Chapter Thirteen.
Ruby Lorelei stirred near dawn, the early morning chill seeping into her skin. She drew her knees up to her chin, and groaned as she threw an arm over her hip and patted around for the goose down quilt, that was part of this luxurious room. Her hand felt the warm body next to her and she gritted her teeth. William Turner, her lover and beloved, son of her surrogate father, had stolen the blankets. While it was not an unusual occurrence for him to roll himself up into a cocoon, her experience of it had so far been on her home Island of Haven where the sun perpetually shone.
On her ship the i Sea Maiden /I , she never slept totally naked. She was Captain, and her crew could enter her cabin at any time during an emergency. This was the first time she'd been truly inconvenienced by her lover's bad habit. After a brief struggle while trying to pull the quilt over her frozen flesh, which she lost even though William still slept Lorelei rose and slipped on her undergarments, then she wrapped the jacket Will had purchased the night before, tightly around her curvy frame.
Lorelei watched the sun rise from the window seat, a deep unease settling into her stomach as she watched the red ribbon that stained the brightening sky. William would have laughed at her superstitions but the old adage echoed in her mind, i "A red sky at night- Sailor's Delight, red sky in the morning, Sailor's Warning." /I She took a deep breath, and clutched the material closer to her body. She backed away from the window thinking hard, she'd have to be alert for danger. Lorelei gave a feral grin, she was b ALWAYS /b alert for danger, that was the price she paid for her life. What's more she would be alert for any plotting from Jack Sparrow, she loved the man dearly, and she'd trust him with her life, he was canny and sly. But she never trusted him to stay out of mischief. Something was afoot, she'd trust her gut feeling any day, and she had no doubt that the centre of the whirlwind rested with him.
A contented snore distracted her from her thoughts, and she turned towards the bed and smiled. Will was sprawled on his back, arms flung over his head, and he'd managed to spread himself over to her side of a bed. Like a cat he managed to take up more space then his frame could possible need, it was against the laws of nature. She debated waking him, but decided not to, he hadn't gotten a lot of sleep. Ruby snorted, he hadn't allowed her to get a lot of sleep either, but she didn't have the heart to wake him. He looked angelic, and if she hadn't had a hand in his corruption she would have swore he was virginal and pure.
She crept out of the room, waylaying one of the chambermaids and organised for some hot water and a bath to be brought up, which was to be followed quickly by a hot breakfast of bacon, eggs and sausage. She wanted to take full advantage of the life of luxury before heading back to the i Sea Maiden /I . The maids quietly brought in the bath, and once they departed Lorelei slipped off her undergarments and sank into the hot depths gladly. She washed quickly, and clothed herself back in the velvet dress she'd worn the night before. She struggled with her unruly hair, until the maid bringing in the breakfast tray took pity on her and skilfully twisted it into a masterful creation.
She rewarded the girl with an extra tip, hoping Will wouldn't mind since it had been his money. Then she settled in to wait for Will to wake, though after half an hour her stomach was growling bitterly she gave in, and began to eat. She looked around her with fresh eyes, and sighed deeply. How could Will stand to lose this? He'd had a chance to better himself, and surely, deep down he still loved the Governor's daughter and the life which she'd bring him, Ruby was sure of it. She could see it every time he mentioned the woman. She found it easy to shrug off the occasional admiring glance bent towards Will in the street because she knew that she had no competition from them. Her rival was the beautiful Elizabeth Swann.
Lorelei lost her appetite with the tone of her thoughts; she pushed her plate forward and headed towards the window, suddenly eager to be back on the ship, out on the open sea. Which was one of the only places she felt comfortable. At least on the ocean she knew that she was at the whim of forces out of her grasp and she could accept and go where the wind took her. She hated feeling that way about her own life. Suddenly the rich surrounding her began to stifle her and she pushed open the French doors that led to a small balcony, and stepped out into the fresh air, gulping in a deep lungful of air.
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Will woke slowly, stretching and scratching his stomach before reaching out for Ruby, only to find her side of the bed cold, and the blankets wrapped around him again. He had to smile. She hated that. He couldn't help it though. He'd stop if he could, and yet, a disgruntled Ruby was too adorable for words too, so it had its perks. He searched the room, and drew in a deep steadying breath when he saw her standing on the balcony, hair glowing like fire in the bright light of day. Her back was ramrod straight though, and he could suddenly sense that something wasn't right. She wasn't the relaxed Ruby of the night before. Had something happened? He shot to his feet and hurried to the balcony, sidling up behind her and wrapping his arms around her waist. He placed a soft kiss on her neck, resting his chin on her shoulder before kissing her temple this time. "What is it love?"
Ruby jumped, her thoughts had been so far away that she hadn't heard him stir. She shook her head; there was nothing she could put into words. She leaned back at him, and stiffened again, this time her lips began to twitch, "William, me love. Ye kno' how much I adore lookin' at ye nekkid but I donnae think tha' rest o' the neighbourhood appreciates tha' view."
Will grinned against her skin and then proceeded to laugh. "You don't? You don't think the women would appreciate my fine form?"
"Oh, they might but they'd nevr admit ta being anythin' but scandalised." Lorelei turned to face Will, and gave him a deep kiss, "Yer breakfast is on tha' table. An' there be some bath water, but it be cold by now, since ye lay abed so long."
Will leaned in for another kiss and moaned his pleasure as he filled his hands with her soft, rounded backside. "Mmmmmmmm... I think I already found the only sustenance I need love."
Lorelei laughed huskily, but twisted out of his arms, "Are ye not ever satisfied?"
"Never with you in my arms, love. I'll never have my fill of you. Not even if I live to be three hundred."
Lorelei shook her head, still laughing. "Eat William, I be gettin tha' feelin that we be in for tha' longest days of our lives." Her tone became grim, letting slip the unease that still permeated her soul. Call it superstition, call it foolishness but she'd lived by following the signs of nature. She tried to force her tone back into its former light cadence, "Besides, tha' way yer goin' yer gonna be tha end of me."
Will seated himself at the table, but snagged her as she passed, tumbling her into his lap and wrapping an arm securely around her. "So is that why you've suddenly gone all serious on me again? You sense trouble?"
Ruby rested her head on his shoulder, "Aye." She whispered. "Trouble be headed towards us William, I can feel it in me bones." She bit her lip, she knew she wasn't just talking about the fight with the slavers, but she could sense a change coming to them, it was a restlessness that seethed in her soul.
