WR: will this be posted before or after Christmas? I don't know yet... guess it depends how fast i type :P
Anyway, in this chapter you will see what Ramirez's methods of keeping Aika alive are, and if they work. Also.. what kind of bargain will be struck??
Chapter 6
Aika was trembling. She stood between two guards, facing the ornate double doors, which led to the Throne Room. She was waiting to be summoned.
She had slept solidly, all through that afternoon and night, till she had awoken this morning, beside the Captain.
'No, not beside him.' She thought sourly to herself, 'On him!'
To her shame, in her sleep, she had rolled over, and nestled herself snugly against his side. Ramirez had clearly had no problem whatsoever, with her utterly naked body pressed up against him. In fact, when she had awoken, it was to the sight of her arm draped casually across his chest, and her head on his shoulder. Then the bastard had had the arrogance to smirk at her!
She had leapt out of the bed, the soggy, cold towel clutched to her, and for a full ten minutes, while he calmly dressed, she had shouted obscenities at him. Unlike her, he seemed not to care if she saw him naked. By the time she was done, she had been thoroughly red in the face both from anger and embarrassment, and he had been fully clothed and running his eyes over her scantily clad form. Then he had slowly raised his hand and pointed at the two trunks.
"In those you will find a collection of clothes. Gowns, robes, breeches, which are now yours. If you find you need anything else, I'll have seamstresses sent to you." His brief, brusque words silenced her and stunned her. Her mumbled thanks made him laugh quietly. "I suggest you select something suitable to wear, and dress yourself ." He said stepping closer, "Today you will be brought before the Queen, and so will your family, so your fate can be decided. I don't think it would be appropriate to appear so scantily clad in the Throne Room."
Her eyes were wide as she looked up at him.
"My family... what will happen to them?" She breathed, her voice full of fear. For a brief instant she was a terrified, innocent child, longing for comfort and kind words. He looked at her steadily for a long moment, before answering.
"I am not a man prone to shying away from the truth, Aika." He said slowly, "I also regard you as a woman who would resent being lied to." Her face was pale and desperate, her silence her permission for him to continue. "It is already known throughout Vaula, that they will be put to death in the Arena." She had looked up at him then, her eyes wide and pleading.
"Can't... can't you help them?" Ramirez had known desire then, as he never had before. He longed to reach out and take her there and then, but he did not. The sight of her; small, pale, begging him to help, was an image of such utter sweetness that it momentarily stunned him.
"You know I can't Aika." He said carefully. "All I can hope for, is that your fate is not theirs. Dyne agrees with me."
She gasped, her hand balling and gripping some of the material of his uniform.
"You... you know my father's name?"
"Yes, Aika, I spoke with the man. It is why they paid no attention to you in the cells, and why, when you see them today, before the Queen, you must act indifferently towards them. It is your only chance." She was trembling.
"I-I cant do that! You know that I'm guilty of the same crimes! I can't just stand aside and let them die!"
"Aika, has it occurred to you," He said, gently gripping her chin between his thumb and forefinger. "That that is precisely how they feel about you?" She gazed helplessly at him in silence. He moved his thumb so it idly traced her jaw. "They don't wish to see you die needlessly when they have the opportunity to see you live. Would you deprive them of that?" He said, echoing the words he had spoken in the cells.
"I-I..." She took a deep breath, her eyes shining. Then, seemingly unable to summon words, she nodded her head once. Ramirez allowed her to pull away from him, and turn towards the waiting trunks. His gloved hand smoothed the front of his Imperial Uniform where she had held him.
"Someone will no doubt come to escort you soon, so don't linger too long over your clothes."He reached for the door, but her nervous voice stopped him.
"Can't you escort me?" She asked meekly. He regarded her over his shoulder.
"You know I can't, Aika." A warmth touched him at the fall of her shoulders and the look of disappointment on her face, at his words. He turned fully to face her.
"Understand this; you were given to me as a pleasure slave, Aika. How would it seem to the Queen if I escorted you in like a noble? You were given to me for punishment, and any other man would have likely raped and abused you long before now." He glanced at her, "I have been lenient with you."
"Lenient?!" She exploded. "You left me to rot in that filthy fucking cell for a week! You are possibly the cruellest man I have ever met!"
He stiffened and narrowed his eyes slightly, indicating that she was testing his patience, and his anger.
