Yay Chapter 3 is ready to go! I plan on posting every Monday and Wednesday since I am a few chapters ahead. Fingers crossed that life doesn't happen and we can stay on schedule ;)
Let me know how you guys are liking things so far! Thanks for all the kind words :)
"We are set to sail at seven AM, so best be gettin' there by six to get all yer things loaded." Captain told me. I could tell he was holding his breath for some reason.
"Six AM it is then" I curtsied, seeing his eyes widen in surprise. "I hope you have a good rest of your night Captain Silver."
"You as well lass," he tipped his hat, looking thoroughly confused. As he walked away I could feel the tiny sparks start to slip out of my bones. Watching him walk out the door, I couldn't help but feel disappointed that I didn't get a better impression of him. You're going to be spending two weeks in space with the man, there is plenty of time to get to know him on the way to Montressor. Pushing my thoughts away, I slipped back into my hostess role and started mingling with the visitors.
I had only gotten through visiting with about a quarter of the guests when the bells chimed. I looked up to the clock at the head of the stairs and was surprised to see it was already eleven PM. I quickly excused myself from my current conversation and set out in search of my parents. I wanted to get to bed at a decent hour to ensure I would wake up in time for tomorrow.
Catching the glint of my fathers crown, I found both him and my mother conversing with some foreign dignitary. Seeing me head their direction, my parents excused themselves from the man and met up with me.
"Father, Mother", I curtsied "I would like to excuse myself from the remainder of the festivities, I want to make sure I have enough rest for tomorrow's departure."
I could see Father preparing a 'No', but Mother gently put her hand on his arm and stepped forward. "Of course dear, we understand." she reassured, "Be sure to deliver your farewell address to your people."
I gaped, knots tying in my stomach instantly. "Mother, surely this isn't a formal enough occasion to warrant a farewell speech." I didn't want to be shoved in the spotlight, I just wanted to hurry and get to bed.
"Anastasia, you are future Queen of Montressor. It's high time you stepped up to fulfill your royal duties without having to be forced to do so." Father hissed.
Shooting Father a defiant look, I could see him square his jaw. "Fine." I gritted. Signaling to the musicians to put a hold to the music, I walked my way to the head of the staircase. Forcing my nerves to settle, I waited until all eyes were my way.
"Good citizens of Atlantica, visiting dignitaries, close friends,and family; I would like to personally thank every one of you for taking time to attend this wonderful farewell party. I know many of you I won't see again, but I wish you all to know that I carry every one of you in my heart as I embark on this journey. I hope my action will make not just my parents, but every one here in this room proud. I bid the all a hearty farewell."
I watched the waves of people bow or curtsy as I turned to make my exit. I could see my parents wanting to have a word, but I pushed past them and didn't give them the chance. I had about enough of the forcing me into uncomfortable situations. I understand, I am future Queen and I would have to know how to handle myself in public situations but I could tell by the strange looks I was getting this occasion didn't require a departing speech.
Flying through the corridors I was breathless when I finally reached my door. Slamming it shut behind me, I slumped to the floor relieved to be in my sanctuary. Sitting there on the cold stone, I looked around my room for the first time since this morning. It was no longer the warm, cozy escape that I had fell to love. Instead it was cold and empty, devoid of any precious items that held memories of my past twenty four years. Leaning on that door it finally hit me like a tidal wave.
This is the last night I will be here. No more hunts, target practice, Alice, Emily, Jackson, nothing that is familiar. I am going to be stuck in a foreign land married so some man I have never even met surrounded by people I don't even know. I took a deep breath and laid my head on my knees, I knew where this thought process was going to take me and I couldn't afford to get cold feet now. Keeping my eyes closed, my throat started burning from keeping the tears from falling.
Just let it go. There isn't anyone here you have to hold it together for, so I did just that. I couldn't remember the last time I just let everything out, but I had to admit it felt good. After a few minutes, I pulled it together and drug my self to my bathroom to clean up. There isn't any use having a pity party. Might as well get some sleep, definitely going to need it tomorrow.
While the shower was heating up I unlaced my gown and let it fall to a heap on the tile. Taking a good deep breath, I rolled my shoulders trying to rid the ache from the weight of the dress. When the hot water hit my muscles I could feel the tension melt away. I stood there under the stream thinking about what laid ahead of me.
Captain Silver. I hadn't allowed myself to really wonder what that shock to my body was aboutwhen I first saw him. I usually got anxious about meeting new people, but nothing that was a debilitating as that. Maybe it's because he is a cyborg, yeah that has to be it. Just from what I could tell by first impressions was he definitely a charmer, now if that was true flattery or blowing smoke I guess I would find out soon.
Getting frustrated at how much I didn't know about the Captain or about my situation I shut the shower off and stepped back into my room. I didn't want to take another look around and risk another crying episode, so I just crawled in my cool sheets. I was worried it would be a hassle to get to sleep, but thankfully I slipped away without any problems.