"We'll be all right love. That's what I sense. Whatever is headed our way, we will overcome it. We're together love; nothing can come between us... I won't let it." Will cringed inwardly as he remembered what exactly this mission was about. Yes, he would have to see Elizabeth again, would have to confront her with his change of heart, but he loved Lorelei. He had no doubt about that. Not a one. He loved her with his whole soul. And he meant to keep his word. i Nothing /i was going to come between them. Not even his past.
Lorelei gave him a small loving smile, and pressed a hard kiss to his forehead. She slid deftly off of his lap, "Eat darling, we really need ta get back ta the ship. Unfortunately our fairytale has ended."
Will sighed and nodded his head once in agreement. He'd slept far longer than he should, and delayed their departure by precious hours they might not be able to afford. He stood and donned his clothing, picking up a piece of bread and filling it with the meat, eggs, and cheese, and taking one more deep breath. "Let's go love. The day awaits. Much as I would like to stop time, time stops for no man. I've burned precious daylight already. I'll not delay us any longer."
Lorelei grinned, "If ye not be such a blanket hog I'd be still sleepin' ta." She took his hand as they descended the stairs. She gave Mrs. Williams a smug smile as Will settled the payment for the room.
Will returned to Ruby's side and eased her arm into his own, leaning in to whisper in her ear as he opened the door for her. "If ye'd still been abed my precious, there'd would have been more noise comin' from the bed than yer snoring. And that be a fact."
Lorelei slapped his arm as they left the guesthouse, "I be snorin'? Ye be tha' one cuttin' down trees. Don't ye make any comments, I be thinkin' thunder was clashin' from tha bedroom this mornin'."
Will patted her arm gently and bit back a laugh, "If you say so my love."
Lorelei's eyes glinted dangerously, "Don't patronise me William Turner. Or ye may find yerself listenin' ta tha crew's harmonious snores."
Will did laugh this time, and then bussed her cheek, ignoring the gasp and evil glare an older woman gave them as she passed. If only she knew just how scandalous they could truly be. "I do love you my Ruby tempest. I do love you indeed."
Ruby snorted, "Ye just be sayin' tha' cause ye won't be able ta steal tha' blankets from those big burly lads." They walked slowly, trying to delay the inevitable; their bodies close together despite the tone of their conversation. They were teasing, their affair would have no spice without the biting remarks they traded.
Much too soon they reached the ship. Will lifted her hand just before they boarded, pressing his lips gently to the ring she'd worn to mark them as married. He longed to ask her not to remove it. To wear it forever, and let him remain hers in every sense of the word that mattered. But somehow the words stuck in his throat. He prayed that perhaps she'd know what it was he longed to say. But perhaps it was best for him to wait until Elizabeth was back with her father, and all ties severed irrevocably, before he asked her to be his wife.
Lorelei squeezed the hand that held hers to his lips. She gave him another one of her special smiles, the ones that were reserved exclusively for him. She realised something, it wasn't important if Will's love for Elizabeth ignited once he caught up with his former love. If she lost him now she would grieve, but she'd also thank the power's above that she'd had his love, and shared a moment of his life. If his heart truly lay with Elizabeth, then she'd let him go with no bitterness, for she loved him with her everything, and that required her to want him to be happy. She tugged at his hand, until she brought their entwined fingers to her lips, and she kissed the back of his hand. She heaved a heavy sigh, as they walked up the gang plank, the weight of her responsibilities settling like an anchor on her shoulders.
The crew were hard at work, they moved together like a well oiled machine, used to each other and professional, almost able to read each other's mind. She noted that Bill was supervising and she nodded good morning to him when he lifted his arm in greeting. Jack was nowhere to be seen, probably still sleeping off the wine he'd consumed the night before but she still didn't trust that imp. The crew ignored the fact that she was in a dress, and looked every inch the well to do lady, as they greeted her. She was still their Captain, and that meant more to them. She headed straight for her cabin to change, vaguely noticing William was right on her heels.
She stripped off the dress with regret. She'd been able to play out her fantasies, it had been fun. Will had made sure that she'd had the honeymoon that she'd never other wise merit. She carefully folded the dress and placed it back in her trunk, she'd make sure it was washed when they returned to Haven, and slowly slipped off the undergarments. She reached for the sponge, set next to a bowl full of water on her dresser when a hand closed over her wrist. She looked up, startled, into William's dark eyes.
"We don' have tha' time fer tha now'" She pouted regretfully, wishing with all her heart that they could ignore the world for a bit longer. But she couldn't, the minute she'd set foot aboard the ship she'd taken up her responsibilities again. And right now that involved catching up with the Slaver ship that had innocent women hostage, winging them away from their homes into the vilest kind of servitude. Ruby knew Will didn't understand her passion for freeing Elizabeth. Even she herself didn't understand it fully. Part of it was an unwillingness to see any women used in that manner, or see the freedom of heart and spirit she so valued stolen away, even if that woman was the bride to be of the man she'd come to love. If she could win that woman's freedom, and show Will that she was the right woman for him, that he'd only find his happiness with her, then that was so much the better.
Will smiled softly. "I know love, but let me wash you at least. You have my word it will go no further." It was the only way he could see to offer his comfort. He could sense her disquiet but had no way to combat it. Only the future could do that.
Lorelei looked at him sceptically but set the sponge into his hand. She sighed in bliss as his hands lightly washed her down. He never seemed to comment about her fussiness when it came to being clean. She'd bathed already, but had had to put soiled clothing back onto her skin. Ruby stretched like a cat, as his movements massaged out her muscles. And once he was finished, and she was left shivering in the cold air, from his touch as much as the water, he gently began towelling her dry.
When he was done he wrapped the towel firmly around her body. Lorelei's heart was near to breaking so great was the love, and desire that flowed through her, she stumbled forward and wrapped her arms around his waist, allowing him to see her vulnerability, and the great love she held with in her small frame. It was a rare glimpse into her heart, for once unguarded by the uneasiness of the day. She sagged against him for a moment, allowing him to be her strength.
Will tipped her chin, and placed a kiss on each of her closed eyelids, then he caressed his thumb down the curve of her cheek. There was nothing he could say that would lessen her sense of danger and uncertainty. And now, with the hunt upon them, the time to discuss personal emotions had slipped away. In less than a day their focus must be on surviving the attack on the slavers. That worried him too. Knowing that Ruby would be in the thick of the fight horrified him, and yet he knew deep down that she was more capable of taking care of herself than Elizabeth had been. Elizabeth had the fire and intelligence, Ruby had that and more. Ruby was hardy, and unspoiled by a life of luxury. She relied on herself, was trained in the skills of survival. And unlike Elizabeth, Ruby's sense of honour came second to staying alive.
