Hello Lovelies! Let's all take a moment to be surprised that I am actually half way on time with the update this week! xD
I know the last few chapters have been about the last 24ish hours story time, but there are just a ton of little details that I wanted in so it's taking some time. Besides, we need to stop and smell the roses sometimes ;)
Anywho, all the characters belong to their creators. Enjoy the new chapter!
I'm not sure how in t'e hell I managed to pry myself from Ana, but by some other worldly power I managed to make it out of t'at room. It took even more power to keep from walkin' back in t'ere and do anyt'ing I wanted to her.
I realized last night t'ere wasn't any point in holdin' back my feelings from t'e lass, and now t'at I wasn't restraining myself it's like pandora's box had opened. Neither one of us could keep our hands off each other.
These next few hours will be good to help ya calm down. Yeah, right. T'e farther I walked from my stateroom t'e stronger t'e pull was. Thankfully I didn't get stopped by any of t'e crew on t'e way to Ana's old room, and as soon as I had t'e door shut behind me I was able to fully relax. As I laid out my bags on t'e bed excitement fill me bones, I can't remember t'e last time I had looked forward to somet'ing as much as tonight's ball.
Lookin' at t'e clock on t'e wall I needed to go ahead and start gettin' ready. One' t'ing about this blasted outfit was it took forever to put on with all t'e ties, ribbons and buttons. Standin' in t'e steam of t'e shower I let my mind wander. I wonder exactly what Ana is goin to say durin' our talk later.
I still wasn't exactly sure how t'ings were gonna play out at t'e end of t'e trip. One t'ing was for sure, I was goin to give her a choice. She can come wit me or go wit her husband. It's funny how she was given everything in t'e etherium except t'e chance to make a choice, but when it comes to decidin' t'e rest of her life she needs to do what she wants, not what her damn father wants.
Let him give t'e order to have my head, he'd have to catch me first. Even t'e mere t'ought of Ana in any kind of bad situation sent my nerves on edge and my eye ablazin red. Don't worry about t'at tonight, just focus on makin' sure she has a good time. Pushin' all bad thoughts from me mind, I let t'e hot water run over my knotted shoulders bein' careful my gears didn't get too waterlogged.
After a few more minutes I finally shut t'e water off and stepped out into t'e steam. Wipin' my mirror clear I went through t'e usual motions, shave, after shave and cologne. As I made my way to t'e bedroom, I couldn't help but wonder what t'e lass was doin' now. Tonight would be t'e first night I've seen her truly dress up. Sure, at her goin' away party she had a ball gown, but t'at one made her look like a princess. Last night, t'at emerald gown made her look like a queen.
As I started pullin' t'ings out of their bags, I heard a quick knock at t'e door. "Come in!" I yelled, and in walked Jimbo.
"Look at you Cap'n! Not even dressed and you look ten times better," he joked, noticin' how I finally shaved t'e slight five 'o clock shadow I usually wore.
"Oh, shut it Jimbo," I laughed, "Don't tell me t'at ya came down here just to give me hell."
"No, actually I didn't," he aswered, pullin a fancy lookin' envelope from behind his back. "Ana wanted me to give this to you."
"What is it?" I asked, takin' it from him.
"It's an announcement card to give the doorman," he handed t'e card to me, "that way when he announces you both, he gets your names right. Ana figured it'd be easier if you just filled out your own name, since she wasn't sure if you wanted to use your full name or not."
I looked down at t'e envelope, pullin' out t'e delicate little card to admire Ana's calligraphy flowin' across t'e page. Takin' t'e pen Jim offered, I pressed t'e card against t'e wall and filled in my name.
"Here ya go," I gave Jim t'e pen and set t'e card on t'e bed. "So, how far along is Ana wit' gettin' ready?" Glancin' at t'e clock I was surprised to see t'at two hours had already passed. No wonder t'at shower water was startin' to run cold.
"When I talked to her about fifteen minutes ago, she was about halfway done with her hair."