When I woke up the next morning I was happy to feel the weight of yesterdays emotions had all lifted away. I could tell since it was still dark outside that I had quite a bit of time before I had to leave, so I took advantage of this last bit of freedom to get some target practice in. Throwing a tank top, trousers and my hunting boots on, I slipped out in the corridor and ran towards the castle gates.
In the light of the early dawn I aimed another arrow into the hay bale target. Taking a deep breath and steadying myself, I let the arrow fly right to the center. Now THIS is the only therapy a girl could ever need. I kept shooting one arrow after another; and only until I could barely draw back did I decide to head back and get ready for the day.
I didn't bother trying to sneak my way back into my room, this was my last day here and honestly I could care less who saw me traipsing around in pants. I let the early morning breeze blow through my braid, enjoying the chills that it sent down my spine. Thankfully, the palace wasn't completely awake so there wasn't too many witnesses to see my current outfit. When I arrived back to my room, I spotted Emily about to knock on the door.
"Good Morning Emily," I greeted, seeing her jump a little. When she turned around I thought her eyes would bug out of her head.
"Your Highness! What are you wearing? And why are you carrying th-that thing?" She shouted, glancing nervously at my bow.
"This is completely unbecoming of a future queen, what on earth would your parents think if they saw you right now?"
Rolling my eyes I flew open my door "Honestly Emily, I am not too concerned what Father or Mother would think about my choice of clothes. I have bigger things to worry about than if I am dolled up to their satisfaction." Striding to my closet, I pulled a simple dress out and threw it over my tank top and trousers. This should be enough to get past Father. As soon as we launch the ship I can take the blasted thing off.
"Princess, I don't think it is wise to be leaving your family on such a sour note." Emily ventured, she could tell that I was in a mood.
I turned and squeezed her hand, I could tell she was only worried about me. "Thank you Emily, but I would like for a day to be done without pomp and circumstance for once, and today is that perfect day. Would you mind going and seeing if my breakfast is ready? I want to make sure I can make it to the docks on time."
"Sure. Just please be courteous to your parents, today is just as hard on them as it is on you." She sighed and walked away.
Only when I heard the door shut did I toss my bow and arrows into the trunk that would be staying with me throughout the trip. There is no way I am going to be stuck on a ship full of men with no way to protect myself. After I packed the rest of my last minute things into my chest, I drug it across the room to sit by the door. Picking up the skirt of my dress, I ran downstairs to the dining hall to breakfast. I specifically asked my mother for my last meal home to be just a family affair, but I was surprised that she listened when I walked into the hall and saw just my sisters and my parents sitting around the table.
"ANNIE!" Alice screamed, launching her self to clutch around my middle. "I didn't think you would ever come down!"
"It's only 5:30 Alice, how much earlier would you want me down here?" I chuckled.
"I dunno, I just wanted to spend as much time with you today as I could before you leave." she muttered. I knelt down and gave her a big hug, then picking her up I headed to the table to join the rest of my family.
Everyone exchanged a quick 'Good Morning' as I sat down getting ready to chow down. When I was finished loading my plate up, Father cleared his throat in preparation for another lecture. I scrunched up my shoulders, ready for any cutting comments he threw my way.
"Anastasia, I have heard from the staff about your little jaunt in the palace." he muttered I have already told you before that I will not have a daughter of mine jaunting around in public dressed as a man carrying a weapon like a common barbarian. I have told you before, people of our standing have no use for such useless objects."
My head shot up in defense, "I wasn't jaunting around the palace, I was going straight to my room. And a bow isn't a useless object. Besides someone of my standing should have enough knowledge of such barbaric weapons to be able to protect themselves." Shoving a piece of toast in my mouth, I geared up for yet another argument.
"Let me make something clear to you young lady," Father yelled standing up from the table, "as long as you reside in this castle you will abide by the rules of the king. When you reside in the castle in Montressor, you will abide by the rules of that king. I refuse to have my eldest daughter show up and make a fool out of herself and act as she wasn't raised with royal standards. It is your husband's job, as well as his royal guard, to keep you safe at all times. Your job is to produce an heir and keep the household running, not traipsing around cross dressing playing warrior."
At this point my patience with my Father was pretty much nonexistent, and I was starting to get angry. Nearly twenty five years of dealing with his close minded ignorance had killed whatever affection I held for my father.
"That's funny, because the first job Grandpa ever taught me was to learn how to defend yourself. He was King of the Ocean and he didn't have a problem having a weapon wielding barbarian of a granddaughter."
"I am obviously not like your grandfather Anastasia. I refuse to deal with such disobedi-" he shouted.
Shooting out of my chair I cut him off. "Damn right you're not like King Triton," As soon as the words left my mouth Father stared speechless,"The difference between you and Grandpa is he loved all of his children and grandchildren completely. He never thought we weren't good enough, he constantly supported our endeavors and was proud of all of our accomplishments. He always told me as long as I was doing what made me happy, then he was happy too. So yes, I completely agree you aren't like grandpa, nor will you ever be."