Once Will would have looked down on that thought, but knowing Jack Sparrow had changed his outlook, on a lot of things. Meeting Ruby had given him a curious sense of belonging, like he'd found a place of acceptance. In Port Royal, he was nothing more than the blacksmith who'd gotten above his station. Will tucked Ruby's head under his chin and held her closely. His own nervousness made him cling to her. He was afraid of meeting up with Elizabeth. Uneasy and unsure. What would happen, would his heart explode with that familiar longing? Or even worse, and yet better, would he look upon her and feel nothing but that love of an old friend? He was afraid of that, and yet his love for Ruby was a flame that could eclipse that if his heart stayed true and wasn't treacherous. So why was he afraid? He sighed as the sounds of the ship began to intrude on his meanderings. He stepped back from Lorelei with another smile.
"You should get dressed. If you don't find your way to the deck they may come looking." Will twinned a lock of her flaming hair around his fingers, and as he looked deep into her eyes he had his answer.
His life was changing in a way he'd never anticipated. Elizabeth had been a safe love, unattainable, and had stepped onto a pedestal in his mind. Then the incident with Barbossa had happened, and suddenly, as the hero of the moment the prize had been his and he'd taken it. His disillusionment had come hard. Though he'd been a fool to think he was free of Elizabeth so easily. It had been the euphoria of sexual love. Falling in love with Lorelei had opened his eyes to the whole part of his life that he'd tried to hide from, so as to become more acceptable in Elizabeth's eyes.
Yet in the end, it had been what Elizabeth had craved from him, she'd been trying to box him neatly with her ideals. With Lorelei's acceptance of him, as he was, he'd slowly opened himself to his heritage. And now, he knew he had to move on from the past. One that was safe and secure; with affectionate love, to a future in the eye of the tempest. That passion could destroy him utterly, but he wanted it. And that lay in Elizabeth's slender white manicured hands. He couldn't lightly let go of the love of his childhood, and youth. It had been so much a part of the adolescent William Turner that it had to be address and not just ignored. But he wouldn't know how much of a hold it would have on his life until he told her he was in love with another. He needed Elizabeth to absolve him from their love irrevocably.
Will watched Ruby dress, and he smiled softly, his eyes darkening with his thwarted desire. He'd loved the lady she'd been last night. Her elegance and beauty had taken his breath away, But seeing her in the old, slightly worn leather trousers, and the loose fitting pirate's shirt, made his heart skip a beat. This was the woman he'd fallen for. It had been her freedom and spirit that had drawn him to her. The feisty personality made her seem bigger than she was, until she filled thoughts and dreams. And though she'd disagree, there was an openness, and honesty that glowed within her, almost innocence. How she'd laugh at that thought.
He loosened his hold on her hair and reached for her sword belt which lay on the side board, tying, and buckling it around her waist. He gave the blade a professional look and scowled. "When we get home I'm going to make you the perfect blade. It will be the first blade I craft in the new smithy on Haven. You deserve a sword made for you and not another man's requirements, one that will be light, and feel like it is part of your hand."
Will's heart burst with pleasure when her eyes widened, and she gave him a luminescent smile. He'd not spoken of his plans to relocate to Haven. The joy expelled the shadows from her eyes for a moment. And then the moment came, the knock on the door and the muffled voice asking for the Captain. He rested his forehead against hers regretfully for a moment and then gave her a little push towards the door, "Go, love. They need you now. I need to bath, and then I have my own duties."
I "Oh how I wish my need could be expressed now." /I He watched her leave and forced himself to feel positive. Soon, very soon it would all be resolved. Yes. Ruby was the woman he loved. He knew it deep in his bones. He just needed to see Elizabeth safely home, tell her thank you for setting him free, and then he would be truly free to pursue this new destiny he'd been gifted with. He simply needed to say goodbye.
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Ruby reluctantly headed up the stairs to the quarter deck, the sunlight almost blinded her after the relative gloom of her cabin. She looked around her, and smiled. Everything was as it should be, they were ready to make sail as soon as she gave the order. It made her feel guilty that she'd been less efficient, but she shrugged that off rebelliously. They weren't at sea just yet, that was when she had to be focused, but right now she just wanted to be a normal eighteen year old in love.
She hurried towards the steerage, nodding to her first mate when he relinquished it for her. With ease she took the ship out of the dock, feeling that familiar sense of freedom, and longing of the open sea.
Bill's hand on her shoulder surprised, and yet comforted her in a way that she'd never before felt so comfortable admitting to herself. His voice, as warm as a goose down blanket to her soul.
"Did ye have a good night Ruby love?" Bill asked, a small smirk sneaking across his features.
"It was perfect Da." Ruby gurgled wistfully, "Ta bad tha' fairtytale be over heh?"
"Nay love. It just be put on hold a bit. They'll be plenty of days left for my two youngin's te live out tha fairytale."
Lorelei gave Bill a small smile, "I glad ye be happy fer us Da. It coulda been an awkward situation."
"Why wouldnae I be happy for my two favourite people in the world ta find one another and love one another well? All I've ever prayed for, was for the two of ye ta find happiness. And ye have. That be all that matters."
"We both be yer children. Some wouldnae understand." Ruby's eyes scanned the horizon, noting and logging weather and direction.
"And ta me ye are both blood, but ye aren't. Ye are my adopted daughter, and there be nothin' standin' in the way of ye bein' happy. Hang anyone that has not the sense ta see that. Ye belong together. And I'm so very grateful that I was spared ta see it come ta pass." Bill squeezed her arm reassuringly before ruffling her hair. Something only he could ever get away with, on deck or in private either one.
Lorelei reached over and grabbed his hand, grasping it tightly in thanks, "I'm so glad ye found him. Not jus' fer me sake. It's put a closure on tha' past fer ye."
"Nay, tis opened up a future for me is what its done love. A bright shining future, filled with beautiful little grandbabies and loads of laughter. The past is never as strong as we seem to think it is. Only we can give it power, but in the end, tis the future that beckons. Always. Remember that."
Ruby arched an eyebrow, "Grandbabies? Ye be gettin' ahead o' yerself."
Bill tossed his head back and laughed heartily. "I said future love. Not immediate future. I'll give ye a few years yet."
Ruby chuckled, "Way inta tha future, if at all."
Bill patted her head and smiled amiably. "We'll see. For now I'll just see ye two happy. That'll be good enough for me."