"I have no time for this, I assumed you were mature enough to listen to me seriously, evidently i was mistaken." He turned and stalked to the door. Her shouted words had reawakened his lingering guilt. He didn't turn back to her with his next words, but proceeded to swing the door wide.
"Dress yourself and be ready for your summons, do and say what you will!"
With that the door snapped back into its frame, leaving her alone.
Now she stood waiting. Beyond the door was Ramirez, the Queen, the Prince, the General, and probably some of the Armada's Admirals, all her natural enemies. She had been fetched by the two armoured guards who now flanked her.
She had found a dark, emerald green, cashmere gown. It was trimmed in gold, yet it was plain and straight. It was a little long, the hem brushing the floor but it was by far the finest thing she had ever worn. She had found a plain leather thong, and tied her thick locks at the base of her neck, knowing it would not be right to wear it down and free, yet she had no desire to advertise the tattoo either. The simple ponytail effectively gave some semblance of order to her hair, and hid the offending crest from sight.
Suddenly the doors slammed open. A red-faced, enraged looking man, who Aika recognised sourly to be the Admiral Alfonso, stormed out. He was quivering in anger as he stalked past her. He glanced at her briefly, then did a double take as he recognised her. There was an amusing moment when his face registered disbelief, then it rapidly changed to extreme dislike. Aika mirrored his expression, but added to it a coolness, designed to make the man feel like he was not fit to lick her boot. He clearly got the message, for his face turned stormy with fury, before he strode away in silence.
"Bring in the girl!" Snapped the impatient voice of Queen Teadora. A moment later, a third guard appeared, and taking her elbow, moved her towards the Throne Room.
Ramirez did not turn around, although he longed to. He stood at Galcian's side, gazing loyally forward at the royal dais. He could hear the metallic clicks of the guard's heels, and the softer but no less sure step accompanying it. The other occupants of the chamber consisted of the Queen and her son, around threescore of heavily armed soldiers, the Admirals Belleza and Vigoro, and of course, Dyne and his crew.
As he could not turn to see Aika himself, he studied carefully the expressions of the people who could. The Queen was frowning in surprise, her lips tight, and disapproving. The Prince, on the other hand had an approving smile on his lips, and to Ramirez's irritation, the young man's eyes roved. Although, he realised belatedly, not out of lust, but out of sheer admiration. He also saw Dyne cast a glance at her. For a moment, surprise, and pride shone in his eyes. Then his gaze passed over her, and he went back to glaring around him with a look of contempt. The first words which were spoken, were Enrique's.
"Well Captain, it seems you take better care of what is given to you than I gave you credit for."
Ramirez bowed his head slightly.
"I thank you, your majesty, however, she is dressed thus, merely to appear suitably before you." Aika finally drew level with him, and he allowed his head to, at last, observe her. What he saw took his breath away. He had never before seen her dressed in a gown and the difference was astounding. She had been transformed from a crude pirate in men's clothes, to the high-born daughter of a gentleman, ravishing in her femininity. The deep green gown plunged low in a V-neck, the creamy mounds of her breasts showing above the neckline. The bodice was fitted to the waist, where it fell away, plain and straight to the floor. It complemented her bright, shining hair magnificently. The sleeves were long and flared, and only her fingertips were visible. For a moment, Ramirez had the absurd notion that she had been replaced by someone else. Then he caught sight of her eyes, which were at the moment, a pale lavender and glowed with pride and defiance. When she saw his eyes on her, she raised her chain and looked away from him. She glanced around the room, investigating each of its inhabitants with bored indifference.
"However, Majesty," Ramirez continued calmly, after wiping away his foolish look of awe, "if you would rather see her in a state befitting a whore, I'll order her to strip to her undergarments here and now."
He saw her stiffen and the colour drain from her face, clearly not doubting his capability of doing that to her. Her eyes snapped to him furiously for a moment, before she turned her face away as if it sickened her to look at him.
"That won't be necessary." Came the Prince's cold reply.
"I wouldn't mind it though!" Came the drawling voice of Vigoro, as he winked at Aika. Ramirez felt himself stiffen in fury at the remark, and had to force his arms to remain locked at his side.
"Enough!" Snapped the Queen impatiently, glaring at the transformed Aika in dislike. She directed her gaze to the heavily guarded band of pirates, and she regarded them with disgust.
"You!" She snapped, pointing a wrinkled finger at Dyne. "Tell me who this girl is to you!"
