HI GUYS!
I think I am starting to get used to this twice a week thing. Maybe if I can move ahead enough we can move it up to 3 times a week? Monday, Wednesday's and Friday's? I'm just afraid it feels like everything is dragging on since I am switching POV's every other chapter, I don't want things to feel like "Ok, is this over yet?" There are just so many little moments between Ana and Silver that I want to capture, especially since a sequel is possibly already in the works ;)
Anywho, all the characters belong to their respective creators, blah blah blah. Anndd lets get on with the show!
I tried not to laugh at t'e look o' shock on King Reagan's face when his own daughter turned her back on him. When she stomped up t'at plank I half worried it would fall apart. Seein' she had made it safely aboard, I looked back to King Reagan, his eyes burnin' hatred into me flesh and when he started to speak venom dripped from his words.
"Now see here pirate," he spat" I am paying you to not only deliver my daughter safely, but to ensure she goes through with this wedding. I don't care what her feelings are, this marriage is vital for our political standing. I refuse to have something so important be ruined by my stubborn, insubordinate, brat of a daughter. She is duty bound as a princess to marry the prince and that is final."
"Aye sir," I mumbled. He didn't deserve anymore of a response than t'at, he was lucky enough the lass kept me from knockin' his damn head off already. As I turned to walk away his majesty stopped me yet again.
"And one more thing. If my daughter is delivered in a different condition than what she left in, be it physical or state of mind, I will be sure you are a head short within the week." he hissed.
At this point I had 'bout enough. Standin' to me full height it was mighty satisfyin' to see him shrink back a bit in surprise. "Now sir, if I were you I'd refrain from makin' threats until t'e lass is delivered safe and sound. As for her state of mind, she a grown woman and can make her own decisions. You're payin' me to be her escort, not her therapist." His majesty knew by the red glow of me eye not to push me anymore. Wit' a dad like t'at it's a wonder how t'e lass has managed to stay home for twenty-four years.
Steppin' back on board I saw t'e princess starin' all about her. T'e lass looked completely awestruck admirin' everyt'ing. I let her stare around a bit more before getting her attention.
"Excuse me yer highness, but we best be getting' ya settled so we can go ahead wit' t'e launch."
Lookin embarassed she smiled "Oh y-yes of course! And please Captain call me Ana. The less formality on this trip the better."
"Alright Ana, if ya wish. Since formalities are aside I must insist ya call me John. Only people who call me Captain are people who work for me." I said tippin my hat to her.
"Well John, please lead the way." she said, a certain twinkle in t'em eyes.
Walkin across t'e deck I tried not to notice t'e lecherous grins spreadin' on everyone's faces. I even had to shoot t'e laser eye to some as a reminder of last nights conversation. We finally made it to t'e stairs t'at led down to t'e sleepin quarters, perfect timing too since Jimbo was headin' down too.
"Ana, before we get ya all settled allow me to introduce my first mate Jimbo Hawkins."
Narrowin his eyes at me he offered his hand "Please call me Jim. It's a pleasure to meet you your majesty."
Offerin' her hand with a warm grin "Just Ana is fine, and it's nice to meet you as well." Watchin t'is exchange I could see Jimbo's face getting red. Oh great, not you too.
"Now yer highness, Jimbo here will lead ya down to t'e private quarters to get ya all settled. I have a few t'ings to finish so he can show you around t'e rest of t'e ship. Him and I will be in charge of your safety so if you need anyt'ing at all just look for one of us."
Doubt crossed her face as she asked "But I thought you were my escort for the trip?"
"T'at I am ma'am, but when other t'ings need my attention that is where Jimbo will come in. Don't worry, I wouldn't trust your welfare wit' anyone else but him, if he can save an entire crew he can keep ya safe." I said reassuringly.
"Try not to stress Ana," Jim soothed, "Silver and I will both make sure you get to where your goin' safely."