Ruby allowed Bill to see the clouded look in her eyes, "That all depends on tha' immediate future don't it. He still loves Elizabeth, I donnae know if he trusts her, but he still loves her. It's in his eyes when he be speakin' of her."
Bill shook his head. "No Ruby love. He might still care about her, but he donnae love her. Not like ye fear."
Lorelei sighed, "But in his mind I donnae think he knows tha' difference."
Bill held his tongue. She wouldn't believe him if he told her, but time would ease her fears. It was obvious to anyone that watched them together that Will belonged to Ruby heart and soul, but only William could reassure her. And walking away from Elizabeth would be imperative if Ruby were to ever have full faith in his love. Their having to rescue the foolhardy girl was actually going to be a blessing in the end.
They lapsed into silence, hours stretched by as Ruby stared into the glare of the sun off the water. Her eyes were aching and burning but she continued on her watch. She knew where and what every member of her crew was doing, so she had no need to shout orders to them, but she monitored them carefully. She rubbed her eyes and then motioned for her Da to take her place when the first mate, Jonas motioned to her. She followed him to the bow of the ship. "What is it?" She noted his concerned look.
He pointed astern and her eyes followed carefully, noticing immediately the sails in the far distance. "We're being followed."
Lorelei snatched the spy glass from Jonas's hand and leaned over the railing and swore viciously, "Can ye tell who tha' ship be? From tha' look oh the helm it be a sleek ship. Put tha men on alert, get them ready ta fight. We will watch em carefully but I want us ready ta sink em if they try ta board." Ruby went cold, and had the adrenaline of excitement pump through her at the same time. "Get every one at their posts."
"Aye, aye Captain." He turned immediately to his post as they began preparations for battle. The mood aboard ship turned to anticipation and the thrill of it fairly hummed across the deck.
Ruby turned and headed back to the helm, "Da get yerself armed. An' go wake that sluggard Sparrow, we will be needin' him."
Bill hesitated a moment and opened his mouth and closed it several times, not sure if now was the time to tell her what they'd planned or not. Bill hesitated a moment and opened his mouth and closed it several times, not sure if now was the time to tell her what they'd planned or not. In the end he decided it best that he explain it in the presence of his co conspirator and his son.. "Aye."
Ruby waited impatiently, as she watched men around her scramble to battle positions. She barely cast Jack a glance as he headed on deck, though she felt his presence along with her Da's next to her. "Where be William, I need all hands."
"I'm right here Captain. What's happening?" William's eyes took in all the activity on deck and the hair on the back of his neck stood on end. "Don't tell me we've already caught the slavers?"
Ruby grimaced as he strode on deck; it was a cross between a smile for William and a scowl at their situation. "Nay, we're bein' followed. Tha' ship be gainin' on us fast." She turned a serious look on William, "We may need ta fight."
Will held her eyes for a brief moment, attempting to convey all his love and strength in one look. "Where do you want me then Captain?"
"Take charge of tha' lower decks, Make sure those mannin' tha' cannons are organised." Ruby commanded, but she gave him a look that told him that her abruptness was only due to their circumstance.
"Aye captain." Will winked at her discreetly before turning back in the direction from which he'd just come. He spared a look at Jack and Bill, suddenly suspicious when he saw the look they'd shared yet tried to hide. "Da, Jack. Looks as if we might have a fight on our hands? Wonder what they might be after; why they would be after us."
Ruby cut a look back at them, alerted by William's tone of voice. She glared at them as they looked almost...sheepish. "Right, you two my cabin now." She ordered suddenly apprehensive. She stalked ahead, motioning for William and Jonas to follow her.
Will followed and kept a close eye on Jack in particular. Something was most definitely not right here. He might be an excellent pirate, but he was a lousy actor. Ruby sank into the chair behind the mahogany desk in her cabin, and glared at her father and that miscreant Sparrow. Guilt was in every line of them. They obviously knew, and were perhaps the cause of this situation. "Explain...NOW. Before I have ye thrown in tha' brig."
Jack's eyes twinkled and he shrugged nonchalantly. "Revenge love. Tis all about revenge."
"Revenge is nae good enough ta endanger MY ship or tha' crew." Ruby snarled.
"Aye, it is love. Besides, there is no danger ta your ship."
Ruby's eyes narrowed, "Explain yerself Sparrow before I have ye thrown over board." Betrayal flared in her eyes. She'd know Jack was self serving and was always out to come out on top but she'd never thought that he'd actually ever play her into his games. The realisation that she was the same as every other person he conned burned. She shot an identical look at her father, the pain deepening. Who could she trust?
Jack's eyes suddenly turned cold as ice, and his body tensed, his fists clenching at his sides. "She's the i Sea Sprite /I , and her crew hates the bastard, that hurt you almost as much as I. There'll be a mutiny today, with the promise that they'll have a better captain from today on."
"Tha' i Sea Sprite /i ?" Ruby's fist clenched as she remembered the man who'd tried to molest her was first mate aboard that ship. It didn't dissipate her feeling of loss and betrayal." Revenge has no place here, nae now. You are tha' last person who should encourage mutiny." Her voice was icy and stiff with disapproval. She was fighting not to show how distressed she was on a personal level. 'An' when were ye plannin' on tellin' me about yer little plan. Or am I superfluous, a figure head ta yer schemes. If so I quit, here an' now." She rose from her seat; they'd undermined her authority enough.
Jack held her arm and shook his head. "Nae Ruby, ye are the captain. I saw an opportunity to kill him without the loss of all his crew in the bargain, and I took it. Ye weren't there. And they'd have mutinied with or without our help, but I want a chance to watch that lecherous dog walk the plank. And ye deserve the chance ta pay him back in full."
"Bein banned from Haven was punishment enough." Ruby grated out as she shook her arm free from Jack's grasp." I weren't there but ye made tha' plans withou' me. And ye were nae even plannin on tellin me. Ye didnae even ask me what I wanted fer me crew or ship." She shot another look at the man who'd been like a father, "Ye can have command of yer own ship back. Just drop me off at tha' next port."
"The I Sea Maiden /I is your ship Ruby. Nothing will change that. If anyone leaves, it will be us. We meant you no harm. Merely took an opportunity when it was presented. But you are wrong about the banning from Haven being sufficient. Anyone that dares to lay his hand on my daughter is good as nothing but shark bait." Bill sighed and ran a shaky hand through his hair.
