Author's Note: I genuinely hate to keep my readers waiting for updates so I apologize for the delay in updating. My father had surgery and just got out of the hospital yesterday. I hope to make sure that I update more frequently as of today. Thank you all for reviewing and I hope that you are enjoying where I am going with this. Wonderful wishes and thanks to all!
We came up on the sea faster than even I suspected, and I watched as the waves beat against the shore, against the wooden planks of the ship that now sat off shore. I was angry at the man behind me, at the man who climbed off of the horse we sat upon before lifting his hand up in a gesture meant to both appease me and help me off the gelding. I refused the hand, shaking my head at him instead before hopping off of the horse quickly and nimbly while pinching my lips together so hard I'm sure that they were white. The prince shook his head at me, and I noticed his expression held a mixture of emotions—a mixture that included mild anger, amusement, and even interest. It was probably an interest that sprouted from the fact that I had refused a prince and not only any prince, but the Beast himself. I hated to disappoint, but I was so not afraid of the man.
"Everyone aboard! We leave within the hour!" The prince commanded as I shivered when his power rubbed slightly along my skin, causing shivers to emanate with strange motions up and down my spine. I knew he was powerful, knew that he had the ability that stemmed from the ancient world of 'magick' before we started taking the 'k' off the end of the word and simplified it. But I had never felt it so strongly in someone before. My telepathic abilities had always allowed me the ability to denote someone's else's strength and his was just…well, amazing. He turned toward me then and his eyes glowed.
"Have I done something more to offend you?" He asked me almost irately as I shook my head slowly, fighting to hide the awe I felt from being exposed by my expression. I didn't want him to know that I 'felt' his magic. I was a survivor and had learned long ago that hiding my abilities ensured my safety. Noting the strain in my eyes, the prince's expression changed from arrogant to concerned. I may be his 'prisoner' per say, but I was also a former slave who had been tortured to an extent that he probably felt the need to feel concerned. He didn't know about my healing abilities either. I kept it that way.
"Should I have our physician look at you?" He asked quietly as I shook my head again slowly. A physician would instantly reveal my secret, for no one in my position could possibly have survived the beatings I had endured without any scars. Let's just say that I didn't have any scars. And, by Gads, I did not want anyone to discover my lack of injuries. Most women would swoon at the idea of having flawless skin for not even a blemish could survive my magic's taint, but I actually desired faults. With faults, I was considered less dangerous and therefore was more acceptable to society.
"I'm fine. Just a little tired." I mumbled as I turned away from him to look out at the sea. I could feel him behind me, knew that he hesitated a moment before probably shaking his head and seeing to his men. I felt the breeze whip across my face and I breathed in the scent of salt water on the air. It was delicious and I drank it in, drank in the power that came from being exposed to too much freedom after having been imprisoned for too long. It almost made me heady, even a little drunk from the sensation. Looking at the sandy shore, I couldn't help but move toward it, letting the wind whip at my clothes as I walked until my bare feet was covered by sand. Oh my! What a sensation! The ocean called to me, and I answered it's beckoning demands until the waves were washing over my feet, the salt soothing the sores that should have been there from having no shoes to wear for almost a year now. Instead the sea foam covered flawless feet, and I reveled in its cool touch—reveled in the way that the sea left little bubbles along my toes. The ocean was a beautiful thing. I knew now why some sailors referred to it as their 'mistress.' One couldn't help but see how arousing she could be, how awe-inspiring. And when angry, how obedient and afraid she could make you.
"The sea is a maiden created to tempt and to allure, but she can also be murderous and cold." A voice said softly from behind me, and I turned to see Connor there looking out over at the ocean as well. He gaze moved to meet mine.
"It's time to board." He said simply before turning away and walking toward the ship. I looked out over the ocean once more before turning as well to follow him up to the docks. A new world awaited me—a world that I feared. And I was entering it with a prince. Now that was just simply wrong. I mean, one look at me and you start to wonder if the man didn't belong in a ditch somewhere rambling mad sonnets. What was he thinking? Yes, I was free, but at what cost to myself and even to this man I barely knew? I watched his back as I followed him, still angry at his arrogance and his commanding nature. He even walked like a beast.