The Captain turned his eyes on his foster daughter, and their gazes met. Ramirez had to admit his was impressed. Aika's expression was carefully a little confused and unconcerned. After a brief look at the man who had raised her, she turned her head away, as if she had no interest in him. Dyne's was much the same, but he carefully made sure to skim her figure with his eyes, as if in appreciation. After a pause he turned to the Queen and shrugged.
"I'm assuming she's one of your inbred nobles. I can't say I'm exactly the kind of man who would associate with such a person, unless I was holding her at gunpoint for a crofter of jewels."
"And you?" Teadora directed this question to Aika, ignoring Dyne's as good as confession to piracy. Her face wore an expression of near-nausea, as if just speaking to such an insignificant creature sickened her. Hearing the fat Queen's question, she tossed her hair proudly, and narrowed her eyes slightly.
"How would I know? I ain't ever seen 'em before. They look like a band of thugs to me."
"I don't believe you." Muttered the Queen. Her quiet words condemning and final.
"Your Majesty." Ramirez stepped forward with a bow. "If I may be so bold, I would like to put forward that on their arrival, they encountered the girl in the cells. Neither she, nor they, displayed the slightest sign of recognition. Don-Vito can testify to it. Surely if they knew each other, they would attempt to make some form of contact."
"Ramirez," Teadora said in surprise, "are you leaping to the defence of this... creature I bestowed on you?"
"Not at all, my Queen, I am just entering all valid information, so you can pass your wise judgement, with the fairness for which you are renowned." That said, he drew back to Galcian's side.
"But she informed us of the location of their base, what have you to say to that Captain?"
The heads of the captured pirates snapped in Aika's direction, and the betrayal and anger in their eyes was genuine. Aika seemed, at a glance, to be unaffected by the gazes of her family. She still stared, almost in boredom at the dais. But, to Ramirez, her pain was clear. Her face was pale, her lips pressed into a thin line, her composure stiff.
"Your Majesty, she told me her home island was in the, largely uncharted region, south-west of the Stone Reef. By chance the first Island we raided, was the base of these pirates, however, I have no doubt that there are many fishing villages in the Wastes also, My Lady."
"If you are suggesting," Snapped Dyne hotly, "that this girl is one of my pirates, I am afraid you are sorely mistaken. No Blue Rogue would ever betray their crew, no matter the torture or threats bestowed upon them!"
Aika's bravery astounded Ramirez. At the condemning words of her father, she merely arched a slender brow and idly investigated her fingernails. But, her eyes were shining with unshed tears of shame. If the Queen took much longer over her judgement, he feared her defences would crack.
"Very well." Teadora sat back in her throne, all eyes were upon her. "The captives will be publicly executed at Dawn tomorrow in the Arena. The girl," Ramirez's blank, emotionless face was a perfect mask for the swirl of emotions storming within his chest. "shall remain yours Captain." Relief flooded him, yet his emerald gaze remained passive. "Hmm, she has been rather useful in the capture of these criminals, even if it was by mistake. Bring her with you to the Arena, so she can see the executions herself." The woman smiled horribly. "I shall permit her to watch from the Pavilion, as it provides the best view."
Ramirez inclined his head, as if in thanks, to the Queen, but beside him, Aika did not move. Her furious eyes were fixed on Teadora. How the huge woman did not quail under that dark, powerful gaze, Ramirez did not know, perhaps she was merely stupid or oblivious.
"Galcian," She said. The tall man stepped forward and bowed.
"Majesty?"
"Have those things taken back to their cells. The rest of you are dismissed."
At once, all military personnel snapped their heels together in unison, before going about their appointed tasks. Beside him, Aika stood, barely moving. Her eyes still fixed on the queen, a deadly hate gleaming there. He stepped a little closer to her and breathed in her ear.
"Come Aika, before you undo all your good work." His hand closed on her elbow and turned her towards the doors. She did not resist, but as they fell into step behind the prisoners, he felt her stiffen, and a tremor run through her. Outwardly she remained calm, almost irritated at the time she had wasted in the Throne Room.
"Wait a moment, Ramirez." Teadora's voice called. He turned and bowed to her, Aika pausing listlessly without him urging her onwards.
"Yes, my Queen?"
"I'm giving you the title of Admiral. My nephew has lied to me one too many times. You are now promoted to his station, Belleza and Vigoro are here to act as your witnesses. You are now 6th Admiral of the Imperial Armada, and your personal men now make up the 6th Fleet."