"Ah, I see," I muttered, lookin' down at me hands. I wasn't sure exactly how to ask my next question without gettin' a lecture from Jim in t'e process, but he practically read my mind when he opened his mouth to speak.
"She looks gorgeous Silver incase you were wondering." Jim chuckled knowingly, crossin' his arms across his chest. "Better than any princess we've carried so far."
"Wow, really?" I asked in disbelief.
"Yeah, really." he laughed. "By the way, Ana said she doesn't want to meet you at the helm like you originally planned."
Nerves immediately shot through me. Maybe she changed her mind and wanted to take Jimbo afterall? Nonsense. You saw t'e way she acted t'is mornin'. "Where does she want to meet then?" I asked coolly.
"At the bottom of the main staircase, "Jim waved his hand around, "Something about how she wanted to make a grand entrance when you first see her."
I couldn't help but laugh as relief crashed over me. "Grand entrance huh? And she t'inks she's not like other royals." I joked.
"Yeah, you're tellin' me" he agreed. "Everything is going smoothly so far, we're about halfway there already. I'll come get you when it's time."
"Sounds like a plan Jimbo," I answered as he started to walk out. Excitement started to creep back into me bones as my thoughts drifted back to Ana. We've carried our fair share of the elite, every one of them seemed to be t'e most beautiful of their species. If Ana outshined 'em wit' her hair only half way done then I couldn't even imagine how she'd look when she's finished.
Settin' my focus back to t'e task at hand, I started emptyin' t'e garment bags and layin' t'ings out on t'e bed. Once everyt'ing was laid out, I went to work gettin' dressed. I figured it would take me about thirty minutes to get everything on, that'd leave me a little over an hour to do some last minute touches, shine my shoes and relax for a bit before I met up wit' Ana. In all honesty, it was almost too early to start gettin' ready, but I could tell my nerves were already about to short circuit. If I was goin' to stay sane I needed to keep myself busy.
Forty five minutes later and everyt'ing was on. Lookin' in t'e mirror I took a few moments to admire my handy work. It still took my breath away how much I looked like my dad whenever I put t'is outfit on, and by all means I guess I should since he's t'e one t'at gave it to me. He used to wear it when he was a council leader for all t'e banquets he'd have to host for visitin' diplomats. Before he passed away t'at is…
Pullin' myself away from memory lane, I went and grabbed my shoes, t'en did one more last once over in t'e full length mirror. I had to admit, I did clean up quite nicely. T'e entire look had a military uniform feel, wit' it's white over coat, gold braiding and gold buttons down t'e front. Emerald green slacks wit' a thick golden stripe down t'e legs pulled it all together. I couldn't help but feel a sense of calm whenever I put it on, almost like my dad was here wit' me. Except for t'e alterations to allow room for my mechanical arm, everyt'ing on it was as it was when he owned it. I hope after all t'is time I've managed to do somethin' to make ya proud Dad.
A knock at t'e door cut off my inner ramblin', and Jimbo waltzed in before I could mutter a 'come in.' As he saw me he let out a low whistle. "You're just trying to get her to fall even more in love with ya aren't you?" he asked.
"You don't t'ink it's too much?" I asked, slightly self conscious. When in t'e hell have you ever been self conscious by t'e way?!
"Not at all," he reassured me, "You and Ana look like y'all were made for each other, your outfits match perfectly."
"Is she ready yet?" I asked, nearly shakin' from excitement.
"Aye Cap'n, your lady awaits you sir," Jim drawled wit' a fancy sweep of his hand.
Glancin' myself over to make sure everyt'ing was in place, I grabbed our announcement card and followed Jim out t'e door. As we made our way to t'e top deck t'e entire crew had lined a path to where I was supposed to meet Ana at t'e bottom of t'e main staircase. Immediately everyone started whistlin' and cheerin', none of 'em had seen me in anyt'ing but my old white shirt, bandana and shorts. Here I stood, dressed to t'e yards, even took t'e time to fix my hair, waitin' for Ana to come join me. Jim led me to my spot, muttered a "wait here," and shot up t'e stairs two at a time.
