'This chamber is as luxurious as everything else on this boat.' Lucy reflects, eager to distract her mind with trivial things.

Bora directs them to a pair of cushioned chairs, and as Lucy sits she feels as if she's lounging on a cloud. Bora went to his cabinet of fine wines and returns with a brand and a pair of wine glasses.

"So, you wish to discuss something important with me?" He pops open the bottle with ease.

'Not his first time, is it?' Lucy keeps up her ladylike facade. "Yes, it's actually about our apparent betrothal-"

"Ah yes!" He theatrically interrupts, "You have no idea how blissful I felt when Sir Heartfilia offered me the hand of his fair daughter. You are absolutely stunning my dear, even more radiant in person." He twirls so his cape billows behind him, like a flexible wing.

'He's making this unnecessarily difficult…' She maintains a graceful smile. "You're too kind, but I must confess that I was oblivious to this arrangement. Father clearly stated that I was here to represent the Heartfilia family in hopes that we could collaborate."

"There's no better way to collaborate than through holy matrimony!" He expresses as he melodramatically pours each glass.

Lucy just barely stops the twitch of her face. "But I'm afraid Father never gave such an in impression. He made it clear that my purpose here is pure business."

"Trust me, darling, we'll get right down to business upon our wedding night." He lewdly winks at her

'He did not just…' Lucy tries hard, very hard not to snap at this point.

"But if it makes you feel better then allow me to propose a toast," Bora snaps his fingers, causing orbs of fine wine to levitate from its respective glass - Lucy couldn't help but be at awe at the display. "As a proposal of a lucrative espousal that brightens our future."

'"Lucrative" he says…' Lucy grouses internally as she struggles for a way to put an end to this undesirable engagement. Strangely, she realizes, the lingering sparkles and bubbles is giving a lulling effect.

"Now, open up wide, my dear. Savor the taste of each flavorful drop as it enters your mouth."

'Oh yes, nothing creepy to detect.' She thinks sarcastically. Growing more and more wary of the liquid balls looming closer, Lucy locks her shoulders and, as one orb is centimeters from her lips, she abruptly stands. One sweep of her arm dissipates the floating wine drops.

"How dare you…" She gives a fiery glare. "How dare you attempt to trap me with sleep magic."

Bora gazes in shock before he chuckles amusedly. "Very impressive, my dear."

Lucy clenches her fist. "You were too obvious as you only tried to get me to drink this concoction. A toast involves all participants as I've been taught. I tried to be courteous, but I refuse to be treated in such an immoral manner!"

He chuckles again, more maliciously. "You're quite a handful…" the ways he looks at her is ominous, "… Aren't you?"

Right then, the curtains behind Lucy opens up, showing burly looking men, each carrying one or two unconcious women at a time.

Gasping, Lucy backs away. "No… what's happening…?" She barely stops the shriek as Bora grabs her shoulders.

"Welcome to my party, darling. I advise you behave yourself… at least till we reach Bosco."


AUTHOR'S NOTE:

I'm still trying to be more frequent with weekly uploads, but things have been heavy the first few months of the new year.

First my grandfather died, then the husband of a family friend, and most recently my granduncle. I am DONE with dealing with death, and am HOPING that the rest of the year will be more uplifting. I'm PRAYING for it.

Anyway, expect another upload before next Monday, I'm determined.