He bowed low, again.
"My thanks, Majesty, it is an honour to serve you."
She dismissed him with a nod.
"Now, Galcian, bring the other girl before me."
Silently the new Admiral took a hold of his bed slave again. She seemed not to have noticed his promotion, but then, she seemed not to be noticing anything at all. In silence, the corridors vanished behind them, as together, they made their way through the bustling castle.
Around them, talk was entirely focused on tomorrow's executions. Ramirez wished he could take her away from it all. All she could hear was the voices of people babbling excitedly about the upcoming deaths of her family and friends. All he could do was lengthen his strides and march her through it. Finally they entered the quieter wing which housed the private quarters. Still the girl at his side said nothing, and remained in silence until he held the door open and she proceeded him into his apartment. As soon as he shut the door, she spun to face him. Her face was strained into an expression that he had not glimpsed before; defeat, and utter, frantic desperation
"Aika…" He began, as gently as he could. However, she cut him off. She stepped forward, her huge eyes the palest of lavenders.
"Please…" she whispered, her two hands reached out and gripped one of his. "You must let me speak with them. I must set things right… before… before…"
He shook his head, trying to ignore the tender pressure her grip was putting on his hand.
"Aika, if you do that, you will simply die with them, and that is not a sight I am inclined to see."
"Then bring them here. We wouldn't be disturbed, and I could tell them how sorry I am, for everything."
He stepped a little closer, their clasped hands were the only things separating his heated body from hers.
"Aika, I cannot simply walk into the jails and remove almost a score of prisoners without reason." Her eyes betrayed her near-panic at the thought of not being able to speak to her loved ones before they died.
"Just my father then, please! I must speak with him! I'll do anything for you!" At this point one hand came to lay itself gently on his heart, reminiscent of the very first time he had lost control and ravaged her lips. It was such an unconscious little gesture, and it lit such a burn within him, yet she was not even aware she was doing it. "I'll scrub floors, I'll kneel to you, anything you ask, just please, please let me speak to my father just once."
"Anything?" She missed the suggestive note in his voice, and leapt at the chance that perhaps, he might do her this one, small service.
"Yes! I swear to you, just please… let me see him. I'll obey you always, I'll never defy you again, I'll serve you, I'll clean for you, I'll…"
"I don't want anything like that from you, Aika." He said over her. She looked at him helplessly.
"Then what?"
He allowed a smirk to cross his face, as he caught her delicate chin between his thumb and forefinger, pressing himself harder to her.
"I want you." She stiffened against him. "I want you willing and warm, I want you, in my bed, tonight."
Her hands fell away from him and she stepped away from his heated body, the blood in her veins felt like it had turned to ice.
"Do we have an agreement?" He asked her gently. He saw the fear and the pain in her gaze, and knew she was about to refuse. "Aika," He said, his voice reaching through the raging blood thundering in her ears. "By your own admission, what I've done to you before has never hurt you. There is no pain for you, only pleasure, you know that.
Aika's heart was hammering, the ice swiftly turning into a sickening, dizzying fire. What should she do? She could not allow them to die, thinking her a whore and a traitor. Similarly, if she spoke to them, and went through with this bargain, would she not be becoming exactly that? But she had to speak to them, to tell them how much she loved them, and how sorry she was.
"Do we have an agreement, Aika?" He asked again.
Trembling, barely aware of what she was doing, she gave a tiny, jerked nod.
"I want your word, Aika, that you will hold to your part of the deal."
At that she scowled, and her chin came up proudly.
"I will hold! Now bring my father to me!"
With a smirk, Ramirez turned and left. As soon as the door closed, Aika sunk weakly into a padded armchair, dread and terrible fear clawing its way up her throat. She forced herself to quell it, before she stood and changed into a pair of leather breeches and a cotton shirt. Then she sat, calming herself, and awaiting Dyne.
"The girl refused to help us, just as you expected." Galcian turned from the window, through which could be seen the far off walls of the Fortress. "Tomorrow she'll be taken to the Fortress on the Monorail. After the executions, you will join me there. Perhaps you will be able to bend her to our way of thinking, Admiral." Ramirez bowed his head.
"I will try my best, Sir."