"Lookin swanky there Cap'n" barked Matthew. Him and a few ot'ers were pokin' fun as men usually do, but all jokes came to a sudden stop as everyone heard Jim clear his throat at t'e top of t'e stairs. All t'e men took of their hats in respect to Ana as she glided down t'e stairs clingin' to Jim's arm.
At first glance she took my breath away. "Oh, t'e powers t'at be," I whispered, still not believin' just how lucky I was to be t'e lass's escort tonight. As she slowly took t'e steps I took my time drinkin' in her beauty. Her hair was swept up, half up and half down in a waterfall of fire. I used my mechanical eye to zoom in and get a better look at her, seein' tiny braids intertwined a small golden tiara in t'e most perfect way. Her eyes were painted a deep emerald green, almost black, makin' her already striking blue eyes shine even brighter. In her ears hung exquisite yellow topaz gems t'at matched t'e beading in her dress perfectly, her neck bore a matchin' necklace t'at hung close to her throat, and finally I looked at t'e gown.
T'at gown was made for her. T'e delicate gems glistened on her shoulders as they cascaded down t'e front eventually fadin' into a sea of deep green. T'e color of t'e dress itself off set her hair, and made her creamy alabaster skin glow. Lookin' back up into her angelic face I noticed she saw how I was starin', and t'e most beautiful blush graced her freckled cheeks. Finally, after what seemed like a lifetime, she finally touched t'e deck and made her way over to me.
As she placed a hand delicately on my arm, I noticed t'at she herself was shakin'. Takin' her hand and holdin' it firmly I tried to reassure her. "You okay lass?" I whispered.
"Y-yeah," she replied shakily. "I just get super nervous before these big events." She tried to take a deep breath to steady herself, but it didn't look like it helped much.
"Everyt'ing will be okay Ana, I promise." We started to walk towards t'e gangplank, but before we stepped off I turned around to address t'e crew. "Alright men, I'm only gonna say t'is once so ya better listen good. Since we've been sailin' for nearly nine days straight, tonight we'll be runnin' a skeleton crew. T'e rest of ya can go on shore for tonight, as long as yer back by tomorrow before dawn." I walked closer to t'e men to make my point clear. "I don't wanna hear about any of you actin' up while yer in town. We are all direct representatives of Ms. Anastasia here, and I won't have her name bein' tarnished by t'e likes of all of ya. Understood?"
"Yes sir!" they answered excitedly.
"Good. Now you all make sure all yer duties are finished before you embark, anyone who wishes to leave must check in wit' Jim before doin' so." Seein' t'at everyone agreed, I rejoined Ana who was whisperin' wit' Jim.
When I asked what they were talkin' about, Ana's answer kind of surprised me. "Jim was just tellin' me how t'e weather reminded him of your home planet!" her eyes lit up in excitement.
I scratched my neck nervously, "Erm, yeah," I agreed, "So are ya ready to go lass?" She nodded, hooked her hand through t'e crook of my elbow and waited to be helped across t'e gangplank. I turned to Jimbo one last time and whispered out of Ana's earshot, "If t'ere are any issues, just send word. And try to make sure t'e ship is empty by t'e time we come back if you would please."
He nodded curtly wit' a short "Yes sir," t'en went off to start deliverin' orders so t'e men could go ashore. Finally we were able to embark for t'e party.
Gettin' Ana across t'e gangplank was no easy feat, but somehow we managed it and climbed up into t'e carriage t'at was sent for us. On t'e way to t'e party, Ana sat quietly fidgeting as she stared out t'e window. So engrossed in her thoughts, she jumped when I placed a hand on hers to try and stead her. "You really are nervous about t'is whole shindig aren't ya?" I asked.
"I told you" she whispered, grippin' onto my hand tightly. "It doesn't matter how many times I've been to a ball or a political event, everytime without fail I have an anxiety attack." She put her hand to her chest and tried to steady her breathing.
I took both of her hands in mine and faced her, desperate to try and help her in some way. "What are ya anxious about lass?"