Puffin' her checks in frustration she muttered an "Okay" and followed Jimbo down to her private room. Now t'at she was safe under his watchful eye I was able to focus on getting t'e launch underway. Jim and I had already finished our pre-launch inspection, only t'ing left to do was get t'e rest of t'e cargo loaded then we'd be ready to go. Once everyt'ing was on board I took my place at t'e helm and started issuing the usual orders. While t'e engine was pullin' power from t'e solar sails Jimbo trudged up t'e steps to join me.
"Now I see what you're talking about her being too likable." He grumbled.
"Told ya." I smirked.
"Oh swipe that smug grin off your face" he barked, "One of us is going to have to keep a constant eye on her. She won't last five minutes if by some chance we leave her alone with these monsters."
"Speakin' of which, where is t'e lass?" I wondered. "Thought you were sayin we need to keep a constant watch there Jimbo."
"The whole crew is out on deck where we can watch them. Besides, she said she wanted to change into something a little more travel friendly. Something about she didn't want to trip over her skirts." he shrugged. "I made sure she locked the door just in case someone wandered, she said she'll come up when she's done."
"Alright." I nodded. "How are t'ose solar levels lookin Mr. Otis?" I called through t'e speaker down to t'e engine room.
"We're at 75% cap'n" he grunted.
"You let me know as soon as we're full." I answered. "Matthew! Make sure everyone has t'ose sails good and tight! Don't want anot'er mishap like last time."
"Aye sir!" he shouted back. I watched him walk to tell t'e ot'ers when he suddenly stopped short. I followed everyone's stares to t'e entrance to t'e lower deck and couldn't believe me eyes. There t'e lass was lookin' completely different t'an five minuets before. Gone was t'e prim and proper ball gown and jewels, replacing 'em were a rugged tank top, trousers and leather boots. Her hair was out of t'e fancy updo and pulled back into a tight braid with a few curls here and t'ere comin loose. Last night she carried an elegant confidence, now she glowed wit' lethal self assurance. Unbothered by all t'e stares she strode head high to join me and Jimbo at t'e helm, almost as if she belonged t'here. Snappin back to t'e present I finally caught on just how hard everyone was starin.
"Hey!" I barked, everyone jumped to attention. "Quit yer lollygaggin and double check t'em damn sails!" Up until t'at point Ana was cluleless t'at she was t'e focus of attention, but she seemed well aware o' it now.
"Um, did I do something wrong?" she asked, startin' to get fidgety.
"Nah" I waved her off. "They just a bit start struck tis all. They ain't never seen such a highstandin' person as yerself."
Jimbo shot me a dead look. "Yeah, it's not everyday they get to meet a granddaughter of the King of the Ocean."
"Hm." she muttered, not convinced in the least. It's cause t'ose blasted clothes aren't very becomin' especially a lady of your status. At t'at moment, Mr. Otis came over t'e radio.
"Solar levels are at 100% Cap'n'"
"T'ank you sir. Stand by for t'e final order."
"Aye Cap'n" he answered.
Lookin' back to t'e main deck I caught sight of Ana starin' back to t'e castle. She was leanin on t'e rail with a conflicted look on her face.
"Everyt'ing alright wit' ya yer Highness?"
She hadn't noticed me watching her, but once she did she straightened her back, cleared her face of all emotion and squared her shoulders. "Just wanted to get one last look of my home. I honestly can't wait to get out of here. Are we almost ready to leave?"
Her answer had taken me by surprise. Usually when a lass leaves her home for the first and possibly final time she is a bit more sentimental, but the woman standing in front of me looked like she couldn't get off this planet fast enough. "Aye, just a few more checks and we'll be ready to launch." Catching sight of Matthew climbing down from the shrouds I hollered "How are t'em sails Mr. M?"
"Everything is ready to go sir!" he reassured.
Turning back to Ana I asked "Are you ready to set sail lass?" She nodded excitedly "Better find somethin' to hang on to then. Mr Otis, set all engines to full power."
"Aye aye Cap'n" he answered, and moments later I could feel t'e familiar vibration of t'e ships engines roaring to life. All o' a sudden, the ship turned into a hive of excitement. Crew members were runnin' about and before I knew it I could feel the easy weightlessness o' space starting to wash over me.