"If ye wanted me to command this ship ye did a good job of showin' confidence in me. You'd never have done this ta any other Captain." Her eyes were frosty. "I donnae want yer ship."
Bill's eyes burned. "That's where you are wrong Ruby. I want that son of a bitch dead. If ye hadn't been my captain, I'd have simply done it on land and risked the consequences of the law."
"Ye undermined me authority. It be hard enough ta get tha men ta take me seriously, an' now look at what ye've done. Planned an' instigated a battle that my crew will fight, without even havin' tha' courtesy to run it by me before you set it in motion. Any other Captain, ye would have notified before ye took action, even brought in on the conspiracy." Ruby was furious beyond anything ever before in her life, but the anger stopped the tears from flowing, She turned another look at Jack, "I expected something from him, but nae ye Bill." The use of his name measured her emotional upheaval.
Will's body shook with suppressed anger and adrenaline, and he glared at the bulkhead as if he could see straight through the stern and see the other man eye to eye. "I for one thank you for finding a way to bring him to us. Whether or not his crew keep up their bargain, I for one can't wait to get my hands on that scurvy blight on the face of mankind and keel-haul him until he's flayed alive."
Ruby spun around, surprise and consternation playing over her face. It seemed that she couldn't trust anyone around her. Even William was agreeing to her humiliation. She swallowed the lump in her throat. "Get out o' here...all o' you. Do what ever ye want. Ye started it, ye can finish it without help from me."
Jonas cleared his throat and pressed the door shut, preventing anyone from leaving. "Captain, can I speak?"
Ruby inclined her head coldly, "Certainly."
"I think we're missing something in the interpretation here. Jack... what exactly is the plan, and how exactly did you come up with it?"
Ruby hissed angrily, "Because he is a sly, underhanded conniving scoundrel."
Jonas sighed. "We at least need to hear the details to be prepared. He's not really told us anything so far."
" Then by all means let him justify himself." Ruby spat.
Jack sighed and grasped her arm lightly. He was really making a mess of things here. He'd never in his life failed to smooth-talk his way out of anything. He was smooth as silk, with anyone but Ruby it seemed. Perhaps it was because his little Lorelei was looking at him as if he were the scourge of the earth, instead of the adoring and idolizing way she had since he'd rescued her. "We did what they thought best since you weren't with us when we heard his crew talking and making plans. Aye, we should have told you this morning, but you were so relaxed an' happy this morning, I simply didn't have the heart to bring up the matter yet. In Bill's defense, it was my plan, and my responsibility to tell ye this morning of the plan." He turned to Bill and mustered up a wink. He hoped Bill would let him take the fall. The last thing they needed was her knowing that it had actually been her father's.
Ruby shook her arm free again. "Aye it was." The arctic was in her voice. She wasn't sure if she'd ever be able to forgive him this.
Bill shook his head firmly and put a hand on Jack's arm when he made to explain. "Nay Jack. Twas my idea and I'll not have ye takin' the brunt of her ire." He turned to Ruby and gulped twice before he found his voice. "We were in the tavern when Jack pointed out tha one who hit ye, an' we got ta talkin' and decided tha' we could talk tha' crew into talkin' him into attackin' us, then them layin' down their arms instead, only, when we got ta the crew, we found out tha' they really were plannin' ta attack us. All we did was convince tha crew ta refuse ta fight, an' trust me, they readily agreed. A fair few o' those men have family on Haven, consider it home, and so long as he's aboard, they can't go back. They'll let him believe they are ready ta fight us, then not go through with it. There are only seven men who remain loyal to the Captain."
Ruby stood stiffly; she glanced at Jonas, "Tell tha' men ta stand down full weapons, but ta stay alert. The crew of tha' i Sea Sprite /I may well win, but Captain Robbard is a canny ole bastard an' I donnae trust him nae his first mate." Ruby grimaced, she still couldn't think of the man's name. She was thankful when he nodded and ran to do what she requested. Lately she had noticed that some of the men had been looking to Jack and her father more. Without another word to the others she left the cabin and returned to the helm of the ship. The bosun turned the steerage over to her without a word, and she quietly seethed and ached.
Jonas approached her once more when his tasks had been accomplished. "Ye know that they love ye and tha's why they said and did the things they did right? Ye also realise that the crew will nevr know that it weren't yer plan from the beginnin'. If't works, ye'll get more respect from the crew than ye could imagine. Te gain a ship without any losses is a true feat. Well, any losses cept those loyal to the man that every member on this crew would happily kill bare-handed."
Ruby pursed her lips, "But tha nae be tha point. I am either Captain or I'm nae. They cannae go around plannin' things fer me ship. Fer me, thinkin' what's best fer me, with out askin'." She turned to Jonas, who was also the son of Pirates. "It would be like ye havin' yer Da here, an him tellin ye tha' job yer doin' is nae good enough. An without askin' ye fixin things behind yer back."
"Nae Ruby. It'd be like me bein' the one that heard their plans te attack us and me comin' up with a plan to save lives out of necessity, making a decision, since ye weren't there te ask. Where they failed was in not tellin' ye this mornin'." He hoped that he hadn't overstepped his bounds. Always before they'd been able to be honest with one another, but she was quite angry.
Ruby's eyes glittered, "The shouldnae have planned nothin' without keepin' me in the loop. They either trust me or they donnae."
"So ye want that they should have interrupted yer night with William before they talked te the crew of the Sprite?"
"Revenge be so damned important ta all three of them so why not?" Ruby tossed her head.
"Nae Ruby. Tis YOU that are that important to them. And they knew ye were where ye belonged. You deserved a night like last night, and we all knew it."
" If this be important enough to put my ship in tha path of danger then I shoulda been consulted afore they approached the crew o' the Sprite."
"Then ye want yer crew te never think fer themselves then Ruby? Ye're not always there an' up te now ye've always told us that we can do what's needed if it's needed. Jack is more yer first mate than I am Ruby, for now, an' one of the best pirates in the ocean. Not te mention yer uncle in all but name. Either ye trust him or ye don't. He assumed ye'd trust him. He was wrong not te tell ye this mornin' before we sailed, but not te make plans."
"Enough Jonas. if I even so much as did this on tha' Black Pearl he'd be clappin' me in irons for mutiny. He went against his Captain by doin' this like he did. I shoulda authorised his plans afore they were instigated. Ye know tha' be how tha' command of a ship works. An' ye know tha' only reason it wasnae done is because he sees me as incapable an' a child."
"I have to respectfully disagree. If ye'd done it on the Black Pearl, Jack would have known ye'd done what ye thought best. But I'll say no more.."