She looked down at my hands shyly and muttered, "All the people." Wha? A future queen that got anxious around big crowds? "See, I can tell by the look on your face you think that's ridiculous too!" Dropping her head into her hands she cried, "I told you I'm not fit to be a queen,"
Pullin' her hands in my lap I forced her to look at me. "I don't t'ink it's ridiculous Ana. Surprising, yes. But that's because you seemed so confident t'at first night I met ya."
"I'm usually good at hiding it unless you get up close. I was falling apart then too."
Talkin' about her anxiety just seemed to make it worse, after makin' sure no one could see us I leaned down and gave her a kiss. "Don't ya worry about anyone else tonight. Just t'ink about bein' able to see your aunt, uncle and cousin." This seemed to help her as a smile broke on her lips. "And I'll be right t'ere wit ya t'e whole time. If t'ings get overwhelmin' just tell me and we'll sneak out of t'ere" I winked.
She placed a warm hand on my cheek, leaned over and kissed me. "Thank you John, that makes me feel better."
"Good," I rested my arm around her shoulder and looked out t'e window. After a few minutes I could feel her gaze slidin' over me. Sneakin a peek she caught me watchin' her watch me, and right away she looked out t'e window a blush on her face. "Somet'ing on yer mind lass?"
"You look so handsome John, that suit looks like it was made for you!" she turned towards me, "Where did you get it?"
I looked down at myself, "Oh, t'is ol t'ing? It used to belong to my dad."
"Really? Tell me about him." She asked innocently, curiosity shinin' in her eyes.
Little did she know t'at talkin' about family, especially my dad, was a sore subject. Tryin' to keep t'e pain from my eyes I muttered, "Let's save t'at conversation for another day, looks like we're here." T'ankfully we were just pullin up to t'e steps to go into t'e ball. As I helped Ana out of t'e carriage, we gained t'e glances of every noblemen on their way in. Walkin' up t'e stairs whispers of 'Who are they' and 'they look so perfect together' drifted to our ears. I could tell Ana heard 'em too by t'e way she gripped my arm tighter and looked down shyly.
Once we made it inside t'e main doors, we checked in on t'e guest list, handed our announcement card to t'e ushers and waited to be called into t'e ball. As we stood behind t'e heavy curtain, I looked down at Ana to see her chewin' her lip nervously.
"Lass," I whispered, "What did I tell ya about t'at bottom lip?"
She shot me a look, blushin' furiously. "John!"
"Shh" I reassured her, "I'm just jokin."
"You're not helping me. At all." She was back to shakin' wit' anxiety.
"It's okay my lass," I slid my metal hand over hers where it was clingin' onto my arm. "I'll be right here t'e whole time."
As she blew out a shaky breath, t'e herald knocked his ridiculous staff and called out our names. "Introducing Her Royal Highness Princess Anastasia Marie Clearwater of Atlantica, and her escort Captain John Augustus Silver." The curtains flew open and a spotlight laid upon us almost blinding us instantly. Lookin' down, I carefully walked down t'e steps while makin' sure Ana didn't fall in t'e process.
It's no wonder Ana has anxiety about t'ese damn parties. Everyone's starin' at ya while yer tryin to walk down a staircase blind. T'ankfully we made it to t'e bottom without incident, but unfortunately we still held everyone's attention. As we made our way through t'e crowd, everyone seemed to clear a path for us until we caught sight of Ana's Aunt and Uncle.
"Aunt Ariel!" Ana cried, forgettin' formality as she threw her arms around her Aunt's neck. I couldn't help but smile at their warm greetin', actin' more like mother and daughter rather than aunt and niece.
While t'e ladies were huggin it out, Eric clapped me on t'e shoulder and shook my hand. "Good to see ya Silver!" he grinned, "It's been entirely too long since you've came to visit."
"Aye, it has," I agreed, "It's been at least a year hadn't it?"
"Well the last time you were here I guess you were escorting some guests to Melody's party last year."
"I had no idea you were here last year John," Ana said surprised.