At the end of my speech I made my way around the table, hugging my sisters goodbye and slipping a whispered "Sorry" to my mother. The only thing I managed to give my father was a quick curtsy. Head held high I walked out of the silent room without a backwards glance.
After I made a quick stop to my room, I headed for the docks. Walking through the front gates I glanced down at my watch. Good, it's only 5:45. I hope the captain doesn't mind me being a few minutes early. I had to make sure I didn't out pace Jeffrey, the servant that was following me with my carry on trunk. I tried to convince the man that he didn't need to carry my single trunk, but I figured Father would punish him if I didn't let him help out.
After walking about five minutes, I began to wonder if I had passed the ship up. Trudging along I heard the Captain before I saw him. He sounded livid and was obviously in a heated argument with someone. Following his voice I finally found him, and the person he was yelling at was my father!
"Yer Majesty, I've already told ya, my ship can't handle t'e weight of all these trunks. Yer gonna have to sen 'em on anot'er ship to Montressor" Capitan Silver said defiantly, his eye glowing a bright red.
"If I am paying you to escort my daughter, then that entails all of her belongings as well! She is a member of royalty, she needs these clothes to display her status to her future husband!" Father bellowed.
"Look sir," Captain said stepping closer to Father, "I'm not willin' to sacrifice me whole ship and crew all for a lass to play dress-up for two weeks. Either you have t'ose trunks unloaded or ya daughter is out of an escort."
Father's eyes flared with anger, "As King of this realm I command you to-"
"Is there a problem here?" I interrupted, stepping between the two. I could tell it was about to go to blows if I didn't intervene in some way.
"This is men's business Anastasia, you wouldn't understand" Father barked.
"Well seein' how it's yer daughter's stuff we're discussin' then I say it is her business!" Captain challenged.
"Look here peasant!"
"What t'e hell did you just call me?!" Captain bowed up to Father ready to go to blows.
Panicked, I threw myself in between the two. "Will you both just calm down?" I screamed. I felt like I was being crushed in between two mountains. Instinctively my back pushed against the captain's chest while my hands were trying to keep my father out of reach from the captain. I had never been this close to a man before, and I could feel fireworks all up my back where the Captain unknowingly pushed against me.
"Anastasia." Father growled, "Move. Now."
"No! You are both grown men, you both need to solve this problem like grown men" I yelled.
"T'is is how grown men solve their problems lass" Captain gritted, seemingly blind by rage.
I could feel his chest tense up, probably getting ready to push me out of the way. I squeezed a hand in between myself and the captain and pushed on both his and Father's chest with all my strength. They both stumbled back a few feet, stunned looks on their faces.
"Damn it I said stop!" My tone made both of them actually shut up and listen this time. "Jeffery! Get the extra trunks off and loaded on the next cargo ship to Montressor. If they are leaving today they should arrive before I even get there." Pointing to Father and the captain, "You two are going to calm yourselves down. The problem is solved, I have enough gowns in my carry on trunk for the journey. Now, both of you shake hands so we can get the launch started"
Both of them just stared at me dumbfounded, then the Captain mumbled something and shot out his hand for a shake. Father stared at the gears in apprehension.
"Oh get on wit' it!" Captain barked.
Rolling his eyes, Father grabbed his hand briefly then turned to me. "Anastasia I know we have raised you to be a model princess, but now it is up to you to show you can fulfill your duties. Promise me, you will be able to fulfill your future husband's wishes?"
His speech sounded like he was trying to be caring, albeit in his own way, but his eyes were cold and devoid of any emotion. I turned to the captain, seeing sympathy on his face. "Permission to come aboard captain?"
"O' course lass," He said softly, "Whenever you're ready."
Facing my father, I looked him square in the face and plainly said "Goodbye." Thanking Jeffrey for unloading the extra trunks and carrying the one to the ship, I took it from him and made my way up the plank. I could had swore I heard the Captain chuckle, but at what I had no idea. I was just focused on getting away from my Father before I said something I would later regret.
Once I crossed from the gangplank to the main deck, all I could do was just look around and stare. Never had I been on a ship before, but this one was absolutely huge! Standing there in awe I just closed my eyes and let my senses overwhelm me. The air smelled sweet and earthy from the wood of the decks, the warm Etherium breeze whipped around me, tickling strands of my hair across my face. Opening my eyes once more I really took the time to observe my surroundings.
Men were running all over the place like ants, pulling ropes, tying off nets, loading crates and boxes. I looked up and couldn't hardly believe what I saw. There were five massive masts that seemed to go on forever, ropes weaving in and out of each one that held multiple solar sails glowing with power.
This is what I am going to be living on for the next two weeks?! I could live with this forever. I was so enthralled with everything that when John cleared his throat behind me it made me jump a little.
"Excuse me yer highness, but we best be getting' ya settled so we can go ahead wit' t'e launch."