Ruby nodded a dismissal at Jonas. He had some valid points, but it all came down to Bill and Jack undermining her. Would she have liked to be interrupted? No but they would have interrupted any male captain with this news. Even if it had only been by a message, and her reply given by return messenger. It boiled down to the fact that they couldn't keep the fact that she was their family from their minds. They plotted a revenge; she didn't want or need, in her name, all because she was their 'little' girl. Used her ship and crew. If they'd had any other Captain, if it had been any other woman and the same thing had happened they wouldn't have reacted so. She just wanted them to treat her as if she knew what she was doing. She could never be a good Captain, if they were forever holding her up with their ideas and plans.
Between one breath and the next the sound of gun shots ricochet into the air. Ruby's face turned grimmer, it had started. She could only hope the crew of the Sprite could handle it, and that her crew wouldn't need to join the battle. Every minute they delayed brought Elizabeth Swann closer to slavery. She gave her post back over to the bosun, and walked to the starboard side of the ship, where she leaned out and watched. The flashes of gun powder lit up the sky and the screams from the men echoed loudly.
Then just as suddenly as it had begun, followed an eerie silence. Ruby held her breath and tried not to look toward Will, who'd come to stand at the railing a mere few feet away. It seemed an eternity before the red jolly roger began to lower a few feet at a time, only to be replaced by a slowly rising white flag.
"Remain armed and vigilant boys, we could be walkin' inta a trap." Lorelei loosened her sword from it's scabbard. "Jonas go find Merric, he can do tha doctorin' I be guessing from tha' sounds they'll be needin' him." She took a deep breath, if the signal came they would board, and give any aid needed. She cursed Jack and her father again for getting them involved in this mess.
"Aye, Captain." Jonas nodded and moved to do her bidding.
Jack spared her one glance before nodding and shrugging his shoulders. "Let me board her ta make sure they be on the up and up. I'll lower the flag te half mast if it be safe. If that be okay with you Captain."
Ruby nodded tightly, "Very well." Her voice was still icy as she answered him without a look in his direction.
Jack lowered himself in the dinghy, waited for the surgeon and then rowed toward the ship, cursing everything that he could think up and a few more. It was all too clear that his Lorelei would ne'er forgive him. He'd make sure that all was on the up and up aboard the Sprite, then he'd sail her so that Ruby had no need to be in his company, and once they'd rescued Elizabeth, he'd sail the Pearl to Tortuga. Perhaps he'd build himself a place there. Never in his life had he considered himself an emotional man, not really, but at the moment, he had to admit, if only to himself, that he felt as if he'd had his heart cut from his chest. Ruby was as close to having a child as he'd ever come. And he'd obviously ruined it with her. Not that he should be surprised. The surprise should be that he'd not managed the task sooner. So long as she was safe though, it didn't matter.
Ruby waited until the flag was lowered before she gave the orders for her crew to resume their course. She was hiding from how betrayed she felt and the emptiness, letting the anger keep away the sudden loneliness.
Bill made his way slowly to Ruby and sighed. "I'll sail with Jack on the Sprite if ye be willin'."
Ruby flinched visibly, as if wounded. "If tha' be what ye a wantin'."
"It's about you, not me. Tis obvious that ye will be easier with us out of yer sight. We've hurt ye and that wasna the intent."
Ruby shrugged, "Ye'll do what ye like, just as ye have up until now." Her voice was bitter with loss.
"Just as ye'll continue te refuse te see our actions as people that love ye. Ye've determined te think the worst, and ye'll continue te do so. And there's naught either of us can do about it. If ye really believe that I acted because I didna trust ye, naught I say will make you believe otherwise."
"I just want ye ta take me seriously."
"We never didn't take ye seriously. It's much more complicated than ye are trying te make it. We didn't tell ye because we are yer family, and ye were happy for the first time ever. So we wanted that te last. We didn't want te take a minute of that away from ye. Ye deserved yer one night."
" An' every time ye do somethin' like ye did ye make me feel as if I cannae measure up ta ye, or Jack Sparrow. I wonder why ye bothered ta even give me this ship." Ruby shrugged. "My one night doesnae matter. If ye'd come an' told me I woulda been tha first ta agree. We need all the fire power we can get ta take on a slaver fleet. All tha' matters be tha woman aboard those ships."
"And tha's why we did it, tha revenge was a bonus. But did you really want us ta take ye away from yer night knowing as we did that you would have said yes had ye been there?"
"Everytime ye an' Jack take away one o' me decisions I feel less able. An' like ye have less faith that I be capable." She intoned flatly.
"We've naught made a single decision without ye whilst we've been onboard. Naught till this one. And we did that only because we knew ye'd be behind it if ye were there, and we didna want te ruin yer night. There's naught else I can say to ye. I've explained that we did what we thought right, we've apologised, ye'll forgive or ye won't. Neither of us ere wanted to hurt ye. Twas the very last thing that was meant te happen."
Bill sighed and continued scrubbing his hands through his hair. "As I say, I'll board the Sprite so that ye have no worries of us over steppin' our bounds again. If ye wish the Sprite te have another captain than Jack, tell me who and I'll take him with me. Just don't take this out on William Ruby, he had naught to do with this. He's guilty of nothing but lovin' ye so much that he's thankful te have the chance te see the bastard that hurt ye pay for it. Don't waste a minute with him Lorelei, you aren't guaranteed anything more than right now. If there's anything I can pass on to ye, it's that. If I'd known that when I was younger, I'd never have wasted so much time with me own love. And I'd have never gone te sea just assumin' I'd see her again."
Ruby sighed and let go of the anger, and as it drained all she felt was lonely. "The worst thing be is that I felt so alone when it seemed as ye an' Jack had gone over me head. I felt betrayed an' alone."
"We ne're meant te make ye feel that way Lorelei love. I woulna have had this girl built for ye if I didna know ye were capable. We didna leave ye out of the decision because we doubted yer ability, and that's the truth. Ye're one of the best I've seen, and ye have the admiration of us both. But ye also have the love, so things aren't so simple as if ye were just our captain. Yes, we'd have called on any other captain, but only because we wouldn't have cared one whit whether he had a perfect night free of stress or not. In a way, we i didn't /i tell ye because we thought too much of ye. We might have made the wrong decision, but it wasn't for the reasons ye fear."
Lorelei stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Bill, unheeding or caring if anyone was watching. She felt comforted when his arms clasped around her tightly. "I be sorry Da."