"John and Jim have been here quite a few times," Ariel answered. "Whenever they aren't too busy ferrying the Etherium's royals they're helping supply us for our gala's and state dinners."
"Not only is John our personal merchant, he is also a trusted friend." Eric grinned, throwin' a friendly arm around my shoulders. "That's why I insisted to your father that he would be your escort, I wouldn't trust anyone else to bring my precious niece to her new husband." T'is move just granted us even more attention from t'e crowd, I even heard some whispers 'Who are they and why are they so close with King Eric?'
"Speaking of your new husband," Ariel started, makin' Ana's face go white, "There is a possibility he could be here tonight."
"W-what?" she stammered.
"I'm sorry honey," Ariel apologized, givin' her a sympathetic look t'at Eric copied. So I guess they know about her not wantin' to get married. "His father has to be added to the guest list as a default with this being Melody's coming out party. He has a son that is her age, it would be considered rude if we didn't at least extend an invitation."
"Comin' out party?" I asked.
"Today is Melody's eighteenth birthday," Ana explained. "When royal merpeople turn eighteen they have a coming out party, kind of letting everyone know that they are in the process of finding someone to marry. They have until their twenty-fifth birthday to get negotiations done and to get married."
"Try not to worry too much about it sweetheart," Eric interjected, "Once Melody makes her grand entrance you girls can just focus on having a good time."
"Thanks you guys," she hugged both of them, "Don't worry about me, I was just surprised is all. Now if you would excuse me, John and I need to get a drink before Melody comes down."
"Sure thing, we'll see you guys around!" as Ariel hugged Ana one last time, I noticed she started to tear up, nod her head and whisper a thank you. Once we were out of earshot, I bent down and asked her what she had said.
"Nothing, I'll tell you later when we're alone." and at that all emotion drained from her face and her formal facade came back.
After we got a couple of drinks we took a seat near t'e head of t'e table where our name cards were placed. "You know they seem pretty respectful of yer opinion." I whispered.
"Yeah, I swear I feel like those two are more like my parents than my real ones are. I told them everything I felt right after I found out about it the week after my eighteenth birthday."
I nearly spit out my fancy drink, "Yer tellin' me yer engagement has taken nearly seven years to negotiate?! What in t'e hell is there to figure out where it takes t'at long?"
"It's a lot more complicated than you think," she giggled, "There is a dowry to consider, as well as political trade agreements and alliance acts that need to be signed. It's literally like the merging of two major companies."
"Ah, I see." I nodded, "I can understand why you would have some reservations, but can you promise me one t'ing?"
"It depends on what it is," she glanced sideways at me. I grabbed her hand under t'e table before sayin' what's been on my mind for t'e past eight days. "John-" she tried to grab her hand back, afraid someone would see.
"Shh," I reassured her, "No one is watchin' us anyway. Just promise me t'at you'd do whatever makes YOU happy. You know no matter what, you'll have yer aunt and uncle as well as Jimbo and I, backin' you up in whatever ya want to do."
Her eyes widened as she realized just what I was sayin' but a trumpeting fanfare cut her off from sayin' anyt'ing. As our personal world was shattered, we both stood up and turned towards t'e main staircase.
"Ladies and gentlemen!" t'e herald cried, "It is my honor and privilege to officially introduce to you all, Her Royal Highness Melody Athena Princess of Denmark!"
As t'e curtains came open, there stood a young lady t'at was t'e spittin' image of her father. Her black hair was pulled back in a similar fashion as Ana's was, and her dress was a deep garnet with white diamonds formin' scales t'at melted down t'e floor. When she reached t'e bottom of t'e stairs, she immediately locked eyes with Ana and came a runnin'.
"Sister!" Melody shouted as she jumped in Ana's arms, spinnin' 'em both in a flurry of red and green.
"Sister!" Ana answered, "It's so good to finally see you! How many months has it been?"
"Months?! Feels more like years!" she giggled. "John! What are you doing here?" She noticed me standin' behind Ana and came to give me a hug.
