Nine

~Brynn~

The first night was the most brutal on my stomach and a few of the men seemed sympathetic, giving me some good advice on how to keep from being sick. Others deemed it as an opportunity to snicker and laugh while the rest simply didn't seem to care either way.

After waking up a few times in the middle of the night being sick I finally subsided to dry-heaving before signs of dawn began to show on the horizon.

I watched with glazed-over eyes as the men ate their breakfast—some sort of hardened bread and the choice of either water or ale. I sat back against the side of the rocking ship, waiting until we were given any sort of chore when my bunk-mate lightly tapped his boot against mine. I looked up at him.

"You might want to try and eat something," he said and handed me a small piece of the bread and a mug of water. "Send it down slowly though."

"Thank you," I said, taking it from him.

About twenty minutes later we were told that there wasn't enough work for all of us; only a few men were needed for small and menial tasks. I was about to stand up and volunteer when Captain Hemmingway appeared behind me and pulled me aside.

"Perhaps you should try to sleep it off. Do everyone a favor," he patted me on the back.

"How long til we get to the Shetland Islands?"

He smiled and chuckled.

"Sooner than you think, my boy. Now, you have my permission to go and sleep this off. Then tonight you'll join me and Prince Edward in my cabin for dinner. I have some arrangements I'd like to speak with the two of you about.

"Yes, sir," I said and headed off towards the barracks.

The room was empty except for a few men who were on the other side of the room talking quietly amongst themselves. I know that I should probably rest as the captain had ordered me, but first I wanted to write my first letter home to Elizabeth that I could send as soon as we made port.

I pulled out the materials I needed and set to work.

Elizabeth,

I have discovered the harsh reality that my journey on the seas is not exactly a walk in the meadows. I'm sure in time I will find my sea legs and my stomach will eventually calm but I'm afraid that can not come soon enough.

I trust that everything at court is going well for you. The Princess, I hope, is teaching you a lot as well as Lady Catherine. I know that it can sometimes be overwhelming at court but I have no doubt that you will soon fall in step with the every day bustle and feel quite at home.

I have found comfort in Prince Edward, who just so happens to be in my company as our Lieutenant and even the Captain has taken an interest in me for whatever reason. Tonight I am to dine with them in the captains quarters.

I am not sure when we shall be arriving at the Shetland Islands but as soon as we arrive I will send this letter off to you as quickly as I can.

I miss the castle and the stables but I mostly miss you.

Regards,

Brynn

~Aderyn~

"Oh for heaven's sake, your highness! Must you drum your fingernails like that? It's driving me mad!" Lady Catherine suddenly erupted from her careful needlework. I sat in the corner of the warm room reading while impatiently waiting for Elizabeth to arrive.

"Where in God's name is she? She was supposed to be here ten minutes ago!"

Lady Catherine stood up and walked over to the window, peeking out into the courtyard below.

"Has it been ten minutes?" She asked more to herself than she did to me.

"I'm going to have to put her under constant surveillance after this," I sighed.

"Well, maybe now you know what it was like all those times for me when you disappeared for hours on end." She raised her eyebrows and smirked at me.

"You knew I was off with Brynn," I retorted.

"Exactly," she spouted and I was about to object when the door opened and in came Elizabeth. I rose immediately.

"Do you have any idea how-"

"Oh, your majesty! I am so sorry! I was with Robin and lost track of the time, I'm afraid." I was about to go off on a tantrum but Lady Catherine beat me to it. She stepped forward with her eyes wide in shock.

"Did you have an escort with you, child?"

"Well... no. I thought that-"

"I can see that you have no respect for the crown! Any lady of this court is to act like a lady, not like a scoundrel who runs off with training squires for a bit of fun in the afternoons."

I felt my own cheeks redden.

"Sir Brynn has asked us to watch over you whilst he is away and we cannot possibly do that while you are out making a spectacle of yourself in public with another man! Do you not see how harmful this is to your own reputation?"

"I guess I hadn't thought about it, ma'am." Elizabeth's eyes were glued to the floor.

"Obviously not. It makes me shudder to think of the shame it would bring to Brynn's good name if he were to find you in a bind on his return."

"Yes, ma'am."

I stepped forward and placed my hand on Lady Catherine's shoulder, signaling her to stop.

"It won't happen again," I said to her and then looked to Elizabeth. "Will it?"

"No, your majesty."

"Very well then. We have a meeting at court with the other young ladies. I hope you have tough skin, Elizabeth." I began walking out of the room and she followed quickly behind me.

"I think I do, your majesty."

"Good," I said. "You're going to need it," I added under my breath.