Bill kissed the top of her head and winked at William, who was finally starting to feel a bit less nervous. She'd had them all scared, that was a fact. "I'm sorry too. As is Jack. I've ne're seen him so downtrodden in all the years I've known him and tha's a fact. I also ne're thought I'd live te see the day that anyone, especially a woman, tangled that golden tongue of his. He loves ye like ye were his own too ye know. And we'd both happily lay down our lives for ye. As our girl, and as our captain. Never doubt that."
Lorelei gave a small smile, "It be hard ta tell whether tha' scoundrel cares."
"Nae love. Trust me, He thinks ye'll ne're forgive him. It's why he went alone to the Sprite. And the fact that ye let him probably only made him more certain of it. Not that ye did anythin' wrong, don't think that, just sayin', tis only the second time I've ere seen the armour truly crack on that one. The first was the day he carried ye home covered in soot and cryin' dry tears ye'd cried so much."
Ruby bit her lip, her decision made when she spied William standing near the stairs to the cabin. "William I want ye ta take tha helm. Jonas bring us around, I'll be boardin' tha Sprite. Da will ye come with me?"
Bill nodded and held her for one more moment before she pulled away. "Aye love. I'll go with ye. Anytime ye want me, ye know all ye need do is ask."
Ruby nodded, and waited as Jonas levelled the i Maiden /I by the i Sprite /I and she hopped daintily over the railing onto the deck of the Sprite. She was reassured when her father landed lightly next to her. Armed men faced her, she calmly motioned to them, "I be Ruby Lorelei, Captain o' i The Sea Maiden /I . I be here to see Captain Sparrow."
The men immediately lowered the weapons, and a few smiled. "The captain'n the first mate'r below. If ye be wantin' te string em up, we'll send fer em. We made sure te leave em alive fer ye."
Jack hesitantly stepped around the crew and fingered his beard braids nervously. "Captain."
"Not right now me thanks." Ruby replied to the crewman and then turned to Jack with a small smile. "Can we talk."
"Aye captain. We could talk in the captain's quarters here if ye wish. Or if ye'd be more comfortable aboard yer own ship..."
"Here be fine, unless ye be wanting ta come back to tha "Maiden." She looked at him hopefully."
"We can go te the Maiden. Would ye like te put a helmsman over the Sprite whilst we talk? Or have ye picked a captain for her?" That had to be the reason she was here, and why she wanted to talk to him. She wanted to tell him that he didn't deserve to captain the Sprite after what he'd done. He certainly didn't blame her.
"It not be me place ta pick a Captain fer tha "Sprite. That be fer ye ta decide." Ruby shifted uncomfortably, "This be a personal matter I wanted ta talk ta ye about."
Jack nodded and turned to the one man aboard the Sprite that he didn't doubt for a minute that he could trust. "Harry, will ye take the helm for me whilst I confer with Captain Lorelei?"
The man nodded and took over command; Ruby turned on her heel and headed for the railing, vaulting it lightly. Jack followed and spared a grim look at William, who stupid fool that he was, was smiling. From ear to ear of all things. It seemed to take a year for them to reach her quarters and yet at the same time he would like to make time last long enough for them to never reach it. He already knew she hated him, he didn't need her to confirm it.
Ruby hit the door of her cabin without missing a beat. She waited for Jack to enter; Bill had taken himself off somewhere, before shutting the door. She passed him as he shuffled from foot to foot uncomfortably. "Wine?" She held up the decanter that had been placed on the side board.
He started to decline, but decided something for his nerves might be a good idea after all. "Thanks."
Ruby stepped towards him, instead of handing him the goblet she leaned forward and kissed Jack on the cheek, "I be sorry Jack." She kissed his cheek again, "An' ye really need ta shave."
Jack's jaw fell open and he just stared at her. "YE are sorry?"
"Aye, I over reacted."
"Ye..." Jack found himself speechless again. Not only was he forgiven, but i she /i was apologising? "Ye had every right te be angry Ruby love. I ne're meant te hurt ye though. And I think ye are a great captain." He took a deep steadying breath and his adam's apple bobbed several times before he could speak again. "Ye know I love ye don't ye Lorelei?"
"Aye, I know it. I've always known it." Ruby murmured softly.
Jack pulled her into his arms and held her close, feeling the relief wash over him. "I thought I'd managed to ruin it all this time. Thought I'd alienated my little girl."
"I was angry, an upset. But tis nae worth losin' me family over." Lorelei sighed, "Are ye sure ye be wantin ta Captain tha' Sprite?"
"It was only going to be until we reached the Pearl. I promised Anna Maria a ship long ago; I had thought I'd talk to you about finally repaying my debt."
Lorelei nodded, "Aye William told me how ye'd conned Anna Maria inta signin on with ye in Tortuga when ye were goin after tha' Pearl. It's a good move, and if yer Captain o' tha Sprite I'll feel better. Our chances o' survivin a battle with tha blackbirders will be higher if we coordinate our battle."
Jack grinned. "Aye." He pulled her in for one more impulsive hug. "It's so good te have ye talkin' to me again Lorelei. Don't scare me like that again. I can handle a lot in this life, losing ye isn't one of those things."
Lorelei's arms tightened around the old reprobate, "This from tha' man who loves naeone?"
"I love ye. And I love Bill. And don't ye tell him, but I'd say I probably love Will too. Gad... what would people think if they knew."
Ruby's eyes twinkled, she poked his chest. "I always knew tha' ye had a heart somewhere amongst all tha rum that passes fer blood." She kissed Jack's cheek, "Is it true tha' ye thought Will a stick in tha' mud when ye ferst met him?"
Jack chuckled heartily. "He i was /i a stick in the mud. But in his defence, he hadn't had a chance to be anything else since his mum had died. He's done more than his share of hard work since he arrived in Port Royal. Fourteen hour days making swords that someone else got credit for doesn't leave much time to dream or play."
"Aye, and he tried so hard ta make himself respectable ta tha governor. Straight laced, an nevr gave emself a chance ta live. He was so closed up, and tightly wound when I met him. I reached tha Port on his aborted weddin' day."
Jack frowned and nodded. "I liked Elizabeth, a lot, but what she did to William was just... I have te keep remindin' myself that she's young, and that she's been coddled. When I remember the look on his face when he told me she'd left him for me though, it's hard not to be angry at her."