"Ah I'm here as Ana's escort," I answered, as Ana slipped her arm through mine.
"REALLY?!" Melody screeched, bringin' her hands up to her mouth to hide her grin. "I had no idea you two would look so good together!" Then she came in close to whisper, "Hopefully you can steal her away from her douche of a fiance."
"Melody!" Ana cried, surprised at her words.
"Don't worry," I whispered back, "That's exactly what I'm tryin' to do," I shot her a playful wink while pullin' Ana closer.
Ana shot me a glare but diverted t'e conversation. "Melody, don't you have a suitor to dance with or something?" she gritted as she playfully pushed her towards t'e dance floor, then she came back to me.
"Are ya feelin' any better lass?"
She softened up a bit at my concern, "Yeah, between you and Mel I've pretty much forgotten about my anxiety."
"Good, t'en I guess you wouldn't mind havin' t'is dance wit' me?" I turned on t'e charm wit' a wink and a smile, hopin' she would soften up even more.
"It would be a pleasure, John Augustus" she giggled, takin' hold of my hand as we headed towards t'e dance floor. I rolled my eyes playfully which made her laugh even harder. "Where does your middle name come from?"
"T'was my grandfather's name." I grabbed her hand tenderly in my metal one, and placed my natural one around her waist. Once she realized how close we were she looked down and nibbled on t'at damn lip again. I can't wait to nibble on her bottom lip, on her ear, on her neck…
John.
I t'ought I imagined it, but as I came out of my thoughts I had realized t'at it was my lass t'at had spoken my name. It was only when I realized by t'e blush on her cheeks t'at I had pulled her even closer. I loosened up my grip and apologized. "I'm sorry lass," I whispered, makin' sure only she could hear. "My self control is about ice thin right now."
"Mine is too," she breathed. T'ankfully t'e music started so we wouldn't have to focus on t'e buildin' tension between us. As if t'e tension could get any higher right?
We danced for six or seven songs, stoppin' to talk to random couples in between each song, and everyone of t'em thought we were an ACTUAL couple. I can't lie, I was eatin' it up, but after a while Ana was worried t'at rumors would get started. "Let's give t'e dancin' a break then," I whispered to her, "I'm sure they're about to serve dinner anyway."
As we walked back to our table Ana grabbed my hand instead of my arm. Once we were seated I leaned over to her and muttered, "Ya know lass, yer not helpin' t'e rumors when you grab my hand like that."
"And you're not helping when you're undressing me with your eyes." she countered with a mischievous grin.
"After our conversation t'is mornin' I can't help it." I snuck my arm around her to tickle her ear, her giggle like music to my ears.
Before she could t'ink of a snarky comment, t'e dinner bell rang and servants started to file in to serve t'e first course. As everyone settled in to be served, Melody took her place next to Ana as King Eric took his place next to me. Eric and I spent t'e next few minutes catchin' up like old friends, when he suddenly looked around and leaned in close.
"Silver, there is something I wish to speak with you about before you leave tonight." he glanced over at Ana, t'en back at me.
I tried not to get too nervous, "Aye, yer majesty."
"Once dessert is served, we will go in my office. We'll be able to speak freely there." he grinned reassuringly.
For t'e rest of t'e time dinner dragged by too damn slowly, until finally five courses later t'e head server announced t'at dessert was on it's way. Eric and I shared a knowin' glance then he whispered to Ariel as I whispered to Ana "I'll be right back lass." I didn't give her much of a chance to ask where I was headed, but as t'e servers were filin' in Eric and I slipped out undetected. We walked down about a mile of corridors when we finally reached a heavily decorated door. T'e entire time, we were both silent which just made me even more leery about how t'is 'talk' would go.
Once the doors were shut behind us, Eric poured me a glass of whiskey and invited me to sit in a chair by t'e fireplace. He took a drink and sat t'ere starin' in t'e flames deep in thought for a few minutes, I took a sip to help loosen up a bit. Once he got his thoughts straight, he turned to me wit' a smile on his face.