"If not, then she will still prove valuable." The General glanced at him. "I have sent Alfonso to the far South. The fool is to oversee the mining, and to try and convince the young King to hand over the location of the Crystal. I have sent De Loco to accompany him. Belleza leaves for Maramba tonight, I trust her to use her own methods to gain success, she is a canny woman." Again, Ramirez dutifully agreed. Galcian looked at him for a little while before smirking. "You have said naught of your promotion, boy."
"There is little to say, Sir. As you know, my loyalties lie with you. Whatever title the Empress gives me matters little. The only title that is of importance to me is that of Vice Captain to you, Sir."
The taller man chuckled again, and looked back out of the window.
"Well spoken, boy. Soon titles won't matter, and we need only keep our idiotic monarch happy a little while longer."
"What of the Prince, Sir?" Ramirez posed the question, not our of concern, but merely curiosity.
"Ahh, young Enrique is too pure of heart, he would not follow me. He agrees with little of his mother's ways, but he is still her son, and could never stand aside and watch her fall. No, the lad will die along with her."
"How much longer will our plans take to realise themselves?"
"That all depends on how the other Admirals perform. If they fail, you will correct their mistakes."
"Yes, Sir."
"Now, boy, you may go."
Strolling back towards his rooms, the Admiral's thought of Aika. It was said that Blue Rogues held to their promises. Their word was iron. But would the fiery girl truly fall into his arms willingly? As soon as she had agreed to their bargain, Ramirez had gone to the cells and ordered Dyne to be brought before him. Informing Don-Vito that his charge would soon be returned, Ramirez had proceeded to guide the Pirate to his quarters, and to the waiting Aika. He had refused to leave them alone together, lest the pair try to hatch a plan of escape, and had sat himself in the window box, while foster-father and daughter took a pair of armchairs furthest from him.
At first, Dyne had been cold towards her, but her broken story of how she had given away the area of their base to a man she had assumed to be a Serf, and her relation of the events that had followed, had Dyne standing with his powerful arms about her. Ramirez had tried not to listen to the majority of what had passed between them, but something Dyne said made his ears prick.
"I know why you left. He loves you dearly, and I can't blame him for asking for your hand. The whole island had always hoped to see the pair of you married. But similarly," He said as Aika looked at him in shock. "I can't blame you for turning the boy down. I've seen you grow together; and on a ship, or in battle, you are the best of partners, but I don't see him being a good enough husband for you."
Aika shook her head, biting her lip.
"Dyne, Vyse would be a wonderful, loving man to grow old with. I adore him as a brother, and wish I hadn't acted so damned foolishly. If I hadn't run off like that, I wouldn't have gotten caught, and you and the others wouldn't be getting k-killed…"
Ramirez had known jealousy then, and had wondered which man down in the cells was Vyse. He would enjoy watching him die tomorrow.
"Hush now, my lass." Dyne had spoken. "You have seen that my son is not among us. You, more than anyone know the place he is most likely to be, at this very moment."
A small gasp escaped her. Of course! Vyse would have made for Vaula with all haste, in fact at this very moment, he was probably in the city, trying to figure out a way to save his father and crew. Her eyes were alight with hope, but she was still terrified. Vyse was not the brightest of men, and her family still faced execution. Oh, Cap'n I'm so sorry!" She sank into the chair. Her father sat, and proceeded to tell her all that had happened at the Island since she had left. She listened in amusement as he told her of the raid of Alfonso's ship, in interest as he spoke of the strange girl, Fina. About how Vyse had avoided capture because he was out on a treasure hunt. He left out the terrible carnage wrought on her home, and by the time Ramirez rose to escort him back to the cells, Aika was vastly cheered. Ramirez had returned, and, on seeing her pale face constrict in fright, spoke gently to her.
"I do not mean to force you to uphold your side of our deal just yet. I have to meet with the General."
Then he had left her, small, alone and frightened. Now, returning from Galcian's quarters, he felt anticipation rush through him like fire. Those tight breeches she had worn today had caused heat to spread wonderfully through his groin. He approached his door, and rested his hand on the handle. How should he approach her? Or would she be the one to approach him? He doubted that. He decided merely to enter, and let the evening culminate to its inevitable outcome in whatever way it would. Depressing the handle, he swung the portal wide, and stepped through.
WR: There you go! Altho… it looks like I've lost some readers along the way, haven't had any reviews for the last couple of chapters… I hope this new chapter tempts you back. Lemony action in the next chapter ;)