"Tha' hurt she has cause is nevr an easy thing ta bear but I understand her. She was fond a Will, a childhood friend. As handsome, an upright as all tha suitor's bein pushed at her. Then he saves her, she find's out tha he is everythin' tha' is opposite ta what she knows as tha daughter o' tha governor. She thought she'd have more freedom marryin' beneath her status. When tha expectations on her didnae change she ran fer it when she felt even more restricted. In her mind ye represent freedom Jack. Nothin' more I'm afraid."
"Oh, I know well she doesn't love me. She doesn't know what love is te be honest. She used him. It was about her, not him. The fact that he loved her didn't mean anything to her, it was all about what he could do for her. And he deserves better than that."
Ruby bit her lip, "Ye may find tha' she knows her heart now."
Jack shook his head. "Nae love. Right now she's scared out of her wits, and will be needin' reassurance. It'll still be about her even more now. You need te stop worryin' Lorelei. Will is truly in love with you. He'll not go anywhere."
Lorelei nodded, "I be knowin' he does. An' right now, he is firm in his love fer me. But he has ta face the past an' bring closure ta the relationship. He has needed ta do that since she left him." Ruby held up her hand, "Enough abou' tha'. When do ye think we be reachin' tha Pearl, an tha Slavers?"
"The Maiden is, and don't ye dare tell anyone I said this, as fast as the Pearl. Bill and I made certain of it. And I can coax nearly that speed out of the Sprite. She really is a great ship. So it all depends on the weather and how they are travelling. My guess is that they've been acquiring additions to their cargo all along the way, so I'd say a day or two at the most."
"Good, I cannae bear the anticipation o' the battle." Ruby allowed Jack to see her apprehension. It would be her first real battle. The thought of taking her first life made her stomach curdle. Jack was the only person she'd ever allow to see her fear.
Jack reached out and cupped her cheek. "Talk to me little Lorelei."
Lorelei rested her forehead against his, "I be scared Jack. What if I cannae do it? I've trained fer so long, but I never been really been tested."
"Ye can do it love. Your da and I would never have put ye in charge if we had any doubts. Neither one of us would willingly put you in a position to be hurt. Ye're one of the best love. Ye're instincts are spot on, and the helm moves with you as a lover. We'll not lose this battle."
"Thank you," Ruby whispered, his reassurances surrounding and warming her. She stepped back and finally held up Jack's wine. She took a long pull of the liquid, "Ta us." She handed him the goblet.
"Te returnin' te Haven victorious, with Elizabeth back with her father and us plannin' a wedding."
Ruby smiled quietly, and drank another sip before turning. "I guess it be time fer ye ta return ta the Sprite." She didn't really want him to leave her alone, but he'd taken responsibility of the other ship and until they found The Pearl then they lived by those tasks.
Jack saw the look in her eyes, the same one she'd given him as a child whenever he'd started to walk out the door, even if he was just going to be gone for a minute or two. He flicked his head toward the door and smiled softly. "He's a good man Ruby. Ye can trust him te be there for ye. Ye have more than me and Bill now, don't forget that. Let him love you Ruby. Let him shoulder part of that weight ye always carry around."
Lorelei grinned cheekily, "He is...he be captainin' tha ship righ' now."
"Ye know very well what I meant ye cheeky wench."
Ruby giggled, "What did ye expect a straight answer ye old reprobate." She leaned into him, the situation from the day making her needy for tactile reassurance.
Jack snorted quite dramatically. "Shows ye how much ye know about men love. Ye think he'd rather have his hands on a wheel than you?"
"Tis not his hand's I be wantin." Ruby shot back.
Jack made a show of covering his ears but laughed anyway. "Even more reason te be sure that he'd nevr choose the helm o'er ye."
Ruby laughed, "Away with ye Captain Sparrow. We have a ship ta catch. And some revenge ta serve cold."
Jack grinned maliciously. "Aye. That we do. I'll be sure to send Will down though. Bill can take the helm whilst ye and Will do some... planning. Once we've spotted the slaver, we'll pull back and decide on a plan of attack. We need te see how she's outfitted and how she's movin' before we can plan it right."
"Anna Maria will have been observin' her, I have no doubt when we catch up ta Tha Pearl she will ave all the information we be needin." She gently pushed Jack out of the door. The day had gone rapidly in a haze of anger, unease and battle. She was tired from a lack of sleep the night before. She wanted to rest, and gather her emotional and mental strength for the up coming battle.
Will opened the door slowly, not quite sure what to expect. From a distance it had seemed that she'd made peace with both Jack and da, but he'd seen that look of betrayal she'd sent him, and he wasn't so sure she'd be as forgiving with him. Even though he still wasn't quite sure what he'd said to make her so angry. "Ruby love? Jack said you wanted to have a word with me? Planning for the upcoming attack?" That part still confused him a bit. First she'd given him command, now she wanted his help planning?
Lorelei turned from the portal that she'd absently been staring out, "Oh aye. That was his excuse, ta get ye down here. I told him nae ta since I'd put ye in command, but he insisted I needed ye more than tha crew did."
Will felt his heart melt as he glimpsed unsurety in her eyes. "I know I need you more than I need to be at the helm. Does that help?"
"More than anythin' in the world."
Will opened his arms wide and waited until she'd flung herself against him. He gripped her fiercely to him and kissed her temple over and over again. "I love ye Lorelei. I love ye so much."
Ruby didn't reply verbally, she was too choked up to. She burrowed into him, taking all the comfort she could. She was unresisting as he undressed her and took her to bed. He relaxed and soothed her until she fell asleep, curled trustingly into him.
Will continued to press light, soothing kisses over her face, unable to get close enough to her. In just a short while he'd be forced to come face to face with his past, and that was after a battle that no one could predict would have a happy ending. He was relatively certain, but many things could happen, and just the thought that Ruby might be hurt or worse, caused his heart to stop beating within his chest momentarily, and his stomach to churn violently. No. Nothing could happen to her. He wouldn't let anything happen to her. No matter what, she was his, and he wasn't going to let her go for any reason.
He smoothed her hair back from her face, where it flamed against the pillow. It brought him a measure of peace and reassurance. Her apprehension had made his heart bleed for her. He knew what she was going through; it was hard to come to terms with things that affected your heart. He had his issues, and Ruby had to learn that her family would meddle because they cared, and with no intention to hurt her. He also knew of the fear he'd felt before his first battle, and the soul searching he'd done after he'd killed a man.
He sighed, and wrapped his arms around her slumbering figure. All he could do was be there when the time came, hold her and fight with her when she needed it. And he would. Until his dying day, he would be doing all those things. He just prayed that day was a good hundred years away from this one.