Turning to our navigator I ordered "Enter in our coordinates Mr. Marcus, start us out North by Northwest until clear of planet's orbit."
"Aye Cap'n" he answered, busily typin' away at t'e ships navigational screen.
Looking over my shoulder I could see Ana having trouble tryin' to stay up right. I reached out my metal hand to help her balance out and she grabbed it wit' out an ounce of fear. I'm gonna have to get used to her bein' so comfortable wit' t'ese ol' gears. Being careful not to crush her fingers, I shouted down to Zach to initate the artifical gravity. Being careful to balance me self and Ana, I watched as the familiar violet wave of light wash over the ship.
"Woah! T-that was the coolest thing ever!" Ana laughed, her face pink from giggling so hard.
Jimbo and I couldn't help but share in her laughter. "Yeah," Jim answered "those few seconds are probably my favorite part of every trip. That and finally landing on a planet."
"Better hang on tight lass" I chuckled "T'is is where t'e real fun begins."
Jimbo seeing how confused she was, assumed the position needed to keep from being blasted off the ship. "Just pretend you're pushing against a door your highness. The force from us taking off may knock you off your feet."
Mirroring Jimbo, Ana crouched down and forced all of her weight on her front foot while balancing herself wit' t'e back one. She was a downright natural "Like this?" she asked.
"Exactly. You'd t'ink you were already a seasoned sailor wit' a stance like t'at." I winked.
"Thanks guys." She answered. Despite the fact she tried to put up a face of confidence, poor t'ing looked absolutely terrified.
At that moment Marcus cut in "Parameters are met and the port is cleared Cap'n, everything is ready for take off."
"Aye Marcus," jumpin' on t'e radio I yelled down to Mr. Otis "Fire away!"
T'e ship suddenly shot forward, gazin' back I checked to make sure Her Highness was still right side up. Surprisingly the terror from before had melted away and pure excitement shone from her eyes. Once we we're out of the clutches o' t'e planet's gravational pull I turned back to Ana.
"So, how'd ya feel about your first launch Your Highness?"
"It was the most amazing thing I've ever experienced! But I must please insist that the both of you, as well as the rest of the crew, forego the formalities. I want to hear nothing of 'Lady' this or 'Your Highness' that, just plain old Ana will work fine." She grinned.
Jimbo piped up before I had a chance to answer "I'm sorry ma'am, but your position as future Queen requires some sort of decorum. We don't want your father or future husband coming after our heads."
"As far as I am concerned neither my father nor my future husband will hear none of the inner-workings of this ship. I have been sheltered my entire life gentlemen, and I am sure my life isn't going to be anymore exciting in my new home. I would love if while on this voyage I could be treated as an equal, not just a superior."
I couldn' help but burst out laughin' at t'at last comment. "You say you want to be treated equal eh?" Just a single glance and I could tell t'e lass has never worked a day in her life. "Well follow me lass, you'll be helpin' me in the kitchen and these men ain't gonna feed themselves."
"Aye Aye Capn'!" She shouted, ready to get to work.
Jim just stood t'ere and balked. "Silver, can I have a word with you real quick?"
Walking over to the stairs leading to below deck, Jimbo grabbed me by me collar and whispered "Are you mad?! She'll be way too vulnerable around all these 'men. Not only that but she is ROYALTY, not some damn barmaid'."
"Oh come on Jimbo you heard her! She wants to be treated as an equal. I'm not goin' to keep her locked in her cabin, besides I am plenty capable of keepin' these hounds off o' her. The safest place for her is under our watchful eye, and what better way to do t'at if she's working alongside us?"
Jim couldn't argue wit' t'at logic, but only shook his head. "You better not be doing what I think you're doing Silver."
"I'm just doin' my duty boy. Now get to t'at helm and keep us steady." I brushed him off. I have more self control t'an you do Jimbo, keep yer preachin' to yerself.
"Ready to go Ana? We need to get breakfast goin' for everyone." I asked.
"Lead the way John" she replied, and off we went down to t'e galley.