"You know I'm not usually the one to beat around the bush so let me just get to the point." he took another pull from his drink before beginning again. "Do you know why I specifically asked for you to be Ana's escort?"
His question took me by surprise. "Well, I thought because I was already so close to Atlantica, since t'e original escort was busy and she was on a tight schedule."
"That's the cover reason, but the real reason is this. I want to try and keep this wedding from happening at all."
My mind reeled, I couldn't believe what he was tellin' me and I wasn't really sure what to say. As I sat t'ere sippin' my drink I let him finish explainin'
"John, you and I both know what kind of family she is potentially going into. They will marry her just to get her dowry and then kill her for whatever reason."
T'e mere t'ought of anyone even t'inking about harming Ana was enough to make my blood boil and my eye glow red. "Why in t'e hell would her father agree to sign his own daughter's death warrant? And why doesn't her mother step in?"
He rubbed his eyes in frustration, "Because her father is power hungry and her mother is spineless. Attina will never stand up to Reagan, she just wants to try and make him happy."
"Wit' all due respect yer majesty, how do I fit in t'is whole situation?"
He looked at me and put a hand on my shoulder. "You're the only one I could trust that would be able to keep her safe if she changed her mind on the way to her wedding. She has a fire inside her soul John, she doesn't belong tied down to someone who would try and extinguish it." he shot me a knowing look, "I can tell by the way she looks at you, she's having doubts about the whole arrangement already."
"Now Eric I-"
He cut me off, "John, I am not naive. I, as well as everyone else, can see that you two have deep feelings for each other. You two could barely keep your eyes off each other, I'm actually surprised that you agreed to leave her behind to come talk to me. Just know the main thing I am worried about is Ana's happiness. If she happens to find that happiness in you, then you both have my support."
I sat t'ere for a few minutes in complete disbelief. Did he just give me his blessing? To b-be wit' Ana? "I-I have no idea what to say Eric…"
"You don't have to say anything Silver." we stood and held his hand out to me, "Just promise me that you'll protect her."
I shook his hand heartily, "Wit' all t'at I am, I promise nothin' will happen to her."
"I know the safest place Ana can be is under your care." We finished off our drinks when Eric laughed heartily, "Now I'm sure our women are probably wondering where we snuck off to." and off we went to rejoin t'e party. When we re-entered t'e ballroom dinner was finished and everyone was standin' around visitin', my eyes immediately found Ana standin' wit' Ariel and Melody. She looked so wound up wit' nerves t'at she would break any second. As soon as she saw me she visibly relaxed and shot me her usual dazzlin' smile.
"Where did you two head off to?" she whispered.
"Just to have a quick chat."
"Really? What about?"
"I'll tell ya later lass," I whispered in her ear darkly, fillin my words wit' promise.
As she squeezed my arm in excitement, I couldn't help but glance around and notice t'at t'e crowd had suddenly gotten thinner. A quick glance at the clock showed that it was already half past eleven, thankfully Ana noticed t'e time and led us to begin saying our goodbyes.
On t'e ride back to t'e ship she was cuddled up in me arms, no longer worried about anyone seein' us in t'e darkness. You could cut t'e tension between us wit a knife, and amazingly we kept our hands away from each other until we got back on board. Once we crossed t'at gangplank, she practically drug me to my stateroom door. Before we went inside, she pulled me in for a fiery kiss, one t'at I suspected she's been waitin' to do all night.
"Help me get this damn dress off," she whispered against my lips.
I couldn't help but chuckle at her impatience as I pushed her against t'e wall. "It'd be a good idea to wait till we were inside lass," I murmured in her neck. She breathed in my ear t'en growled her frustration, then tried to sneak t'e keys out of my pocket. When she found t'at t'e keys were bein' dangled above her instead of my pocket she just got more frustrated. T'e look on her face just made me laugh harder.
"Damn it John, open it already!" she nearly shouted.
"Alright, alright," I chuckled lettin' us inside. Makin' sure t'e door was locked, I carried my lass to my bedroom for a night t'at neither of us would forget.