They lurch into their cabin, Primrose giggling helplessly as Olberic kicks the door closed behind them and effortlessly lowers her to her feet in front of the bed. She opens her mouth but he closes the space between them before she has a chance to formulate any sort of comment, his urgent kisses taking her breath away. She gasps slightly when he releases her, tilting his head and leaning her back slightly to gain access to her throat. Her pulse pounds in her ears and she is left clinging to him, not quite trusting her knees to keep her upright under his amorous assault. She closes her eyes, briefly losing herself in the moment, and then pushes against him gently until he loosens his grip and pulls back to allow her to stand up straight. Concern flickers across his face until she begins disrobing, her lips quirking into a slow smile as his gaze darkens again, his stormy grey eyes roving over her body. She steps out of her dress, nudging it gently to one side with her foot, and begins tugging his shirt loose. He yanks it over his head, tossing the garment over his shoulder carelessly and steps forward again, catching hold of her and easing her backwards onto the bed, slipping one leg between her knees and nudging gently to part her thighs.

She sits up and reaches for his belt but he takes hold of her wrists, shaking his head. "You're wearing far too many clothes..." she begins, her voice trailing off as he leans over her, laying her back down and pulling her arms to stretch behind her head, tilting her breasts towards his eager mouth. She sighs happily as he begins a slow assault on her nipples, teasing each in turn, suckling at her and then exhaling gently, his breath raising goose flesh on her skin. He straightens slightly and gazes down at her for a moment and then changes his grip, holding her wrists in place with one hand while the other glides down her arm. He slowly traces her jawline and throat and then hovers over one breast, her nipple brushing his palm with every ragged breath she takes. She attempts to shift her hips, the dull ache between her legs desperately seeking some friction, but he remains frustratingly out of reach. "Olberic..." she pleads, arching slightly as his calloused hand kneads and teases her.

"If I let go of your hands, will you let me..." he begins, staring at her intently. "I'd like to try something."

She raises an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "Anything," she agrees.


"Well. Seafaring life certainly agrees with you," she murmurs into his chest. "And to think I believed you when you told me how inexperienced you were."

He rakes a hand through his hair, embarrassed. "It's...something I'd heard talk about over the years, but never had the chance to try. I should have asked first, I'm sorry. I don't know what provoked me to act in such a manner..."

She scoffs. "Do I seem like I'm unhappy? Don't you dare apologize for any part of that. Gods above, you are a pretty puzzle. I was not anticipating that at all...not that I am complaining, mind you."

"I lost control. I could have hurt you," he begins, but she cuts him off with a swat to the arm.

"I am not made of glass, I will not shatter. Besides, I could stop you if I wanted to."

He sighs and she shifts slightly in his arms. "Prim, I know-" he tenses, feeling something very cold and very sharp and very much aimed at a sensitive area. "Primrose?"

"Like I said, I could have stopped you. If I wanted to." The discomfort eases as she produces a small dagger, tilting it in front of his face. Her family's words flash in the candlelight: Faith shall be my shield.

He shakes his head ruefully. "Do you always bring a dagger to the bedroom?"

She frowns. "I always have it with me. Old habits. It's been a long time since I could truly trust someone."

He presses a kiss to the top of her head. "I hope I can earn it from you one day."

"You have. The twenty-odd men aboard this ship, however, have not," she replies smoothly. "I could get used to you taking control like that...and I did not know you had an exhibitionist streak. You are full of surprises tonight. Should I dance for you more often? Or was it our dear Captain who inspired you?"

He flushes under her amused gaze, shifting uncomfortably. "I..."

She leans over him, kissing him slowly. "You don't need to answer. I'm grateful that you're comfortable enough with me to be so...expressive." She stretches languidly, resting her head on his shoulder.

He chuckles softly, pulling the sheets over them both. The soft creaking of the ship as it glides through the water lulls them to sleep.


The movement of the ship felt different the next morning, the telltale rocking of a ship at anchor. Primrose groans, mumbling something into the pillows about tea and pulling the covers back over herself. Olberic, always a firm believer that discretion is the better part of valor, opts to give her some more time. He dresses quickly and makes for the galley to collect a breakfast ration from the cook, then emerges onto the deck to squint into a brilliant morning, a non-descript shoreline spread out before him.

"Good morning, Lord Berg!" Bastralle strolls towards him, glancing behind the knight as he approaches. "I would ask how you slept, but I suspect we already know the answer to that. Bifelgan's balls, man, I am not sure if I'm more depressed or jealous. Perhaps a bit of both."

Olberic turns to face the grinning captain, squaring his shoulders and meeting the blond man's gaze directly. "Just so. The Lady and I were quite comfortable, I thank you for your hospitality."

Leon nods politely and the two men turn to gaze over to the tree-lined shore in front of them. "Are you sure about this? A long walk through the desert at this time of year?"

"You say that like there is a better season to cross it."

The blond man blows a sigh. "Not really, no. Look, I'm not sure what it is exactly that you two are after but between the heat and the lizardmen and gods know what else is crawling around out there lately, you're marching her right into a lot of danger. I know your reputation and have experienced being on the wrong end of that blade myself, as you no doubt recall, but still. Have a care with her."

Olberic claps a hand on the captain's shoulder. "I appreciate your concern, Captain Bastralle, but the Lady is taking the lead here. She knows this region far better than either of us do, I'll be fortunate to keep up with her."

Leon gives the knight an appraising look and shrugs. "Very well. I had to try! We'll be disembarking shortly, I'd like to be out of here before any of the locals get curious. How long do you think you'll need?"

"Not long at all," Primrose replies as she saunters up to join the men. She sidles up to Olberic who slips an arm around her waist and casually sips his tea. "We're packed and ready. I went ahead and replaced your bedding as well, Captain. Thank you again for the use of your cabin, last night was just what I needed." She flashes a sultry smile at the former pirate, leaning back against Olberic's broad chest to emphasize her point.

Leon bows slightly, conceding defeat. "Happy to be of service, m'Lady. Should you ever find yourself in need of my help in the future, you have only to ask. Now then, I have a ship to run. Best of luck in your endeavors, both of you. Gods willing, we will meet again."

The men clasp forearms respectfully and Bastralle turns on his heels, motioning to one of his men to bring the pair to shore. Less than an hour later they find themselves arm in arm on a secluded beach watching the rowboat make haste to rejoin the ship.

"Did you mean what you said earlier?"

Olberic cocks his head at her. "I always mean what I say. To which statement are you referring?"

Primrose gazes up at him thoughtfully. "The bit about being fortunate to keep up with me."

He entwines their fingers with a smile, wondering how much of the conversation she had heard and deciding not to ask. "Every word. Now then. Which way?"

"There will be a game trail through those trees there, and then we should find the road to Sunshade just beyond that. Crossing to Wellspring will be much easier at night, I think, despite the additional creatures wandering the roads."

Olberic nods approvingly. "Just so. Lead on, my Lady."

She shoves at him halfheartedly and they join hands, walking into the trees side by side.


Check out AO3 for the full, unedited (read: smutty wonderland) version of this story.