Author's Note: To clarify something a few of you have asked me about where the "hanging" chapter went, it comes later in the story. I put up that chapter as a one-shot, but seeing the response I got, I chose to go ahead and post it from the beginning. That chapter is the next to the last of the story. Hope that clears everything up for you!
The dining room far surpassed anything that Nicolette had seen thus far. All of the wall surfaces were carved with an ivy pattern and several large tapestries were on display. There were three stained glass windows that went from floor to ceiling, and the table in the center of the room was almost as long as the room itself. You would think that such a table would be set for a large array of guests, but as it sat, it only held two place settings: one at the head of the table and one to the immediate right of it.
Nic had been left alone in this elegant space, her mind wondering just who her host was. She didn't have to wait long to find out…
"Good eve, milady." The most beautiful voice that Nic had ever heard filled the air. She turned to face the direction of the voice and was in awe of the sight before her. The man that filled her field of vision was…beautiful. The very first thing that caught her attention were his eyes. She was so used to seeing the dark eyes of her lover, that she forgot any others could exist, but here they were. A brilliant green that far outshone any jewel she'd ever seen stared at her, their owner smiling at her. He had raven hair that fell in full curls to his shoulders and Nic found herself with the strange urge to tangle her fingers in it. She shook the feeling away – noticeably – and the prince took note. "Are you all right?"
Nic found her answer to be one of pure honesty. "Honestly, I've no idea how I am."
The prince walked towards her, every movement graceful. "Perfectly understandable, seeing as how I found you."
"You? You found me?"
He nodded. "Yes. I'm afraid that you got caught up in something rather…unpleasant." He took her hand and brought it gently to his lips. "I couldn't leave you there – I do hope you don't mind."
"Did you see…my friends?"
The prince bit his lower lip. "You're not a true pirate as they were, are you? You sound far more cultured."
"I suppose not," Nic said, sadly. "Did you see them?" she asked again.
"I saw many dead bodies, I cannot be sure who was who. I fear I only came upon the sight once the fighting ceased – you were the only one alive…I wasn't sure you'd live."
"Thank you," she said softly.
"I've been told that your name is Nicolette."
"Yes."
"Do you have a last name?"
Nic thought a moment. "Not anymore."
The prince seemed intrigued. "My name is Prince Noel Harstone." He smiled. "However, I don't require such a beautiful young woman to refer to me as such."
"How shall I refer to you, then?"
"Noel is perfectly fine," he said, his voice still smooth. "You will join me for supper, yes?"
Nic found herself nodding. "I…I would love to."
Noel pulled out the chair to the right of his and helped Nic to sit down. Shortly after, several people brought in their meal. A beautiful and delicious bounty of food was served and Nic couldn't remember when she'd had such an amazing meal. She found herself speaking openly with the man who had not only rescued her, but taken her in. She told him about what had happened to her family, how she had turned to piracy…and Jake. Noel hung on her every word, never interrupting, never losing interest. When her tale had reached its present place, he spoke.
"I don't believe he would have left you, Nicolette," he said softly. "It sounds as though your relationship was…remarkable."
"It was." Nic wiped at her eye with her napkin. "You think he's…"
"I certainly refuse to believe that he'd abandon you. No man in his right mind would." He escorted Nic from the dining room to a balcony. They looked out over the land in silence for quite some time. "Have you anywhere to go?" Nic silently shook her head. "You are more than welcome to stay here."
"How can you make such an offer to someone you hardly know?"
"Because of how badly I wish to know you."
