The evening was filled with happiness and music. Everyone was happy to hear the news of the Princess's decision. There was no work too important that it couldn't wait until tomorrow. Everyone told April personally how happy they were that she was staying. Later that night, Captain Raphael asked the crew to retire to their cabins early. So there was no chance of interruption. The food was magnificent and the ambiance perfection. The captain proposed a toast as he and the princess raised their glasses.

"To future endeavors," he offered.

"Here here."

"And to the pleasure of spending even more time with the most talented princess that I've ever had the pleasure of dueling." April laughed. "So do tell, what made you decide to stay on this ship with a rag tag bunch of pirates?"

"Besides the fact that the whole 'You're still a prisoner' scenario faded into oblivion quickly?" Raphael smirked and shrugged. "I'm getting to know myself on a personal level. Doing things that I want to do. Speaking the words that actually come to my mind."

"That's wonderful Princess."

"And…..the company's not too bad either."

His eyes met hers with a hopeful look.

"Everyone's such a joy to be around."

"I hope I'm included in that generalization."

"You are."

He smiled again.

"Thank goodness. I thought those first impressions were going to be the death of me."

"Yeah."

"Why did you resent me so much at the beginning, Princess?"

"You kidnapped me. What was I supposed to think?"

"That was understood. But even after I gave you my room, books, stationery, and the best food on the seven seas, you still had it out for me. Why's that?" He wasn't angry, he was intrigued. Raphael leaned into the table every time he waited for April's answer.

"To be completely honest, I'm not sure. At first, it was just to be a horrible person, but afterwards I guess it's just because…."

"Yes?"

"Well….you made me sick."

Raphael pulled back from the table in surprise. His face was smiling like April had just told him she'd seen a flying fish.

"I made you sick?"

"Yes. I couldn't stand to look at you because it would make my stomach hurt."

"Hmm."

"What?"

His smirk was hiding something.

"Nothing Princess. Would you like to go get some fresh air?"

"That would be wonderful."

He led her out, like always, to the bow of the ship. It was just as beautiful as last night, but significantly quieter.

"I still can't believe I get to witness this beautiful sky every night."

Raphael turned to watch her as he bit his lip.

"I can't believe I get to spend every day with such a beautiful girl."

April turned to him, "What have I told you about using the 'B' word?"

"Why can't I say it? You get to insult me all you want and I can't tell you you're beautiful?"

"Nope."

"Why not?"

"Because."

"Why?"

"Because."

"Why?"

With every response they had inched closer to each other. It was just like last night. After Raph's last word, they had stopped to stare at each other. They looked at each other's lips then eyes. April smiled hard and replied, "Because." Raphael stretched his neck out so their lips could meet. April knew it was going to happen but she still wasn't ready. She wrapped her arms around his necks as he pulled her into him. She was glad he did because her legs were nonexistent. She was floating. The smell of musk disappeared as April breathed every inch of him in. She tasted like everything good in this world. Raphael couldn't believe this was actually happening. Ever since he had seen her, he had dreamed of taking her in his arms and kissing her like he meant it. Early on he had tried to convince himself to stop dreaming and just be polite. But he couldn't hold it back anymore. He had fallen in love with her. Nothing could make him happier. He dipped her just like the love interests do to the pretty girl in the play. They couldn't get enough of each other. When they mutually pulled away, Raph gently brought April back to her original position. Her hands remained around his neck and his around her waist.

"There was one more reason I gave to my father for staying."

"And what was that Princess?"

"…..I've fallen in love with the Captain." For the second time in his life, Raphael blushed. The only difference was this time April could see it. "Your face is red."

"No it's not."

"Yes it is," she laughed.

"No it's not."

"Oh shut up."

She grabbed his face in her small hands and kissed him again.

"I love you Princess April of Bonaventure."

"I love you Captain Raphael of the S.S Elizabeth." He hugged her for what felt like hours. He held her tight like he was afraid of her leaving him. But the truth was, she wasn't going anywhere. April finally felt at peace in her new environment, in her new home.