they would cross paths. "Somewhere along the lines, no doubt. In the meanwhile, there is someone who needs you."

She pointed him through rosy, glass windows at the figure who gently swayed and clapped in time to the music.

"Goodbye, James." And with a kiss to the cheek, Pell disappeared into the night.

Slowly stepping back into the hall, Jim watched her from across the party. She had a flower in her hair and a lovely, crimson dress that seemed to make her eyes sparkle.

How had he not noticed her before? She was... stunning.

Jim downed the remainder of his wine, fixing his posture and running a quick hand through his hair.

And through a nervous swagger, he approached her with a smile and an extended hand.

"Care to dance, my lady?"

A smile tugged at her cheeks, her eyes giving him a suspicious raise of the eyebrow.

Jim bowed, kissing her hand before blowing formalities out of the window and let out a shy chuckle.

"I don't do 'Prince Charming' very well," he laughed at himself, fumbling over his own words.

"It's ok, Prince Charming never interested me much, anyway." Dolphy chuckled, taking his hand. "I would love to dance."

The evening was just perfect.

And Jim could have been forgiven for mistaking that all was right with the world.

That was until the shadow approached him from behind, the great block of cement interrupting their dance.

"Young, James. If you may, it is a matter of urgency that I speak with you," said Onyx.

Jim followed him to a small back room, one that seemed seldom visited as dust coated the walls and floors.

"I have just spoken with the Royal Navy and those of the Academy. It is in regards to the piracy charges that have been placed against you. I have tried to negotiate but they seem adamant that you should have brought back the treasure from Treasure Planet with you. They accuse you of coveting it."

"What?"

"Your final hearing is scheduled for the coming week. You must leave this place this evening."